Cusco is the undisputed archaeological hub of South America, and visiting it is an essential part of any trip to Peru. The capital of the Inca Empire for centuries, the city lies not far from the famed Machu Picchu, one of the iconic Wonders of the World. Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or just passing through, Cusco is worth spending a few days exploring.

While most travelers visit Cusco because of its location near Machu Picchu, there is a lot to see and do here. The city is popular with trail walkers and history lovers, but also partygoers who come to enjoy its nightlife and festivals.

Because of all this, most travelers backpacking South America pass through Cusco and stay a night or two.

Below is my list of the best hostels in Cusco to help you plan your trip and save money. If you don’t want to read the longer list, the following are the best in each category:

Want the specifics? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Cusco and why I love them:

Price legend (per night):

• $: Under 40 PEN
• $$: 40-60 PEN
• $$$: 60 PEN and above

1. Viajero Kokopelli

This is my favorite hostel in the city. It’s a huge, fun, and artsy hostel with cool murals painted on the walls. It’s lively with lots of events so stay here if you’re looking to meet other travelers. There’s a bar with a daily happy hour, lots of activities (live music, DJs, cooking classes), and the common areas have billiards, foosball, and beer pong tables. It’s right near the main square too, so you can walk to a lot of the city’s sights.

I really liked the dorm beds here, which are pod-style and super comfy, with individual reading lights and outlets. The showers always have hot water and great pressure. There are female-only dorms too. There’s also a co-working space if you need to get some work done and free tea all day (including coca tea, which helps with acclimatizing to the altitude).

Viajero Kokopelli at a glance:

• $$
• Social hostel with lots of events and activities
• Pod beds with individual reading lights and outlets
• Tons of common areas (including a garden hammock area)

Beds from 54 PEN, private rooms from 270 PEN.

2. Wild Rover Hostel

Wild Rover is fun party hostel. There’s always something going on here, from parties at the bar to cultural experiences like cooking classes and salsa lessons. There are several common areas too, including a co-working space. The panoramic views from the bar can’t be beat (though keep in mind that the uphill walk from the city center can be a bit taxing at this altitude).

Most dorm rooms here have pod-style beds with privacy curtains, outlets, reading lights, and large lockers to store your gear. The dorms are located in an area separate from the bar, meaning you can still get a decent night’s sleep if you don’t want to join in on the festivities or want to turn in early. It’s definitely the best choice for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Wild Rover at a glance:

• $
• Party atmosphere with lots of organized events
• Dorm beds have reading lights, outlets, and lockers (some have privacy curtains)
• Lots of common areas make meeting people a breeze

Beds from 40 PEN, private rooms from 185 PEN.

3. Hospedaje Turístico Recoleta

This cozy hostel offers a quieter stay than the two above, making it a great option if you have an early morning wake-up to go trekking or just want a more laid-back stay. The atmosphere at this family-run hostel is super welcoming. Plus, unlike most hostels in Cusco, Recoleta offers free breakfast and has a guest kitchen in case you want to cook. It’s also one of the most affordable hostels in the city.

Dorm beds here are a bit basic (no privacy curtains), but they are made of wood, so they don’t squeak and shake like metal bunks (a big plus in my book). The hostel has private rooms too, including some with just a twin bed, making this a good option for solo travelers who are looking for a peaceful stay with a bit more privacy.

Hospedaje Turístico Recoleta at a glance:

• $
• Small hostel with a quiet and homey atmosphere
• Free breakfast
• Fully equipped guest kitchen

Beds from 38 PEN, private rooms from 91 PEN.

4. Casa Tunki

The most luxurious hostel in Cusco, Casa Tunki feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel. It’s located in a colonial-era building restored in a mix of contemporary and historic styles. I found the inner atrium (where you’ll find the cool fusion restaurant/bar) particularly stunning.

Each room bears a different name in Quechua (the indigenous language of the region). Both private rooms and dorms have comfortable capsule beds with individual reading lights, curtains, and outlets; insulating noise-reducing material; and blackout curtains. This is one of the best hostels in Cusco for getting a solid night’s rest. It’s perfect for travelers who are looking for a quiet place to recharge before or after a trek.

Casa Tunki at a glance:

• $$$
• Upscale boutique hostel
• Capsule dorm beds with individual reading lights, curtains, and outlets
• Central location in the historic center of the city

Beds from 113 PEN, private rooms from 264 PEN.

5. Pariwana Hostel Cusco

Pariwana is a small Peruvian-owned hostel chain, named for the Andean flamingo (the idea being that this bird, like backpackers, travels all over South America). Its Cusco location is an institution and the staff are amazing and go out of their way to host fun social events.

In the dorms, you’ll find individual reading lights and outlets by each bed (no privacy curtains though), and lockers with outlets to safely charge your electronics while you’re out exploring. The showers have hot water (though sometimes it takes a little time to warm up), and there’s free tea available 24/7 (including coca tea).

Pariwana Hostel Cusco at a glance:

• $$
• Central location in the historic center
• Organizes lots of events so it’s easy to meet people
• Lockers have outlets so you can charge your stuff while its locked up

Beds from 56 PEN, private rooms from 220 PEN.

6. Selina Plaza de Armas Cusco / Selina Saphi

Selina is a go-to favorite for digital nomads. In Cusco, they have not one but two great locations. Selina Plaza de Armas is located in the historic center just a few blocks from Plaza Mayor; Selina Saphi is in the hills.

While their features vary a bit by location, both have all the amenities you can expect from Selina properties, which tend to be more like boutique hotels than your classic backpacker hostel. Both are decorated with curated local artwork and offer a co-working space with unlimited tea and coffee, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bar/restaurant where events are held throughout the week.

At both hostels, the dorm beds are comfy, with personal reading lights and lockers (the Plaza de Armas location has privacy curtains too), and there are private rooms as well. If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, stay here.

Selina Cusco at a glance:

• $$
• Fully equipped guest kitchen
• Common areas include a co-working space, wellness center, and bar/restaurant
• Bunks with personal reading lights and lockers

Beds from 55 PEN, private rooms from 200 PEN.

As the jumping-off point for trekking through the jungle, exploring the nearby ruins, and of course, heading out to Machu Picchu, visiting Cusco is a must for anyone traveling through Peru. Since it sits at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level, you’ll want to spend a few days here to acclimate to the altitude before doing any hiking (plus there’s a lot to do and see within the city itself). Pick a hostel from the above list for a good stay in the city!

The post The 6 Best Hostels in Cusco appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Nomadic Matt has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nomadic Matt and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Since its launch in 2009, the card_name has been winning awards for being one of the best travel rewards card.

And for good reason – you can’t really go wrong with this card. It always has a solid welcome offer, great ongoing rewards rates, valuable transferrable points, and a host of perks, such as comprehensive travel insurance.

Unlike a lot of travel cards, which continue to roll back benefits and increase annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred continues to get better with age. Over the years, Chase has increased some of its earning categories and added perks to the card, all without upping the annual fee.

Because of all this, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains one of my favorite travel cards, especially if you’re looking for your first travel rewards card. I use it often.

Today, I want to share a bit more about it so you can determine whether it’s the right card for you!

What is the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The card_name (often referred to as CSP) is a travel rewards card issued by Chase. The card comes with a $95 USD annual fee and a host of benefits.

When you sign for this card, you’ll get:

• 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months
• 2x points on travel purchases
• 3x points on restaurants, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 5x points on travel purchased through the Chase travel portal
• 5x points on Lyft
• 10% anniversary points boost (earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year)
• Free DoorDash DashPass subscription for one year
• Free Instacart+ membership for six months
• $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
• No foreign transaction fees

Using Your Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points

With this card, you’ll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. You can use those points like you would any other rewards program: to get cash back, book travel directly, or transfer them to travel partners. (You can also redeem them for Amazon or Apple purchases, but these are bad redemption values and I would not recommend using points this way.)

The easiest option is to redeem your points for travel in the Chase Travel portal, which works like booking through Expedia or any other online travel agency. When you do this, you’re basically using your points as cash, at a value of 1.25 cents per point. That means that if you have 20,000 points, they’ll be worth 25,000 points when redeemed through the portal (which is a better value than if you simply redeem your points directly as cash, as you’ll only get a value of 1 cent per point that way). Just know that there are pros and cons to using the travel portal.

On the plus side, using your points in the Chase Travel portal is very straightforward, making it an attractive option for points and miles newbies. If this is the only way that you’ll use your points, then using them is better than letting them sit around!

However, you can usually get more for your points when you transfer them to Chase’s 14 transfer partners.
 

Taking Advantage of Chase’s Travel Partners

The ability to transfer to travel partners is what makes Chase Ultimate Rewards® points truly valuable. You can usually find airline and hotel redemptions where you can get much more than 1.25 cents per point. While the actual value you can get varies greatly based on flight or hotel, a good benchmark is The Points Guy’s monthly valuation chart, which values Chase Ultimate Rewards® points at over 2 cents per point when used as transferable points. That’s almost double what you’ll get in the portal!

To give a real-life example, the 25,000 points from the example above could be an off-peak economy fare from New York to Paris when redeemed through the portal. But if you transfer points to one of Chase’s partner airlines, you can take advantage of flash deals and saver space, potentially finding the same fare for up to 50% less points. Unless it’s a super cheap flight or room (less than $150 USD), I always transfer points to their travel partners, especially when booking business class flights or fancy hotel rooms. You just get more bang for your buck.

Transferring to travel partners is indeed a bit more work than using the portal, but there are more tools than ever to help you maximize your points (use point.me for finding flights with points and Awayz for finding award hotel stays).

Chase’s current transfer partners are:

Airline Travel Partners

• Aer Lingus, AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards®
• Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®
• United MileagePlus®
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Hotel Travel Partners

• IHG® Rewards Club
• Marriott Bonvoy®
• World of Hyatt®

Other Perks and Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

While earning valuable transferable points is the biggest reason to get this card, there are quite a few other great perks and benefits.

A big one is travel insurance (it’s one of the best credit cards for travel insurance). While I always recommend purchasing a separate travel insurance policy, having coverage through your credit card is an added benefit that you get at no additional cost. Some of its benefits include trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip and baggage delay coverage, and travel accident coverage (be sure to read the fine print for specifics).

Additionally, this card comes with a variety of statement credits, including a complimentary one-year DashPass membership, a complimentary Instacart+ membership for 6 months, and an annual $50 USD hotel credit when booking through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
 

Pros of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Great rewards-earning rates
• Large welcome offer
• Low annual fee ($95 USD)
• 14 fantastic transfer partners
• Solid travel insurance
• Statement credits and complimentary memberships
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Must use Chase’s Travel Portal to take advantage of some benefits ($50 USD hotel credit, 5x points on travel booked through Chase)

Who Is This Card For?

This card is best for points and miles beginners as well as infrequent travelers, both of whom may not want to shell out for a high annual fee. The $95 USD annual fee is easy to recoup with the card’s great earning rates, anniversary points boost, and other benefits.

That being said, this card is especially geared toward travelers and restaurant-goers since it offers 2x points spent on travel, 3x points on dining (including takeout and delivery), and 5x points on Lyft rides.

And while more frequent travelers may prefer more premium credit cards (like the Preferred’s big sibling, the card_name), you can also pursue a more advanced points and miles strategy with this card by pairing it with two other Chase cards to create the powerful “Chase Trifecta.” By using three Chase cards in tandem (usually a Sapphire card, the Chase Freedom Flex, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited, although you could do this with business cards too), you maximize earning categories. This ensures that you’re always earning the most points per dollar possible, which is key to any good points and miles strategy. (While this may be too much for beginners to juggle, it’s a good way to grow while still keeping this card.)
 

Who Is This Card Not For?

As with any credit card, you should not get this card if you’re already carrying a balance or plan to carry a balance. Interest rates for travel credit cards are notoriously high, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred is no different. The points just aren’t worth it if you’re paying interest each month.

This card is also not for anyone with poor credit, as you need good or excellent credit to qualify. (If that’s you, check out the best credit cards for bad credit so you can start improving your score today.)

Lastly, this card does count toward Chase’s 5/24 rule (you can’t open more than five cards within 24 months). So if you’ve already opened five cards within the past two years (or want to open more soon), you might want to skip this one for now.

Whenever someone asks me which card to open as their first travel credit card, the card_name is always at the top of my list. It’s an excellent and easy-to-use card, with a lot of perks that greatly outweigh the annual fee. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to the world of points and miles, look no further. Grab this card so you can start earning points today towards free travel tomorrow!
 

Nomadic Matt has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nomadic Matt and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

The post The Chase Sapphire Preferred Review appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Travel insurance provides a vital safety net against unexpected costs that may arise due to the myriad things that can go wrong on the road. That includes everything from illness and injury to canceled flights and lost luggage to the death of a family member back home.

I know, it’s not fun to think about, but travel insurance is the single most important thing you should purchase before your trip. It’s something I strongly advise travelers to never leave home without (I buy it for every single one of my trips). I’ve seen it help many, many people over the years. Myself included.

It’s easier than ever to find a policy that meets your needs and budget, especially with tools out there like InsureMyTrip.

In this InsureMyTrip review, I’ll go over what the company offers and the pros and cons of using them as a service to use when planning your trip.

What Is InsureMyTrip?

InsureMyTrip (IMT) is a travel insurance comparison site that has been helping people find their ideal policy since 2000. To be clear, this means that IMT does not provide any of the plans listed on its site. It does not offer any policies or underwrite any claims. Instead, it is a marketplace that makes it easy to find the best plan to meet your needs.

IMT searches all policies across 20 insurance companies according to your search criteria, and you’ll only be shown policies for which you’re eligible. This saves you the frustration of looking for travel insurance policies elsewhere, only to discover that they don’t cover your age range (or other requirements you have).

I’ll get into who IMT is ideal for further on in this review.

How InsureMyTrip Works

InsureMyTrip is a marketplace of 20 insurance providers. It searches all the plans offered by these providers to find the best plan for you. Obviously, this would take a ton of time to do yourself if you checked each policy individually. With IMT, it happens in a matter of seconds once you fill in your trip information and build a quote.

Plus, thanks to InsureMyTrip’s Best Plans Guarantee, you know that you’re only seeing plans with multiple positive ratings and reviews from actual customers.

Here’s the information you’ll fill in to get a free quote:

Once you enter your details, you’ll be brought to a page with various plans. The prices shown below are from an example quote for a 42-year-old traveler from New York going to Thailand for two weeks:

This is just a snippet of three (out of many) suggested plans and, as you can see, the price varies widely among them.

That’s where IMT’s comparison tool comes in. Just hit the “compare” box underneath the price to select and compare different plans side by side.

The comparison page looks like this:

The compare tool makes it easy to see the details of different plans side by side. This way you can easily see at a glance which ones work for your needs and which don’t. Ultimately, only you can decide whether you want higher coverage limits and are willing to pay a bit more for them but the comparison feature makes it easy to decide.

Personally, I always recommend getting at least $100,000 USD in coverage. You don’t want to skimp on coverage and, if something happens, end up hitting your limit before the problem is taken care of (read this post on buying travel insurance for more information).

No matter the plan you end up choosing, you’ll know that you’re covered with IMT’s Price Guarantee. This is another feature I really like, as it promises that you won’t find a lower price for the same plan elsewhere. So, when you search IMT, you know you’re getting the best possible price for that plan.

If that’s not enough to provide peace of mind, IMT also has a Money Back Guarantee. This means that you can cancel the policy during a review period (usually up to 10 days after purchase) and get a full refund as long as you haven’t made any claims yet or started your trip.
 

InsureMyTrip’s Guarantees

As mentioned above, InsureMyTrip has several important guarantees that ensure you buy the best policy for your trip. These guarantees include:

Price Guarantee
InsureMyTrip’s Price Guarantee means that you won’t find the same plan cheaper anywhere else. While there are sites out there that might advertise lower prices, the discounts they’re offering aren’t strictly legal. Insurance is regulated by state, with specific rules around offering discounts and cheaper prices. IMT offers the absolute lowest prices while remaining fully compliant with all such regulations. Don’t choose a less reputable site for the sake of saving a few bucks, as it could create problems for you down the line if you need to rely on that insurance.

Best Plans Guarantee
IMT promises to only offer the top plans on the market. Using data sourced from over 100,000 real customer reviews, it continually evaluates whether a provider can remain a recommended option to consumers. Each review contains a rating in the areas of coverage, cost, satisfaction, and claims (if any were filed). When you build a personalized quote, each plan will have a link to reviews, so you can read feedback from real users of that plan.

Money Back Guarantee
Last but not least is IMT’s Money Back Guarantee, which enables you to cancel your plan during the review period and get your money back. Most plans let you cancel for a full refund during this period, though eligibility and review period timelines do vary by policy. Some also charge a nonrefundable administrative fee to get your money back. As always, read the fine print before purchasing to verify eligibility. You can also reach out to IMT’s customer service team if you have any doubts about whether the plan you want to purchase is covered by this guarantee.
 

Pros of Using InsureMyTrip

• Quickly compare plans from 20 companies
• Friendly customer care representatives
• Easy-to-use website for fast and free quotes
• Ability to customize your plan with optional add-ons, such as CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason)
• Three guarantees for peace of mind (Best Price, Best Plans, Money Back)
• Anytime Advocates® to help if your claim gets denied by the insurance company

Cons of Using InsureMyTrip

• Does not search every travel insurance company
• Must have set trip dates and costs to get a quote

Who Is IMT For?

InsureMyTrip is a helpful marketplace for travelers looking to find a personalized insurance policy. Specifically, IMT is best for those going on trips with set beginning and end dates that have major fixed and nonrefundable costs, as with IMT, you purchase a policy based on your estimated trip costs. These could include round-trip airfare, prepaid accommodations, all-inclusive vacation packages (such as cruises or resorts), or group tour packages.

This could apply to many types of vacations and travelers. However, I especially recommend IMT for:

• Senior travelers as they include plans for folks over 70 and most other companies do not
• Anyone who wants add-ons, like CFAR coverage
• Cruisers (there are cruise-specific plans)

On the flip side, IMT is not a great option for digital nomads or long-term travelers who have ongoing expenses with no fixed end date and therefore won’t be able to insure a trip with a specific cost. (If this is you, check out this post on the best travel insurance for digital nomads.)

Travel insurance is something I never leave home without. Things can (and will) happen on the road. Be prepared by getting travel insurance. It can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in unexpected costs and provide you with peace of mind and support should something go wrong.

You can click here get a quote.

I never, ever leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.

The post InsureMyTrip Travel Insurance Review appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

If I had to confine my travels to one region of the world for the rest of my life, it would probably be Europe. From the iconic views of Paris to the amazing cuisine of Italy to the lively nightlife of places like Barcelona and Budapest, Europe has it all. It’s a region you can explore on a budget or a place to splash out on luxury hotels and charming river cruises. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or month-long adventures.

I’ve been visiting Europe for over 15 years. And while each trip is different, there’s one thing I always do when I go: I buy an eSIM.

SIM cards are what allow you to make calls and access mobile data from your smartphone. In the past, this meant buying and installing physical SIM cards and swapping them in and out from country to country. While this was cheaper than paying roaming charges from my provider back home, it was a hassle.

Fortunately, there is an easier (and cheaper) way to access mobile data in Europe during your next trip: an eSIM.

eSIMs are virtual SIM cards that provide mobile data without the need to buy a physical SIM card. They’re easy to install, affordable, and work just as well as regular SIM cards.

And the best eSIM for travelers in Europe? Holafly.
 

What is Holafly?

Holafly provides international eSIMs to travelers so they can stay connected as they explore the world. They provide coverage in over 170 countries, including all around Europe. Instead of buying a physical SIM card when you visit a destination, with Holafly, you can use a digital SIM card instead.

To get an eSIM, you’ll first want to browse their plans to see which duration is best for you. They have plans from 5-90 days, costing 19-99 EUR. All of their plans have unlimited data (which is a must in my opinion).

Once you choose your plan, you can make a purchase, either via their website or via their app. Here’s a quick look at the steps involved:

From here, you’ll get additional instructions emailed to you that walk you through the process of setting it up. It’s super straightforward, but if you run into trouble they have 24/7 support to help you with any issues.

With a Holafly eSIM for Europe, you can make and receive calls, enjoy unlimited data, and even keep your Whatsapp number (if you happen to use Whatsapp).

If you’re heading to multiple countries in Europe, having a single eSIM will save you a ton of hassle over buying new physical SIM cards while you travel. And since you can top up your eSIM online, you’ll save a bunch of time too since you never need to find a store to visit to get a SIM, buy more minutes, etc.

(As I mentioned above, Holafly has unlimited data plans for Europe in case you’re worried about data limits.)
 

Why Use Holafly in Europe?

While there is plenty of free Wi-Fi around Europe, it’s not available everywhere. And since connections can be slow (or unsafe), having your own mobile data is always recommended. I always make sure I have my own data when I travel around Europe because it’s just so helpful when it comes to booking activities, calling a taxi or Uber, and looking up things like directions of translations.

Holafly is available in 32 countries in Europe, providing fast and stable connections everywhere you go. They’re much, much cheaper than roaming charges, and if you’re visiting multiple countries, having an eSIM is far less of a hassle than trying to buy new physical SIM cards in each new country you visit.

In short, if you’re heading to Europe and want to stay connected, a Holafly eSIM is a must.

Here’s a look at what’s included at a glance:

• Unlimited data
• Plans starting at $19 USD
• Includes a European number (so you can make calls)
• Available in 32 countries in Europe
• 24/7 customer support

For me, the unlimited data is the big highlight here. That means you’ll never run out of mobile data for things like Google Maps, Google translate, looking up things to do, or calling a taxi.

And since you’ll be keeping your physical SIM card in your phone, you can still take calls to your regular phone number if you need to.

Lastly, since you get a European phone number, you can actually make calls. This is super helpful if you need to phone a restaurant, your hotel, or call a taxi. And, while Europe is super safe, knowing you can call the police or an ambulance in an emergency offers a lot of peace of mind.

The only downside is that there is no data sharing on their Europe plans (i.e. hot spotting), but with plans so cheap you likely won’t need to share with a friend or family because they can just purchase their own eSIM.

Europe is an amazing region to explore. I never get tired of wandering the continent and always encourage people to visit. Regardless of your interests or budget, there is something here for you. And with a Holafly eSIM you’ll be able to make the most of your trip, save money, and stay safe as you enjoy everything the continent has to offer!

You can download the Holafly app in the App Store or Play store.

The post The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I have called Raleigh, North Carolina, home for over 10 years. As one of the South’s most vibrant and eclectic burgs, this state capital might be one of the fastest-growing midsize cities in the US. It regularly tops the “best places to live and work in the US,” but it still offers small-town charm and Southern hospitality. My wife and I decided to raise our kids here because of this mix.

Nicknamed “the City of Oaks” for the sheer number of majestic oak trees that line the streets, besides offering ample green spaces and trails, Raleigh is home to excellent museums, a thriving restaurant scene, endless craft breweries, fun festivals and events, and college-town vibes!

Many visitors stop in Raleigh as part of a road trip or for work and thus don’t always have a lot of time to fully explore it. However, even if you just have one day, you can still see a lot.

Below is my personal guide to the best things to do in one day.

Breakfast: Big Ed’s City Market

There’s no better Southern breakfast and introduction to Raleigh than at Big Ed’s in historic City Market, serving generous portions of Southern comfort food since 1958.

Here you’ll enjoy a laid-back vibe under a collection of funky antiques hanging from the ceiling, along with warm Southern hospitality and food like Grandma used to make. Especially popular are their giant pancakes, local country ham, fried chicken, aged rib-eye steak and eggs, sliced pork loin, fried catfish, fluffy biscuits, and double-brewed sweet tea. This is the local experience you’re looking for.

Alternate breakfast options include The Mecca, Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, founded by Greek immigrants in 1930; and the State Farmers’ Market Restaurant, another popular place for locals to get a country breakfast and Southern dining experience!
 

Morning activity: Museums

After filling up on a hearty meal, take in a museum. Raleigh has some excellent ones, and because of the quality and number of free museums it has, the city has often been referred to as “the Smithsonian of the South.”

The fantastic Museum of Natural Sciences is North Carolina’s most visited museum. There are over four floors of exhibits to explore, including live animals, walk-through dioramas, microbes, meteorites, and 3D movies, plus a terrific permanent collection of dinosaur and whale skeletons.

If history is your thing, across the street is the North Carolina Museum of History. Founded in 1902, it welcomes more than 400,000 visitors a year to see its 150,000 artifacts from over 14,000 years of history.

Art lovers should head to the free North Carolina Museum of Art, home to more than a dozen beautiful gallery spaces showcasing art from around the world. You can explore on your own, take an engaging tour, or see some performing arts. Don’t miss taking a stroll through the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, whose trail system through natural areas features more than a dozen commissioned works of art.
 

Lunch: The Pit Authentic BBQ

North Carolina is a big barbecue state, and enjoying a plate is something they take very seriously in the state capital. It’s one of those “welcome to the South” moments all meat eaters should experience.

In Raleigh, they mainly do Eastern-style barbecue, in which the whole hog is slow-cooked over hot coals; the meat is then pulled, given a little chop, and dressed with a vinegar-based sauce. Typically, it’s served as a sandwich or a plated dish, with all the traditional Southern sides you can handle.

The Pit Authentic BBQ is one of the most popular such spots in Raleigh. As the name suggests, it proudly serves authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked, Eastern-style barbecue. Located in the Warehouse District, it’s well known for baby back ribs and whole-hog chopped barbecue. And for sides, check out the Brunswick stew, heirloom cabbage collards, and fried green tomatoes.

Famous in NC, Sam Jones BBQ in downtown is another excellent option. It smokes whole hogs on-site every day and is popular for its chopped barbecue, fried chicken, ribs, and baked flat cornbread. It also serves one of my favorite sandwiches in Raleigh, the smoked turkey!

If pork barbecue is not your thing but you still want a Southern dining experience, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey is a popular lunch restaurant by famed chef Ashley Christensen that specializes in fried chicken and sandwiches.
 

Afternoon activity: Umstead State Park

Time to walk off lunch! Just a 15-minute drive from downtown is one of the most popular destinations in Raleigh, and one of North Carolina’s most visited state parks: William B. Umstead State Park, which is easily accessible from Interstate 40 and US-70. Its more than 5,000 acres of forest surround three man-made lakes and contain over 22 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate. If you love nature trails, biking, running, picnicking, canoeing, or even horseback riding, put Umstead on your itinerary.

A great introductory trail is the 2.8-mile Sal’s Branch Trail loop, which is mostly shaded and flat, with tall trees and a lake view. If you’re up for a woodland walk, the Sycamore Trail is a 7.2-mile loop and the longest trail. Another popular trail is the six-mile Company Mill Trail loop.

Alternatively, Lake Johnson, just a 10-minute drive from downtown, is my favorite of the lakes in Raleigh. The three-mile paved greenway loop around the western side is popular with NC State students and locals. There’s a 700-foot-long boardwalk across the center of the lake, a boathouse, a small beach area, and picnic shelters.
 

Pre-dinner drinks: Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

The best view of the Raleigh skyline can be had from Wye Hill and its outstanding outdoor patio. Take it all in while enjoying refreshing craft beers and unique cocktails. There’s an excellent small-plate menu too!

Whiskey enthusiasts can head to the beautiful open space and hip venue Whiskey Kitchen, featuring a repurposed industrial vibe in which to enjoy any of over 300 whiskies, plus craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Speaking of wine, Vita Vite Art Gallery + Wine Bar doubles as an art gallery and offers a great selection of wine in a classy and relaxed atmosphere.
 

Dinner: Stanbury

Stanbury is probably the most unique dining experience in Raleigh and one I can’t stop talking about. It has outstanding food, a wonderful ambiance in a quirky, rustic venue, and amazing service! The menu, which changes daily, features modern cuisine (including the best steak I’ve had in Raleigh), plus craft cocktails.

Bida Manda is hands-down the best of the Asian restaurants in Raleigh. Its possibly my favorite Southeast Asian restaurant in North Carolina, if not the US. It is renowned for its authentic Laotian cuisine, including ample vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Looking for Mexican food in Raleigh? Gringo A Go Go is a former gas station and now one of the more popular downtown restaurants, given its colorful outdoor patio area and authentic Mexican food. The menu is a tribute to the family’s Central Mexican heritage, with recipes passed down from the Guadalajara highlands.
 

After-dinner drinks: Watts & Ward

Watts & Ward is my favorite (underground) bar in Raleigh, a craft cocktail place infused with the spirit of the 1920s. Think leather seating, cozy nooks, rustic tables, dim lighting, and bookshelves full of history. It offers an inventive cocktail menu and low-key jazz events.

But if you have dinner at Stanbury, nearby is my other favorite cocktail bar, William and Company, or Willco to the locals. This cozy neighborhood cocktail bar on the edge of historic Oakwood serves up fresh and unique craft cocktails created by top-notch bartenders.

If you enjoy the concept of a dessert bar — a place where you can get bourbon with your pie or champagne with your cake — then consider Bittersweet, where I love to go for an espresso martini and Irish coffee.

If you only have 24 hours in Raleigh, this one-day itinerary is what I suggest for first-time visitors who want to get a real feel for the City of Oaks — its culture, history, food and drink scene, and sense of Southern community. (Of course, I suggest you stay longer, as there are plenty of cool things to do in Raleigh, including awesome festivals and sporting events.)

Craig Makepeace is the co-founder and publisher of ThisIsRaleigh.com, a website dedicated to sharing all the best things to do in Raleigh. Originally from Australia, he first moved to Raleigh in 2004 and fell in love with the city of oaks. He’s a travel addict, sports fanatic, beach lover, and passionate craft beer drinker. You can follow him on Instagram at @ThisIsRaleigh.

The post How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

When I started backpacking around the world, there were no smartphones. If you needed to call home, you had to find a pay phone and if you needed to use a computer to look something up or send an email, you had to find an internet café.

But times have changed.

These days, travelers rely on their phones to find cheap flights, book accommodation, look up things to see and do, translate menus, get directions, and much more.

And while I think a lot of travelers maybe spend too much time on their phone, phones are a vital part of the savvy traveler’s arsenal.

That means travelers need reliable mobile data so they can find the information they need and keep in touch with friends and family back home.

For travelers around the world, the best way to ensure you have access to the internet and are able to stay connected is with an eSIM.

While it’s definitely possible to buy a SIM card on arrival to your destination, eSIMs are super easy to use and allow you to get prepared in advance so that you have mobile data the moment you land. They’re also cheaper and come with better support.

And if you’re visiting multiple countries, buying (and keeping track of) multiple SIM cards can be a hassle.

In this post, I’ll go over what exactly an eSIM is and how you can get one for your next trip so you can save money and stay connected during your next trip.

What is an eSIM?

A SIM card is a small memory card that you insert into your smartphone in order to make calls and use the mobile data. It has unique identifiers that ensure that when people call you, the call comes to your device. You generally get one from your phone provider when you sign your contract.

An eSIM is a digital version of this. Instead of a physical memory card, you’ll install software on your smartphone that replicates the same functions as the physical card.

Most smartphones only have a single port for a SIM card so the benefit of eSIMs is that you can have multiple eSIMs on a single device.

For example, if you’re from Australia and are visiting the United States, you’ll need to physically remove your Australian SIM card on arrival and install a US SIM card if you want to avoid paying excessive roaming fees. But once you swap SIM cards, you won’t be able to receive calls or texts to your Australian phone number unless you physically remove the US SIM card and put the Australian SIM card back into your phone.

This is a tedious process if you need to access multiple numbers during your trip. Hence the convenience of eSIMs. They make it super easy to visit multiple countries each year without having to juggle SIM cards. And since they let you get set up before you arrive, they provide more peace of mind.
 

The Best eSIM for Travelers

The best eSIM on the market is Holafly. They have a ton of plans with unlimited data and they’re connected to the best networks so you’re covered no matter where you travel. They current offer plans to 160 destinations, including plans with unlimited data in Europe, the United States, Mexico, China, Turkey, and Japan.

Holafly’s eSIMs are super easy to install and Holafly offers 24/7 support so if you have an issue getting setup (or during your trip) you can reach out to them directly.

Here’s a quick overview of the Holafly eSIM:

PROS

• Plans from 5-90 days
• Unlimited data starting at $19 USD
• 24/7 customer support

Digital SIM so your current physical SIM will still work

• Doesn’t impact your WhatsApp number

CONS

• No data sharing in some destinations so you can’t hotspot
• No local phone number/SMS (data only)

With Holafly, hotspotting is available in North America, but not others. While not being able to hotspot might be an issue for digital nomads, it’s likely not an issue for most travelers. And while not having a local number means you can’t receive calls or send texts, you’ll still be able to take calls over Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, and other online platforms.

Overall, the pros vastly outweigh the cons, making Holafly the best choice for eSIMs no matter where you travel.
 

How to Install a Holafly eSIM

To buy and setup your eSIM, simply visit holafly.com or download Holafly’s app (via the App Store or Play store). Once you’re there, you just need to follow these super simple steps:

Once you order your eSIM you’ll get instructions sent to you with more details:

While you can download your eSIM on arrival, it’s best to get everything set up in advance. Install your eSIM once you get it so that everything is ready. That way, if there’s an issue you can talk to support before you depart.

While it may seem complicated, activating an eSIM only takes a couple minutes. And since Holafly has 24/7 customer support, if you need assistance they can walk you through it.

Again, while you could do all of this on arrival, it’s best to prepare your eSIM in advance. That way you’ll have access to it when you land so that you can look up transportation, call an Uber, contact your accommodation, or do whatever else you need to do on arrival.

It’s never been easier to stay connected during your travels. No matter where you’re going in the world, having access to mobile data is a must. By getting a Holafly eSIM for your next trip, you’ll be able to stay connected, stay safe, and ensure you make the most of your time in this massive, diverse country!

The post The Best eSIM on the Market: How to Get Unlimited Data for Your Trip appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Nicknamed “The City of Sails” for its waterfront location and seafaring history, Auckland boasts scenic seaside views and ample water activities. New Zealand’s largest city (though contrary to popular belief, it’s not the capital), Auckland is home to almost 35% of the country’s population.

The largest airport is also located here, so if you plan on traveling around New Zealand, you’ll probably be starting your trip here. In addition to all the water attractions, there’s an incredible food scene and insightful museums, as well as vibrant neighborhoods with verdant parks, third-wave coffee spots, and very welcoming locals.

To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Auckland:

1. The Albion

Built in 1873, the Albion is a lovely, warm spot in Central, the heart of everything in Auckland. This hotel began as a “pub hotel,” meaning you could booze away downstairs before retiring in adjoining rooms. Today, there’s still a nice tavern in the hotel, with a working fireplace and billiards table. While it’s not open for breakfast, the restaurant does serve tasty pub food in the evenings. Rooms here are simple, but decently sized for such a central location. All rooms have very comfortable beds and pillows, great shower pressure, TVs, in-room tea and coffee. It’s an excellent value for the area.

2. Carnmore Takapuna

Located on Auckland’s North Shore, this area is famed for its beaches, yet it’s still only 20 minutes (by public transportation) from the center of town. The hotel has a minimalist beachy aesthetic as well as free parking, a sauna, an outdoor pool, and a gym. Rooms are spacious and filled with natural light thanks to the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows. Some rooms even have balconies and jacuzzi baths (though even the bathrooms in standard rooms are giant). All rooms have a flat-screen TV, desk, fridge, electric tea kettle, and free Wi-Fi. While there’s no breakfast available at the property, you’re just steps away from the main street with several quaint cafes. As an added bonus, the beach is only a five-minute walk away.

3. Ascotia Off Queen

Located in Karangahape Road (also known as K-Road), this is a good area if you want a non-touristy neighborhood that’s relatively close to downtown. This property has a simple design with pleasant earth tones. The amply sized rooms have a lot of natural light and come with a flat screen TV, fridge, and a tea/coffee maker. There are two-bedroom apartments for families or those traveling in groups too. There’s a complimentary continental breakfast, or you can upgrade to a hot breakfast buffet. Overall, I think it’s an excellent value for the location.

4. Park Hyatt Auckland

Located in Britomart (named for the first British ship to navigate the harbor), this sophisticated five-star hotel is one of the poshest properties in the entire city. Here you’ll find several pools (including an impressive heated outdoor infinity pool), a sauna, hot tub, steam room, and a 24-hour fitness center. There are multiple restaurants on site too, one of which serves an excellent breakfast. Park Hyatt boasts spacious guest rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the harbor and some even have balconies. All of the rooms have marble bathrooms and are equipped with a plus-sized flat-screen TV, a desk, plush robes, and Le Labo bath products. If you want to stay close to the water (and you have the budget for luxury), stay here.

5. The Grand by SkyCity

This five-star property offers a spa area with two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, and a whopping 14 restaurants and bars! (Two of the restaurants offer breakfast buffets.) Rooms here are elegantly designed with wooden accenting, adding a nice natural touch. All rooms are quite sizable and have modernly designed bathrooms with rainfall showers (that have excellent pressure). In-room amenities include comfy bathrobes, smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and desks. But my favorite room perk might be the view out of the floor-to-ceiling windows (see if you can get a room with a view of the harbor).

6. Cordis

Comfortable and stately, Cordis is a sleekly designed property that’s one of the most luxurious hotels on K-Road. There’s a spectacular heated rooftop pool, spa area with a sauna and steam room, and a fitness center. All rooms have tea/coffee makers, desks, large flat screen TVs, and a pillow menu. Even the standard rooms are big so you’ll have a lot of space. Plus, some have lovely views of the Auckland skyline (including the iconic Sky Tower). The marble bathrooms are large too and have plush bathrobes as well as luxury products. There are several in-house eateries, one of which serves a tasty breakfast buffet in the mornings.

Auckland is the starting destination of most travelers’ New Zealand adventures. Given that it’s usually quite a long trip to get here, having a great place to stay when you land is paramount. By choosing one of the hotels above, you’ll set yourself up for a restful and enjoyable stay in New Zealand’s largest city.

The post The 6 Best Hotels in Auckland appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

This 5,000-year-old Greek capital is home to the iconic Acropolis with its hilltop of millennia-old structures and ruins, and just below it, the Plaka neighborhood, a labyrinth of streets lined with bars, restaurants, and ancient ruins.

While Athens has never spoken to me the way that other European capitals have (I’m more a fan of the islands and the interior of the country), it has grown on me on each visit. You can’t deny the layers of history here. You’ll stumble across millennia-old ruins as you stroll down random streets (this is why I love taking walking tours in the city as I’ll learn a ton about what I’m actually looking at).

Picking the right hotel for your trip is very important as it’s a fairly sprawling city with a lot of different neighborhoods to choose from.

To help you choose, here’s my list of the best hotels in Athens:

1. Athens Center Square Hotel

True to its name, this hotel is in Plaka, the historic central neighborhood. Despite the crowds, I love this beautiful area. This hotel has a minimalist design with welcoming pastel colors throughout, and most rooms have a view of the Acropolis (so be sure to ask for one). Plus, there’s a rooftop terrace and bar with good views too. Rooms are simple but decently sized, with flat-screen TVs, desks, mini fridges, air conditioning. The delicious buffet breakfast is complimentary and quite expansive, featuring Greek and American cuisine. There’s also free coffee and tea in the lobby all day long.

2. Athensdot

This newer property is in Psyrri (sometimes spelled Psiri), a neighborhood that’s close to the main sights yet much more frequented by locals. It’s my favorite area of the city. Athensdot has a cool, pop-art design throughout, with large scale drawings on the walls and bright bursts of red everywhere. Rooms vary from internal rooms with no window to rooms with a balcony and views of the Acropolis. In all rooms you’ll find free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and desks. There’s friendly staff and you can also get free bikes to ride around too! While there’s no breakfast served at the property, there’s a cute 24-hour café just a few doors down that serves food at all hours.

3. Dryades & Orion Hotel

This cozy hotel is in Exarcheia, an area with a highly energetic student vibe and lots of street art. This affordable hotel has lot of different room configurations to choose from and exceptionally helpful staff. The sizable rooms have unique homey décor and eclectic furniture, plus all the normal mid-range hotel amenities (air conditioning, tea/coffee makers, mini fridges). It’s worth it to pay a bit extra for the homecooked breakfast buffet. It features local cuisine and is served on the rooftop garden, which has great view of the Acropolis.

4. Coco-Mat Hotel

This design-forward 4-star hotel is in the heart of Kolonaki, a quiet neighborhood renowned for its upscale boutiques and art galleries. The hotel is actually run by the mattress company Coco-Mat. All rooms are equipped with high-quality mattresses, and you can even choose your pillow from a menu with 12 different pillow types. The entire hotel has a light and airy design, with wooden accents and a soft color palate. Each room has a TV, free and fast Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, desk, loads of natural light, and upscale bath products in the large bathrooms. There’s a fantastic Greek breakfast buffet in the mornings too.

5. Plaka Hotel

Comfortable and friendly, Plaka Hotel is (you guessed it) in the heart of Plaka. You’ll find the majority of ruins and tourist attractions here. This simply decorated hotel boasts stellar views of the Acropolis from both in-room balconies and the rooftop terrace bar/restaurant. There’s also a complimentary (and huge) buffet breakfast featuring local specialties. The rooms are on the smaller side but have comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and safes. It’s not too loud here either, making for a simple but comfortable stay in the heart of it all.

6. Colors Hotel Athens

This stylish four-star hotel offers bright, cheery accommodations with free Wi-Fi, big spa-like bathrooms featuring rainmaker showers, comfortable beds, plush bathrobes, and desks. The colorful rooms come in a variety of different configurations, though all are quite spacious and with a lot of natural light. There’s also a fantastic and extensive breakfast buffet that changes a bit every day (though there’s always fresh homemade pastries, fruit, cereal, eggs, and yogurt). It’s in Exarcheia, a nice quiet area that’s not too far from the main attractions (it’s about a 15-minute walk).

Athens offers an array of affordable hotels. All the hotels above are good places to stay in and you can’t go wrong in any of them.
 

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Austin is known for its incredible music, delicious restaurants and food trucks, and vibrant tech scene. It’s a perfect city for weekend getaways, especially if you love BBQ and the outdoors.

I love the city so much I actually moved there for over 8 years before returning to New York City.

Austin is a lively, fun city, with a lot of unique things to see and do. Plus, nothing is more than 20 minutes away from anywhere else, so you won’t be spending ages getting around like in huge metropolises.

To help you pick the best place to stay during your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Austin:

1. East Austin Hotel

East Austin is an energetic area that’s a great place to stay if you like dining out (some of my favorite spots are Fukomoto, Via 313, and Counter Cafe). This boutique property has 75 rooms with a minimalist Scandinavian design featuring soft pastel colors and wooden accents throughout. Amenities include Casper mattresses, plush robes, in-room coffeemakers, and vintage décor. There’s also a small outdoor pool complete with a poolside cocktail bar, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant. Plus, it’s right on lively East Sixth Street, which is one of the best places to go out on in the city.

2. Hotel Indigo

This hotel is in Downtown Austin, an area you’ll want to stay in if you want to be close to most of the city’s attractions. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Stubb’s, a world-famous music venue (try to see a show there if you can). Indigo is a stylish and creatively designed hotel with a rooftop swimming pool and bar, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. The colorful and spacious rooms feature comfortable beds, a work desk, flat-screen TV with premium channels, and luxury bath products in the sizable showers.

3. Austin Motel

Originally from the 1930s, the landmark Austin Motel has been renovated into this fun property in South Congress, an area crammed with boutique shops, top restaurants and food trucks, and a bustling nightlife scene. Austin Motel is just as cool as the area, boasting a pool complete with a bar (with adults-only swim time during summer evenings) and a funky retro design throughout that I really liked. The colorful rooms are on the smaller side (it is still a motel, after all), but all have plush bathrobes, Bluetooth speakers, a mini bar, and fair trade Alaffia bath products. Most rooms have desks too. Plus, there’s free on-site parking, which isn’t common for hotels in Austin.

4. The Carpenter Hotel

One of the few hotels in the middle of the Zilker neighborhood, this area has lots of interesting things to see and do, including the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the Barton Springs Pool. The Carpenter Hotel is a tranquil, open-air boutique property with a relaxing outdoor pool and patio. Staying here feels like a little retreat from the city. The comfortable rooms have a beautiful minimalist industrial design with a lot of light-wood touches, blackout shutters, and private terraces. I really like the attention to sustainability throughout, with eco-friendly bath products and local goodies in the mini bar too.

5. Embassy Suites by Hilton

Anchored on the border where Zilker Park and the (Texan) Colorado River meet, stay here to be close to many of Austin’s green spaces. You can walk to the Greenbelt from here and you’ll be near the lake too. Embassy Suites offers good-sized rooms with city views, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The free hot breakfast buffet (complete with an omelet station) is fantastic and there’s also a nightly happy hour with complimentary drinks, which I thought was a nice touch. It’s a solid and affordable midrange choice if you’d like to stay in a quieter area.

6. Arrive

This four-star hotel features super-spacious and light-filled guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, incredibly comfy beds, desks, Bluetooth speakers, high-end bath products, and a bottled water-stocked fridge. The bathrooms and showers are huge, and some rooms even have balconies (so be sure to ask for one at check-in). There’s also a courtyard restaurant and bar, a Goan-inspired eatery, and a gin-focused rooftop bar. Arrive is also right on East Sixth, home to some of the best bars in the city (my favorites include Whislers, Lazarus, Lolo Wine, and Lucky Duck).

One of my favorite cities in the entire country, Austin is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. There’s tons of delicious food, plentiful live music, and all kinds of outdoor activities to keep you busy. And choosing one of the above hotels will ensure that you have a great stay in the Texan capital.

The post The 6 Best Hotels in Austin appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

A lot of people assume you need to travel abroad to have transformative travel experiences, but that’s simply not true. In this guest post, Raimee Iacofano, my former creative director and creator behind RaimeeTravel, shares how a road trip across one of the most underrated American states can show you a whole new world.

This year I had a big goal: to get outside of my international travel bubble and explore more of my home country, the United States! After years of going abroad every time I had some time off, I wanted to switch things up a bit and prioritize destinations closer to home that weren’t necessarily on my radar.

Thanks to the folks at Visit Missouri, I was able to turn that dream into reality on an extravaganza down the historic Route 66!

This iconic historic highway stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It gained fame as a major path for travelers, serving as a key route for migration west during the 20th century, and has since become a symbol of American freedom and adventure.

To my surprise, I discovered more than the sprawling highways and flat farmland people tend to think about when it comes to the Midwest (and I’m from Michigan, so I know people don’t typically think of our region as a fun getaway destination!).

On this three-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best things to see and do across Missouri, like massive caves, lush parks, and the kind of quirky road stops I can’t imagine finding anywhere else.

Here’s how to spend three days along Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield:

Missouri Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1

National Museum of Transportation
This museum has an extensive collection of transportation vehicles, including planes, trains, automobiles, and trolleys. You’ll find the types of retro cars you only really get to see in movies and vintage planes that make you question all laws of physics.

My favorite thing in this museum was the Virgin Hyperloop, which is essentially a tube intended to move cargo at airline speeds but at a fraction of the cost, suspended by magnetic systems in a vacuum tube.

Even though the Hyperloop might not ever actually get made for use by passengers (which is totally fine by me, because it seems slightly terrifying), it’s fascinating to imagine and learn about what the future of transportation could look like.

2933 Barrett Station Rd., St. Louis. Open daily 9am-4pm. Admission is $15 ($6 for kids, $12 for seniors).

Meramec Caverns

I had no idea Missouri was also known as “the Cave State,” but this was just one of many surprising things I learned along this road trip. There are actually over 6,400 caves throughout Missouri, and the largest system is Meramec Caverns.

On a 45-minute guided tour, you’ll get to explore and learn about millions of years’ worth of dramatic formations. Plus, you’ll also see the caves lit in beautiful colors, during the unique light show and grand finale. It’s the perfect family-friendly activity.

1135 Hwy. W, Sullivan. Tours run 9am-4pm. Admissions is $27 ($14 for kids).

Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que
A road trip in Missouri would be incomplete without some barbecue, so you’ll want to take a pit stop at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que before wrapping up the day. This highly rated restaurant feels like walking into a giant log cabin where all your friends happen to be dining. Get the sample platter to try the mouth-watering mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, ribs, and more.

913 E. Washington Blvd., Cuba. Open daily 11am–9pm.

If you have more time to spend exploring (and eating), some additional stops along this leg of the route include:

• Hi-Pointe Drive-In – This is an iconic spot serving burgers and sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients. You’ll feel like you’re in a 1960s diner. Get the sweet potato tots!
• Egg @ Midtown – Super cute breakfast spot with delicious breakfast tacos, shrimp & grits, and other unique dishes.
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – Known for its “concrete” custard, Ted Drewes (various locations) has over 80 years of serving frozen custard. I got the strawberry shortcake, and I’m still thinking about it.
• Big Chief Roadhouse – This historic restaurant dating back to 1929 offers a glimpse into Route 66’s past. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious, locally sourced, in-house-made American fare while watching sports!

Accommodation: Wagon Wheel Motel
After a long day of driving and exploring, Wagon Wheel Motel is a wonderful place to stay before your second day on the road! The Ozark stone buildings with the original wooden doors, windows, and floors from the 1930s have been updated for modern comfort and convenience. You can’t miss the famous Wagon Wheel neon sign as you drive up to check in!

Missouri Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary: Day 2

Shelly’s Route 66 Café
For some authentic diner vibes and amazing biscuits and gravy, I highly recommend grabbing breakfast at Shelly’s on your way out of town! I have a thing for diner coffee, and Shelly’s did not disappoint. This tiny spot, with its Route 66–themed decor covering every inch of the walls, will make you feel like you’re in on a local secret, and the food will assure you that you are.

402 E. Washington Blvd., Cuba. Open daily 6am–2pm.

Fanning 66 Outpost
Missouri has a lot of interesting “claims to fame,” and being home to the world’s largest rocking chair is one of them. Constructed in 2008, it stands at a towering 42 feet and weighs around 27,500 pounds. There’s really no purpose to it other than being a quirky attraction for tourists and travelers passing through the area.

The Fanning 66 Outpost is also a great place to grab some snacks for the rest of your road trip or a souvenir or two. Say hi to the adorable orange tabby cat for me!

5957 State Hwy. ZZ, Cuba. Open daily 8am–5pm.

St. James Winery
This is Missouri’s largest and most award-winning wine producer, where you can get a free tasting flight! I opted for the dry red and white tasting and really enjoyed it. The staff here was lovely, and the entire shop was decorated for the holiday season. I actually won a candle in the holiday raffle — and I never win anything!

540 State Rte. B, St James. The tasting room is open daily 8am–6pm.

Sybill’s Restaurant

This elegant, country-style manor turned restaurant is one of Missouri’s best fine-dining experiences. Unlike other such places, the atmosphere here is very family oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! If you get the chance to visit around the holidays, you’ll find the whole house covered in festive winter decor!

The family who owns Sybill’s has been in the restaurant business for decades, so it makes sense that all of the upscale New American–style food here is fantastic! We ordered a ton of appetizers, like the fried mushrooms, scallops, and lobster bisque soup, and I’m still thinking about this meal.

1100 N. Jefferson St., St. James. Open daily 11am–9pm.

Uranus Fudge Factory

The best way to visit Uranus Fudge Factory is with no expectations, so I don’t want to ruin it too much for you. The concept was developed by entrepreneur Louie Keen, who aimed to create a unique and entertaining destination for travelers. He transformed what was previously a gas station into an eclectic shopping and entertainment area, featuring novelty stores, a fudge factory, a general store, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and other unconventional attractions.

Rows of barrels filled with every flavor of taffy imaginable, T-shirts with phrases that will make you check three times to make sure you read them right, and a slew of random objects are just a few of the things you’ll find here. Of course, you can’t miss out on grabbing some fudge too. Make sure you take time to explore the entire place!

14400 State Hwy Z, St. Robert. Open daily 8am-9pm.

If you have more time, here are some additional suggested stops for this leg of the journey:

• A Slice of Pie – A classic dessert spot just off the highway with a variety of pies. Get the apple!
• Devil’s Elbow Bridge – A historic bridge on Route 66 known for its scenic beauty and graceful arches over the Big Piney River.
• Frog Rock – A roadside oddity: a large rock painted to resemble a whimsical frog, capturing the playful essence of the highway.
• Route 66 Museum – Showcases the rich history and cultural significance of the iconic highway through exhibits and artifacts.
• Boswell Route 66 Park – A serene park paying homage to Route 66, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the road’s legacy.
• Redmon’s Candy Factory – A delightful confectionery crafting handmade candies, embodying traditional sweet-making techniques.
• Conway Welcome Center – An inviting stop offering traveler amenities and information, welcoming visitors to the area with warmth and assistance.
• Hubble Space Telescope Replica – A scale model offering insight into the wonders of space exploration and the groundbreaking Hubble Space Telescope’s contributions to science and discovery.

Accommodation: Rail Haven Motel
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Springfield, the Historic Best Western Rail Haven is your spot! You’ll find quaint rooms with everything you need and easy access to downtown Springfield, just a five-minute drive away. Plus you’re only a few minutes from Cherry Street, a hotspot for young professionals to shop in the various boutiques and enjoy drinks and food at the Royal and Tie & Timber Beer Co.

Missouri Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary: Day 3

Druff’s Diner
If you can’t tell yet, Missouri does breakfast incredibly well, and I loved each spot we went to. You’ll find Druff’s in the colorful streets of downtown Springfield. If you need more coffee before you head out to explore, I really loved Mudhouse Coffee right down the street, too!

331 Park Central E., Ste. 101, Springfield. Open daily 8am–4pm.

Route 66 Car Museum

When I was younger, I wanted to be a car designer. So for me, visiting this museum was so cool, because it showcases over 70 vintage sports and movie cars, and celebrity vehicles ranging from the early 1900s to more contemporary models. I was very tempted to take the old Bronco home with me (not that I could have… but she was just so cute!) You’ll also find an extensive flea market full of unique finds in the back corner of this museum that’s worth checking out.

1634 W. College St., Springfield. Open daily 9am–5pm.

Finley Farms

Located on the banks of the Finley River, Finley Farms is a sprawling gathering place made up of the Ozark Mill property and featuring farm-forward restaurants, vibrant event venues, a riverside wedding chapel, and an urban farm. The farm-to-table menu was amazing — I ordered the salmon grain bowl and chicken dumplings — and the setting was even better. If anyone is getting married in Missouri, I highly recommend checking out this place as a venue!

802 Finley Farms Ln., Ozark. Open daily 11am–9pm.

History Museum on the Square
In this museum you’ll journey through eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield and the region shaped American history. There are also various permanent and temporary exhibits worth checking out, including exhibitions on Native Americans and the Civil War. There’s also a cool exhibit on a shootout with Wild Bill Hickock that happened right here in Springfield, which is considered the first shootout of the Old West.

154 Park Central Square, Springfield. Open daily 1pm–5pm. Admission is $16 ($13 for seniors, $10 for kids).

Cruising down Route 66 in Missouri was like diving into a time capsule filled with all things awesome about America. Every twist and turn had its own story to tell. Quirky towns with retro diners and flashy signs made me feel like I was living in a classic movie, and the beautiful landscapes and natural wonders left me in awe of what this state truly has to offer. Trips like this remind me that we don’t always have to travel far from home to experience a whole new world!

I think Missouri is a highly underrated state, and this three-day road trip down Route 66 will show you why. If you’re planning to explore more of the United States next year like I am, I promise you Missouri is worth a visit.

Raimee Iacofano of RaimeeTravels is a travel content creator with over 10 years of world travel experience. She lives on finding cheap flights, fantasy novels, and all things film. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, she now calls Los Angeles home and uses her platform to simplify travel planning, share unique travel hacks, and offer invaluable tips to help her audience navigate the globe with savvy and ease.

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