Destination travel guides
Comprehensive guides to help you plan your trip. Find information on visas, costs, healthcare, and travel recommendations for destinations worldwide.
Japan
A practical, in-depth guide to exploring Japan – from neon cityscapes and ancient temples to ski mountains, tropical beaches, hotel costs, visa rules, and the healthcare and insurance details you'll want to understand before you go.
South Korea
A practical, in-depth guide to exploring South Korea – from Seoul's modern skyline and ancient palaces to Jeju Island's volcanic landscapes, K-pop culture, incredible cuisine, hotel costs, visa rules, and the healthcare and insurance details you'll want to understand before you go.
Thailand
From bustling Bangkok to pristine beaches, Thailand offers incredible value, rich culture, and diverse experiences. Discover ancient temples, world-class cuisine, and tropical paradise.
China
Explore ancient history, modern megacities, and diverse landscapes across one of the world's largest countries. From the Great Wall to bustling Shanghai, China offers endless discoveries.
India
A comprehensive guide to exploring India – from the majestic Taj Mahal and vibrant Delhi to Kerala's backwaters, Rajasthan's palaces, Himalayan peaks, diverse cultures, spiritual traditions, incredible cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for navigating this vast and captivating country.
Malaysia
A comprehensive guide to exploring Malaysia – from Kuala Lumpur's iconic Petronas Towers and vibrant street food to Penang's colonial heritage, Borneo's rainforests and orangutans, tropical islands, diverse cultures, modern infrastructure, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for navigating this multicultural Southeast Asian gem.
Philippines
A comprehensive guide to exploring the Philippines – from pristine white-sand beaches and world-class diving spots to vibrant Manila, chocolate hills, rice terraces, Spanish colonial heritage, tropical islands, warm Filipino hospitality, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for navigating this archipelago of over 7,000 islands.
Singapore
A comprehensive guide to exploring Singapore – from Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to hawker centers, Sentosa Island, multicultural neighborhoods, ultra-modern architecture, strict laws, exceptional safety, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Cambodia
A comprehensive guide to exploring Cambodia – from the magnificent Angkor Wat temples and vibrant Siem Reap to bustling Phnom Penh, tragic Khmer Rouge history, pristine beaches, ancient Khmer culture, affordable travel, street food, temple complexes, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information including critical safety warnings about scams, harassment, and petty crime for navigating this captivating Southeast Asian kingdom.
Vietnam
A comprehensive guide to exploring Vietnam – from the iconic Ha Long Bay UNESCO karst landscape and ancient Hanoi Old Quarter to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, pristine beaches in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, rice terraces of Sapa, the Mekong Delta floating markets, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City energy, imperial Hue, Vietnamese cuisine from pho to banh mi, motorbike culture and accident risks, visa on arrival, hotel costs, healthcare, and essential travel insurance information for this rapidly developing Southeast Asian nation.
Indonesia
A comprehensive guide to exploring Indonesia – from the temples and beaches of Bali and the rice terraces of Ubud to the ancient Borobudur temple, Komodo dragons, world-class Raja Ampat diving, the Gili Islands, and volcanic adventures across Java and Lombok. Covering major cities and islands, Indonesian cuisine, hotel costs in IDR, visa requirements, healthcare considerations, and essential travel insurance information for this remarkable archipelago nation.
Taiwan
Taiwan is extremely safe (Level 1) with world-class affordable healthcare, but travel insurance is crucial for typhoon season disruptions, earthquake risks, and medical evacuation needs. Natural disaster coverage is essential for visits between May-November when typhoons and flooding commonly occur.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka requires comprehensive travel insurance due to Level 2 terrorism advisory, dengue fever risks (45,000+ cases in 2025), common tourist scams, and potential civil unrest. Medical evacuation coverage is essential as emergency services are limited outside Colombo, and landmine areas remain in the north and east.
Nepal
Nepal requires comprehensive travel insurance with mandatory trekking coverage and helicopter evacuation benefits. Following civil unrest in September 2025, the US raised the advisory to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Altitude sickness affects 1 in 3 trekkers above 4,000m, and helicopter rescue costs $5,000-$10,000. All trekking permits now require proof of insurance.
Israel
Israel requires specialized high-risk travel insurance with terrorism coverage due to ongoing conflict. As of January 2025, all US citizens must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before entry. The US maintains Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory with Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for Gaza and areas within 4km of Lebanese/Syrian borders. Standard policies exclude war and terrorism; specialized coverage essential.
Hong Kong Travel Guide
Hong Kong travel insurance is essential despite not being legally required for entry.. The Level 2 advisory necessitates coverage for civil unrest, while expensive private healthcare (HK$800-HK$3000 per day for hospitalization) makes comprehensive medical coverage critical for visitors to this world-class destination.
Oman
Oman travel insurance is highly recommended despite not being legally mandatory. The Level 2 advisory and expensive private healthcare (required for all tourists) make comprehensive coverage essential. Medical costs can be high, and visitors may be prevented from leaving the country until medical debts are settled.
Qatar
Qatar requires mandatory health insurance for visitors obtaining prior entry visas, though visa-on-arrival travelers are exempt for the first 30 days. The Level 1 advisory indicates low risk, but insurance is still essential as the mandatory policy (QAR 50/month) provides limited coverage, and comprehensive policies offer better protection for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Mexico
Navigate medical tourism, adventure sports, and regional safety differences while enjoying affordable healthcare and diverse experiences.
United States
A comprehensive guide to exploring the United States – from New York's iconic skyline and Los Angeles's entertainment industry to the Grand Canyon's natural wonders, diverse cultures, incredible cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information.
Canada
A comprehensive guide to exploring Canada – from cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Vancouver to the majestic Rocky Mountains, pristine wilderness, Northern Lights, world-class skiing, diverse cultures, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for this vast nation.
Brazil
A comprehensive guide to exploring Brazil – from Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches and Carnival to the Amazon rainforest, Iguazu Falls, vibrant culture, samba, football, diverse landscapes, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for this diverse South American giant.
Argentina
A comprehensive guide to exploring Argentina – from the passionate tango culture of Buenos Aires to the stunning glaciers of Patagonia, the thundering Iguazu Falls, world-renowned Malbec wine regions in Mendoza, the dramatic landscapes of the Andes, unique wildlife viewing, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for this diverse South American nation.
Peru
A comprehensive guide to exploring Peru – from the iconic Machu Picchu and the ancient Inca Trail to the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, vibrant Lima food scene, colonial Cusco, mystical Nazca Lines, high-altitude adventures, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information including critical altitude sickness coverage for this remarkable Andean nation.
Colombia
A comprehensive guide to exploring Colombia – from the Caribbean colonial jewel of Cartagena and the salsa capital of Cali to the coffee region's stunning landscapes, Medellín's remarkable transformation, Tayrona's jungle and beaches, Bogotá's museums and street art, the Cocora Valley's towering wax palms, vibrant San Andrés island, charming Villa de Leyva, hotel costs in Colombian Pesos, visa information, healthcare details, and essential travel insurance including coverage for this increasingly safe and welcoming South American destination.
Ecuador
Ecuador requires comprehensive travel insurance with altitude and Galapagos coverage. US maintains Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory with Level 3-4 warnings for specific regions due to crime and terrorism. Medical evacuation from Galapagos costs $60,000+. Altitude sickness risk in Quito (2,800m). Private hospitals require credit card guarantee before admission.
Costa Rica
A comprehensive guide to exploring Costa Rica – from lush rainforests and active volcanoes to pristine beaches, incredible biodiversity, adventure activities, pura vida lifestyle, eco-tourism, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for this Central American paradise.
Panama
Panama travel insurance is strongly recommended despite not being legally required for tourists (mandatory only for digital nomad visa holders). The Level 2 advisory, affordable but cash-only healthcare, and common medical evacuation needs make comprehensive coverage essential for visitors to Panama City, Bocas del Toro, and the Panama Canal region.
Italy
Navigate Schengen requirements, medical costs in major cities, and trip cancellation protections for premium itineraries.
France
A comprehensive guide to exploring France – from Paris's iconic landmarks and world-class museums to the French Riviera's stunning coastlines, Provence's lavender fields, world-renowned cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information.
Spain
A comprehensive guide to exploring Spain – from Madrid's world-class museums and Barcelona's architectural wonders to Andalusia's flamenco culture, beautiful coastlines, incredible cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information.
Turkey
A comprehensive guide to exploring Turkey – from Istanbul's historic bridges between Europe and Asia to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, the Turquoise Coast's stunning beaches, rich history, incredible cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information.
United Kingdom
A comprehensive guide to exploring the United Kingdom – from London's iconic landmarks and Scotland's dramatic Highlands to Wales' castles, Northern Ireland's coastal beauty, historic universities, vibrant culture, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information.
Germany
A comprehensive guide to exploring Germany – from Berlin's dynamic culture and Munich's beer gardens to fairy-tale castles, Black Forest hiking, Christmas markets, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Greece
A comprehensive guide to exploring Greece – from Athens' ancient ruins and Santorini's white-washed villages to island hopping, Mediterranean cuisine, stunning beaches, historic sites, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Portugal
A comprehensive guide to exploring Portugal – from Lisbon's colorful hills and Porto's wine cellars to the Algarve's stunning beaches, historic towns, azulejo tiles, pastel de nata, hotel costs, visa rules, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Iceland
A comprehensive guide to exploring Iceland – from Reykjavik's vibrant culture and the Blue Lagoon to witnessing the Northern Lights, exploring glaciers and waterfalls, experiencing geysers and volcanic landscapes, driving the Ring Road, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Austria
A comprehensive guide to exploring Austria – from Vienna's imperial palaces and legendary coffeehouse culture to Mozart's Salzburg and Sound of Music filming locations, Alpine skiing in Tyrol, Danube Valley wine routes, Innsbruck's mountain adventures, schnitzel and strudel, imperial Habsburg history, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Czech Republic
A comprehensive guide to exploring Czech Republic – from Prague's Gothic spires and Charles Bridge to Cesky Krumlov's fairytale charm, world-famous beer culture, medieval castles, spa towns, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Croatia
A comprehensive guide to exploring Croatia – from Dubrovnik's ancient walls and Game of Thrones filming locations to Split's Roman palace, Plitvice Lakes' cascading waterfalls, stunning Adriatic islands, coastal beauty, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Sweden
A comprehensive guide to exploring Sweden – from Stockholm's archipelago and Nobel Prize heritage to northern lights in Lapland, midnight sun adventures, IKEA design culture, ABBA museums, Viking history, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Switzerland
A comprehensive guide to exploring Switzerland – from the majestic Swiss Alps and world-class skiing to Zurich's banking heritage and Geneva's diplomacy, Lucerne's medieval charm and Interlaken's adventure sports, chocolate, watches, efficient trains, multilingual culture, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Norway
A comprehensive guide to exploring Norway – from Oslo's Viking heritage and Bergen's colorful harbor to breathtaking fjords, Northern Lights viewing, midnight sun adventures, Tromsø's Arctic experiences, expensive costs, outdoor activities, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Netherlands
A comprehensive guide to exploring the Netherlands – from Amsterdam's iconic canals and world-class museums to tulip fields, windmills, cycling culture, liberal attitudes, cheese markets, hotel costs, visa requirements, and the healthcare and insurance details you need before you go.
Ireland
A comprehensive guide to exploring Ireland from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way to Dublin's vibrant pub culture, Georgian heritage, Ring of Kerry scenic drives, ancient castles, traditional music sessions, literary heritage, Irish whiskey distilleries, the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, Aran Islands, hotel costs in EUR, visa requirements for EU and international travelers, essential healthcare coverage, and travel insurance considerations for unpredictable Irish weather.
Denmark
Denmark requires travel insurance for comprehensive protection. While the country is generally safe, non-residents must pay for medical services, and the Level 2 terrorism advisory necessitates adequate trip cancellation and medical coverage for visitors.
Belgium
Belgium travel insurance is essential due to the Level 2 terrorism advisory and high pickpocketing rates at major tourist sites and train stations. Medical costs are moderate but must be paid by tourists, making comprehensive coverage important for Brussels and beyond.
Poland
Poland is one of Europe's safest destinations (Level 1 advisory), but travel insurance is essential to protect against pickpocketing, common scams, and medical costs. While healthcare is affordable, non-EU tourists pay significantly more, making comprehensive coverage important for Warsaw, Krakow, and Baltic resorts.
Hungary
Hungary is one of Europe's safest destinations with Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) advisory. Schengen member requiring 3-month passport validity beyond departure. ETIAS authorization required starting 2026. Emergency services free for all visitors. Main risks are pickpocketing in Budapest tourist areas and on Vienna-Budapest trains. Medical costs 40-70% lower than Western Europe.
Finland
Finland travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and highly recommended for all visitors. The Level 1 advisory indicates excellent safety, but ETIAS authorization will be required starting 2026. Comprehensive coverage protects against winter weather disruptions and medical costs in this Nordic destination.
Morocco
A comprehensive guide to exploring Morocco – from Marrakech's bustling souks and Fez's ancient medina to the Sahara Desert's golden dunes, Chefchaouen's blue streets, Atlas Mountains, coastal towns, rich Islamic architecture, Moroccan cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information.
South Africa
A comprehensive guide to exploring South Africa – from Cape Town's Table Mountain and vibrant waterfront to Kruger National Park safaris, Garden Route scenic drives, wine regions, stunning coastlines, diverse wildlife, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and insurance information for your adventure.
Egypt
A comprehensive guide to exploring Egypt – from the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to the Valley of the Kings, ancient temples of Luxor, Nile River cruises, Red Sea diving and snorkeling, the Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, desert safaris, Egyptian cuisine, hotel costs, visa requirements, and essential healthcare and travel insurance information for safe exploration of this ancient civilization.
Tanzania
Tanzania requires comprehensive travel insurance with malaria coverage and evacuation benefits. Following October 2025 civil unrest and elections, the US raised the advisory to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Mandatory insurance required for Zanzibar entry. Medical facilities limited; evacuation to Kenya/South Africa often necessary. Malaria risk year-round below 1,800m including Zanzibar.
Destination guides coming soon for this region.