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• Hi New York City Hostel $56+
• West Side Ymca $114+
• Central Park West Hostel $157+
• Pod 51 $173+
• Radio Hotel $174+
• Pod Times Square $180+
• Pod 39 $185+
• Paramount Times Square $191+
• The Gallivant Times Square $192+
• OYO Times Square $196+
• The Washington by LuxUrban, Trademark Collection by Wyndham $203+
• DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown $211+
• Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown - Wall Street $213+
• The Manhattan At Times Square $215+
• Westgate New York Grand Central $215+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $50+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $51+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $52+
• Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $53+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $57+
• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $65+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $65+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $72+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $85+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $86+
• Flight Houston - New York (HOU - LGA) $90+
• Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $99+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $116+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - JFK) $117+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $122+
• Monumental Movieland Hotel $48+
• Grand Hotel Kissimmee At Celebration $52+
• Developer Inn Downtown Orlando, a Baymont by Wyndham $58+
• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $23+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $40+
• Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $42+
• Book A Bed Hostels $24+
• Nx London Hostel $35+
• Generator London $36+
• Ramada London North M1 $65+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $310+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $346+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $361+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $415+

Fort Lauderdale

• Red Carpet Inn Airport Fort Lauderdale $62+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport Cruise Port $67+
• HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Fort Lauderdale $69+
• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $36+
• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $37+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $38+
• Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle $63+
• Coast Gateway Hotel $162+
• Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center $173+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $61+
• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $66+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $71+
• Fabhotel Royal Residency Lakdikapul $19+
• Katriya Hotel & Towers $36+
• The Altruist Business Hotel Hitech $36+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $580+
• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $583+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $649+
• Smile Hotel Premium Sapporo Susukino $29+
• Nest Hotel Sapporo Ekimae $37+
• Best Western Sapporo Odori Koen $39+
• Flight New York - Tokyo (JFK - NRT) $599+
• Flight New York - Tokyo (JFK - HND) $616+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $637+
• Kuhio Banyan Club $114+
• Royal Grove Waikiki $118+
• Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites $137+
• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $216+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $258+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $262+
• Dallas Love Field Inn $53+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Dallas Love Field Airport $54+
• Wyndham Garden Dallas North $63+
• Flight Charlotte - Dallas (CLT - DFW) $45+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $52+
• Flight Miami - Dallas (MIA - DFW) $53+
• The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower $22+
• OYO Hotel And Casino Las Vegas $33+
• Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino $37+
• Excalibur Hotel & Casino $45+
• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $24+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $39+
• Flight Minneapolis - Las Vegas (MSP - LAS) $40+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $46+
• Freehand Chicago $46+
• Chicago Getaway Hostel $54+
• Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago $127+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Chicago (FLL - ORD) $40+
• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $40+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $47+

San Francisco

• Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel $49+
• The Mosser $73+
• BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection By Wyndham $126+
• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $38+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $42+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $82+

Washington, D.C.

• Generator Hotel Washington DC $62+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue $107+
• Henley Park Hotel $150+
• Citizenm Washington DC Noma $152+
• Georgetown Residences by LuxUrban, Trademark Coll by Wyndham $154+
• Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center $159+
• Morrison Clark Historic Inn $163+
• Hotel Harrington $164+
• The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row $164+
• Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters $166+
• Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol $166+
• Washington Plaza Hotel $167+
• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $38+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $40+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Baltimore (FLL - BWI) $40+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $70+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (IAH - BWI) $73+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $86+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $101+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $133+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $139+
• Flight Denver - Baltimore (DEN - BWI) $143+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $154+
• Flight Seattle - Baltimore (SEA - BWI) $157+
• Hotel Boutique Casa Mallorca $67+
• Suites Malecon Cancun $69+
• Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown $71+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Cancún (FLL - CUN) $183+
• Flight Houston - Cancún (HOU - CUN) $183+
• Flight Atlanta - Cancún (ATL - CUN) $193+

United States

• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $38+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $39+
• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $40+
• Kauai Palms Hotel $189+
• Tip Top Motel $194+
• Kauai Inn $247+
• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $215+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $253+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $257+
• California Suites Hotel $95+
• Super 8 by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle $97+
• Ramada Suites by Wyndham San Diego $100+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $40+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $46+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $48+
• Shared Living Not A Hotel $38+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Phoenix West $54+
• HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Phoenix West $58+
• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $39+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $53+

Los Angeles

• Boutique Hostel $34+
• Freehand Los Angeles $44+
• City Center Hotel $103+
• The Dixie Hollywood $112+
• Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport $113+
• Rotex Western Inn $116+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites LAX $125+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Los Angeles (SLC - LAX) $39+
• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $40+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $44+
• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $62+
• Flight Minneapolis - Los Angeles (MSP - LAX) $67+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $75+
• Flight Portland - Los Angeles (PDX - LAX) $83+
• Selina Gold Dust $59+
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North $78+
• Motel 6 Miami. Fl $78+
• Miami Gardens Inn & Suites $91+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Miami International Airport $92+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East $92+
• Holiday Inn Miami West - Airport Area $96+
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami-Kendall $105+
• The Palms Inn & Suites Miami, Kendall, Fl $107+
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami West/FL Turnpike $110+
• Holiday Inn Miami-Doral Area, An IHG Hotel $112+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $33+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $38+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $38+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $39+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $50+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $50+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $50+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $51+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $52+
• Hometowne Studios by Red Roof Denver - Glendale/Cherry Creek $60+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton $101+
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Airport $103+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Denver Airport Dia $108+
• High Plains Hotel at Denver International Airport $114+
• Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport $114+
• Renu On Wazee $114+
• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $58+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $66+
• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $70+
• Flight Dallas - Denver (DFW - DEN) $78+
• Flight Seattle - Denver (SEA - DEN) $81+
• Flight Austin - Denver (AUS - DEN) $87+
• Flight Philadelphia - Denver (PHL - DEN) $90+
• Hi Boston Hostel $63+
• Found Hotel Boston Common $93+
• Ramada by Wyndham Boston $145+
• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $40+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $45+
• Flight Chicago - Boston (ORD - BOS) $62+
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Atlanta Airport $63+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport North $98+
• Sonesta Atlanta Airport North $103+
• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $36+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $37+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $37+
• Generator Madrid $28+
• Toc Hostel Madrid $37+
• C&h Aravaca Garden $40+
• Flight New York - Lisbon (JFK - LIS) $334+
• Rodeway Inn Fairgrounds-Casino $66+
• Econo Lodge Airport at RJ Stadium $69+
• Tampa Inn Near Busch Gardens $69+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $39+
• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $40+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $43+
• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $40+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $46+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $51+

New Orleans

• Ramada by Wyndham New Orleans $63+
• Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Canal St. French Quarter $92+
• Maison Saint Charles by Hotel RL $95+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New Orleans (FLL - MSY) $38+
• Flight Dallas - New Orleans (DFW - MSY) $39+
• Flight Atlanta - New Orleans (ATL - MSY) $44+

Frequently asked questions about KAYAK

How do i find travel deals on kayak.

Simply use one of our travel search engines to scan for prices gathered from hundreds of travel sites. KAYAK’s search results pages have loads of filter options to help you find deals, discover exactly what you’re looking for and make booking seamless. Plus, there’s no extra fee from KAYAK.

What makes KAYAK a great travel app?

On the KAYAK app for iOS and Android you’ll find all the great travel offers found on the website and much more. There are special mobile rates and app only deals that allow you to save even more money. Plus, you can get notifications straight to your phone letting you know when prices for your next trip have dropped. But the KAYAK app is much more than just a travel app. Use the Trips function to manage your travel itinerary and get up to date status alerts on flights, check-in changes and to store your boarding pass. Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere on your travels, you can still access your travel notes via Trips, as no internet connection is required.

How can I use KAYAK to manage my travel bookings?

KAYAK Trips creates a travel itinerary for you that will give you flight status alerts, can be shared with friends and more. Simply forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] or use the KAYAK app and sync your email account to keep all your travel plans organized in one app, even if you didn’t book with KAYAK. You can share your holiday plans with friends and family and also check out your travel stats for past vacations, like how far you’ve traveled, your most popular cities and how many times you’ve traveled around the world. Even if you don’t have signal, don’t worry, as you can access Trips to check out your itineraries whilst on the road. Your data is safe and secure with us and you won’t have to re-enter credit card info when booking future trips. If you want to make changes or cancel bookings, then you should contact the travel provider, which is provided on the booking confirmation.

What are KAYAK Price Alerts?

Instead of manually checking back in on the price of your next flight or stay, let KAYAK do the hard work for you with KAYAK Price Alerts. Once you’ve saved your search, our data will determine how the price will rise or fluctuate over the coming days. You’ll then get a push notification letting you know when’s the perfect time to book.

Search flights , hotels , rental cars , travel guides and more with KAYAK. KAYAK searches hundreds of other travel sites at once to get you the information you need to make the right decisions.

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL JUNE 1-2

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Put These 11 Beautiful U.S. National Monuments on Your Must-See List

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Top 15 Spots to Camp in Colorado

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The 11 Most Beautiful Road Trips in the World

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Alaska is the Center of the Universe

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I Spent 82 Hours Alone in a Dark Cave. Things Got Weird.

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Free National Park Days in 2024—Mark Your Calendars

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20 Best Places To Travel Outside The US (even on a tight budget!)

Looking for inspiration about where to travel outside the US? We've compiled a list of 20 amazing places, some of which can even be explored on a tight budget!

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

May 09, 2024

Traveling is a dream of many, and there are numerous incredible places to travel outside the US and around the world !

If you’re from the USA , you may be ready to venture beyond the borders and explore a new country. The USA is huge, and you could easily spend a lifetime exploring all the unique destinations within the nation.

But traveling abroad is an experience like no other. Seeing new landscapes, meeting interesting people, and embracing different cultures is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have!

If you’re looking for the best places to travel outside the US, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, this article will provide a brief overview of some amazing destinations you can visit.

A great way to travel abroad is by trying a work exchange , where you can work for your accommodation . This allows you to save money while traveling, and you also get to meet locals and develop a deeper connection with the culture. We will provide links to some cool Worldpackers work exchanges that you can try while traveling abroad !

Bucket List: Best Places To Travel Outside The US

Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in the world is Paris , the capital city of France . This cosmopolitan city is brimming with excitement and iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and many more.  Volunteer in a hostel in Paris to save money during your stay!

Another one of the most incredible places to travel outside the US is Tokyo . This modern metropolis in Japan is home to gorgeous temples and historic landmarks as well as towering skyscrapers and neon lights. Tokyo blends Japan’s authentic cultures and traditions with the glitz and glamour of the modern world.

Great Barrier Reef

The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, is located off the tropical northeast coast of Australia . Snorkeling or scuba diving amongst the colorful marine life is on many travelers’ lists of bucket list ideas! Australia is not a cheap country to visit, so consider a homestay in Cairns if you want to travel on a budget!

Another location that tops the bucket list of many nature lovers is Patagonia. Not to be confused with the clothing brand, the region of Patagonia refers to the southern tip of both Chile and Argentina. Travelers flock here to hike, camp, and explore in one of the world’s most wild, rugged, and breathtaking regions . Get to know the locals by volunteering on a farm in Chile or a homestay in Argentina .

Rome is one of the top international vacation spots, and it's easy to see why. Packed with ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, history buffs will have a blast exploring the city. And let's not forget about the food! Rome is a foodie's paradise with countless places to savor the best Italian cuisine. With its iconic sights, warm culture, and charming neighborhoods, Italy's capital city has something for everyone to enjoy.

Rio de Janeiro

Another one of the coolest places to visit outside the US is Rio de Janeiro . Travelers visit this beautiful Brazilian city to lounge on the beaches, hike in the mountains, and attend the vibrant festivals . Enjoy a more relaxed, authentic experience in Brazil by volunteering at an eco-village just outside the city.

Banff National Park

One of the best places to travel when you've never travelled outside of the US before is Canada ! This majestic nation is easy for Americans to visit because most people speak English and it’s not a far flight. Undoubtedly, the most incredible place to visit in Canada is Banff National Park. Known for its jagged Rocky Mountain peaks and shimmering sapphire lakes , you'll have an amazing time exploring one of the most scenic national parks in the world.

London, England , is one of the most visited destinations in the world . This vibrant city, much like Tokyo, blends modernity with history. Churches, markets, old-timey pubs, and neighborhoods showcase London's vital role in world history, while modern architecture, abundant entertainment, and a lively nightlife scene make London a trendy and thrilling destination to visit!

Kruger National Park

If you’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari , Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the best places to visit. Known for being the only real wilderness left in South Africa, Kruger allows you to adventure through the landscape and spot all your favorite wild animals in real life. Take your experience to the next level by trying adventure guide and ranch work in Kruger with Worldpackers! 

The Maldives

Last on this section of bucket list places to travel outside the US is the Maldives! This idyllic archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean graces the covers of many travel magazines. With white sand beaches, tropical bungalows, and turquoise waters , nothing says “paradise” like the Maldives!

Cheap Places To Travel Outside The US

Machu picchu.

If you’re looking for cheap places to travel outside the US, Peru is a great option! With delicious food, friendly locals, cheap prices, beautiful nature, and the world-famous Incan citadel of Machu Picchu , there is no better place to explore history and culture than Peru . Save money during your trip to Peru by helping with SEO and social media at a guest house in Cusco, the closest major city to Machu Picchu.

Thailand is another country on the bucket list of many, and Bangkok is a highlight of this warm, welcoming country. Full of glittering temples, bustling food markets, and enticing nightlife , Bangkok is one of the cheapest and most desirable cities to visit in Thailand . Spend more time in this fabulous city by working as a receptionist in a hostel in the Old Town!

Another one of the best places to travel outside the US is Tulum . Situated on Mexico's Caribbean coastline, this tropical town attracts travelers from around the world with its affordable prices, flavorful food, lush scenery, and historic landmarks . There are lots of epic work exchanges in Mexico if you want to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals!

Colombia is also one of the best cheap travel destinations in the world, and it’s a quick and easy flight from the USA! One of Colombia’s biggest cities is Cartagena, a charming metropolis located on the Caribbean Sea. With intricate colonial buildings and gorgeous islands and reefs located right off the coast, there is so much to see and do here.

Another one of the best cheap places to travel outside the US is Siem Reap, Cambodia . Though this small city is most famous for its ancient Khmer temples, including the picturesque Angkor Wat, the town has much more to offer as well. With happy, smiling locals, spicy street food, and colorful markets, Siem Reap is a lovely place to visit. Give back to the local community by teaching English at a non profit school here !

Bali is one of the most iconic places to visit in Asia . This tropical tourist island has everything you could want in a vacation spot: breathtaking beaches, incredible hikes, historic landmarks, street markets, and an abundance of amenities and places to stay on a budget . 

One of the lesser-known but still cool places to visit in Europe is Kotor, Montenegro . Located on the dazzling blue waters of the Bay of Kotor, the small city of Kotor is incredibly scenic . It’s also affordable! Try something new by volunteering at a free-range goat farm just outside the city!

Dominican Republic

Another stunning vacation destination is the Dominican Republic . The diverse natural landscape and enticing culture draw in US travelers constantly, and this Caribbean island is also very affordable to visit. Explore national parks, beaches, rainforests, and historic towns while visiting this lush nation, and make your stay even more heartwarming by volunteering at an animal shelter !

Ha Long Bay

Vietnam is also an excellent destination if you’re looking for cheap places to travel outside the US. One of the most affordable countries in Asia, Vietnam is known for its dramatic scenery, its flavorful street food, and its rich culture. Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam! Few travelers visit this country without doing a boat tour through the emerald waters and limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay.

Last but not least on our list of cheap travel destinations is Sri Lanka . This tropical island nation, located off the southern coast of India, is both beautiful and affordable . Get ready to have a blast with activities like surfing, sightseeing, and exploring the mesmerizing beaches and forests. Don't forget to marvel at the incredible architecture and immerse yourself in the local culture of this idyllic country!

• Did you like these ideas? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.

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Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States. Find out which travel vaccines you may need to help you stay healthy on your trip.

Before Travel

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Because some vaccines require multiple doses, it’s best to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

Medicines to prevent malaria are pills that you start to take before travel. Take recommended medicines as directed. If your health care provider prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. 

Where can I get travel vaccines?

You may be able to get some travel vaccines from your primary healthcare provider. If you or your healthcare provider need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit CDC’s Find a Clinic page.

If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you’ll need to go to a vaccine center authorized to give yellow fever vaccinations. Many yellow fever vaccine centers also provide other pre-travel health care services. Find an  authorized US yellow fever vaccine center .

Examples of Vaccines

Here is a list of possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel.

• Cholera 
• Flu (Influenza)
• Hepatitis A   
• Hepatitis B   
• Japanese encephalitis   
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Meningococcal   
• Pneumococcal   
• Polio   
• Rabies   
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Typhoid   
• Yellow fever

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Travel Vaccine Summary Table

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Real ID deadline is rapidly approaching, what to know about the new flight requirement

The really real deadline to make your state-issued identified card, or driver’s license Real ID compliant will be here before you know it. 

And you won’t be fly domestically after 2025 without it. The government has been trying to make Real IDs a thing for a while, initially passing The Real ID act in 2005 in an attempt to set “minimum security standards” for state-issued identification documents.

The law was set to take effect in 2020 but was pushed back by the Department of Homeland Security over “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to USA TODAY reporting . 

The May 2025 extension was necessary, DHS says, as state driver’s licensing agencies worked to address the mountains of paperwork, which in turn impacted the MVD’s ability to make any real progress on the Real ID rollout. 

“Following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards,” DHS said in 2022. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

That means every every traveler, 18 or older, must have a compliant form of identification in order to travel.

Here’s what to know. 

When does Real ID go into effect? 

The Real ID “full enforcement date” is Wednesday, May 7, 2025, according to DHS. 

When will a Real ID be required to fly?

You or your loved ones need to have a Real ID compliant document, driver’s license or identification card, by May 7, 2025. 

If you have another form of identification that is TSA-approved, like an up to date passport or a permanent resident card then you probably don’t need a Real ID compliant document.

Here are a couple TSA-approved alternatives, if you’re on the fence about getting a Real ID.

• State issued enhanced driver’s license
•  DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
•  HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
•  Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
•  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How long does it take to get a Real ID?

It will take about two weeks , or 15 business days to get your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License from your state's Motor Vehicle Department.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, which are only issued in a couple of states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, DHS says. 

How do I know if I have a Real ID? 

All Real IDs will have a stamp on the right hand corner to show that the identification document meets federal standards set forth by The Real ID Act of 2005. 

The symbol stamped on your Real ID card will vary, depending on which state you obtain your new identification card from. 

What does a Real ID look like? 

Your Real ID will have most, if not all of the information that’s included on your driver’s license. 

The only difference is the seal included in the right-hand corner. 

Bucket list on a budget: Where to eat, sight see and stay in Quebec City and Montreal

Plus, check out some expert curated travel items to take along.

If you're still sorting out summer vacation plans and looking to enjoy a taste of Europe without breaking the bank , then brush up on your French phrases and say bonjour to Canada .

"Good Morning America" continued the Bucket List on a Budget series by visiting two historic Canadian cities—Quebec City and Montreal—to show travelers how to plan an epic vacation without crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Plus, the current exchange rate for $1 U.S. dollar is 1.37 Canadian dollars, which will help keep cash in your pocket.

Check out the best tips to save from flights to food below.

Flight deals for Canada summer vacations

For this multi-city trip, Air Canada flights can be found for as low as $123 one way from Philadelphia to Quebec City. And to get back from Montreal, fares are around $200.

Travel experts regularly recommend checking Google Flights and setting alerts to help find the lowest fares, especially if you can be flexible with your dates of travel to snag the best deals.

Find hotels with incentives for freebies

Hilton Quebec City offers visitors who stay for two or more nights free public transportation on the RTC bus. That means an unlimited three day pass to help explore the city free of an additional charge.

Budget friendly food and bites

Start the day the French way with a croissant and a café au lait for under $6.

Another local iconic Canadian comfort food dish that's a must-try in Quebec City is poutine.

The fried potatoes smothered in gravy and cheese curds is a classic go-to and at Le Chic Shack, it only costs $8.05.

Stroll through sights with a walking tour

When you're ready to explore the scene, check out a free walking tour with local guide Samuel Dubois.

"I share my passion with the traveler from all across the world," he said of his small business. "And if they like it, they can [pay] me what they want."

Visit Montmorency Falls

Check out this natural wonder, which is free for visitors 17 and under, that stands 272-feet tall -- 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Motor over to Montreal

When renting a car, be sure to look for deals on airplane partner sites for additional savings.

"If you are a mileage plus member on United, you can save up to 35% off Avis or Budget when booking a car through United. Plus, you'll earn up to 1,250 miles," a spokesperson and travel expert for The Points Guy told "GMA." "If you’re not a mileage plus member, it's a free program, so sign up and save."

Sweet maple treats to try in Canada

Sugar shacks like Érablière le Chemin du Roy are part of the quebecois culture where they offer tours and serve up sweets like maple taffy on snow for just under $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Buy the Passport Montreal for discounts on attractions

For just $35 USD, the city pass gets visitors tickets to three participating attractions including the 185 acre Montreal Botanical Gardens.

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Plus, it can also be used to try your hand at a local cooking class.

Free Night-seeing

Take in the sights and some history for free in the evenings at Cité Mémoire in Old Montreal with massive art projections on display all across the city.

Mile End food tour on a budget

The Mile End neighborhood is similar to that of Brooklyn in New York City or Shoreditch in London, where exotic eateries and vintage shops line the area and offer bites like gnocchi at Drogheria Fine for under $4.

Or check out Wilensky's Light Lunch Inc, a local family-operated soda fountain and Jewish deli that's been around since 1932, and serves up classics like their famous Wilensky special with cheddar cheese for $4.21.

More 'GMA' Travel Picks

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Stock market today: Wall Street ends higher, sending Nasdaq to a record high

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This Iconic Tour Operator Now Offers Private Jet Trips With Exclusive Tours — Here's What It's Like

Once you get a taste of the private jet life, it’s hard to go back to flying commercial.

Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure

“Yahoo!” yelled Jason, our safari guide from Manchester.

The sound echoed back to us. We had climbed onto a precipice overlooking a deep gorge in the mountains. We weren’t on safari in Africa, though — we were in Crete, the largest island in Greece.

Jason and two other guides had picked up our group of 11 (including our resident tour director, Kapi) at Daios Cove , the luxe resort on a secluded bay where we were staying, and after just a few minutes, we were driving on rocky unpaved roads up into the mountains. Now and then, we would stop on the side of the road, and Jason would grab some wild sage or thyme and give it to us to smell.

Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure

It’s especially fitting that we were doing a safari on Crete because that’s how Abercrombie & Kent originated: Geoffrey Kent was born on safari, raised on a farm in Kenya, and founded Abercrombie & Kent with his parents in 1962.

Over the years, A&K grew from a pioneering safari operator into one of the world’s leading travel companies that brings people worldwide. I was lucky enough to embark on a whirlwind tour of India with A&K a few years ago and was impressed by how seamless the trip was as well as the quality of the knowledgeable guides, so when I got the chance to join them for a tour of Rome and Crete via private jet, I didn’t hesitate to accept.

But back to Crete. As we rode up into the mountains, passing through little villages, we peppered Jason with questions, and he overloaded us with information about the island, its history, landscape, wildlife, and inhabitants, who identify as Cretan first and Greek second. He told us how Hitler sent his stormtroopers to capture the island in 1943 but was met with fierce resistance from pitchfork-wielding farmers who refused to back down. He showed us the bomb bells on the churches that Cretans made after the war using the tops of undetonated bombs since the Nazis had melted down many of the island’s church bells to make bullets. Fascinating didn't even begin to describe it.

We had arrived in Crete the day prior and went straight from the airport to Lyrarakis Winery , where we learned how the owners revived nearly extinct varietals and tasted four of their wines with lunch. We then visited the ancient Knossos Palace — home of King Minos and the Minotaur — with a wonderful guide named Marinella, who explained how the ancient Greeks had plumbing and flush toilets at the palace. We gawked at the reconstructed frescoes depicting men, women, and animals.

The trip had started in Rome, where an incredibly knowledgeable guide named Eva — who also had a wonderfully dry sense of humor — brought us to the off-limits Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. Inside the nave, we watched as she and the church’s guardian unbolted and opened a heavy wooden door, revealing breathtaking views of the Roman Forum just below. In the basement, we saw centuries-old pharmacists’ tools and canisters that once held natural remedies. Eva then brought us down into the Forum, led us along a less-trod path to the Curia Iulia (the ancient senate house), and brought us right to the base of Trajan’s Column, regaling us with tales along the way.

The following day, Eva met us bright and early for a tour of Castel Sant’Angelo , known as the pope’s fortress. Originally built as the emperor Hadrian’s tomb, it became a fortress in the 6th century and was the hiding place for Pope Clement VII when Rome was sacked in 1527. Nowadays, you can see models of what it looked like in its previous iterations and climb up to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Rome.

After that, we were off to Trastevere — one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods — for a food tour with Toni and Walter, our guides from Eating Europe . We stopped at la Norcineria di Iacozzilli , where they explained the difference between Parmigiano Reggiano and pecorino romano and gave us a taste of porchetta , the slow-roasted pork that’s a specialty of the hill towns outside of Rome. From there, they led us across the Tiber to Campo de’ Fiori, Rome’s most famous open-air market, where we watched a vendor clean artichokes and got a taste of mozzarella di bufala with fresh tomatoes. Finally, we walked around the corner to a restaurant for a pasta-making class. After eating our homemade ravioli filled with lemon-scented ricotta and tagliatelle all’amatriciana , we walked a few more blocks to the Gelateria Alberto Pica for a sweet end to the tour.

Our next activity brought us to one of Rome’s most incredible hidden gems. A&K had arranged for us to have private access to the Villa Farnesina , a Renaissance villa with frescoes by Raphael. As we stood outside the villa, Eva explained that it should have been called Villa Chigi because the man who commissioned it was the wealthy banker Agostino Chigi, who made a fortune lending money to the popes. On the occasion of his wedding, he commissioned Raphael to paint frescoes depicting the marriage of Cupid and Psyche. I had been there before, but every time I visit, I can’t help but stare up in awe at the figures, knowing that Raphael was in his late twenties when he created this masterpiece.

Dinner that evening was at another one of Rome’s most beautiful places: Le Jardin de Russie restaurant at the Hotel de Russie , which T+L readers consistently rank among the best hotels in the world in our annual World’s Best Awards survey. Our group had a private table in the secret garden, originally designed by Giuseppe Valadier and recently refreshed. It was the perfect setting to enjoy fresh burrata with tomatoes, risotto with pesto trapanese , and sea bream with artichokes served by the hotel’s charming staff. Walking back to the Hotel de la Ville , de Russie’s sister hotel also run by Rocco Forte, we made a little detour to Via Margutta to see where famed filmmaker Federico Fellini lived and the building where some scenes of "Roman Holiday" were filmed.

The next morning, we were whisked off to the executive terminal at Ciampino Airport to board the private jet to Crete. After a brief wait, we put our things through the X-ray scanner, walked through a metal detector, and were bused onto the tarmac to board the jet, which welcomed us onboard with Champagne and snacks. The whole experience couldn’t have been smoother.

Justin Weiler/Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Travelers interested in traveling around Europe by private jet can book one of A&K’s Wings Over the World trips, which offer the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and enjoy exclusive experiences like these in Europe’s most alluring cities. The European itineraries are limited to a maximum of 13 guests and start at $37,995 per person for a 13-day journey, which includes private jet charters and transfers between destinations, accommodations at luxury hotels, a resident tour director, and local guides, most meals, luggage handling, and entrance fees for scheduled visits to museums and archeological sites. A&K also offers Wings Over the World journeys in Africa, Australia, India, and South America.

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I Never Travel Without My Bootless Compression Boots

The Strategist happens to be full of runners, so this week, we hit the ground running (literally), testing tons of running gear and interviewing experts to give every kind of runner all the intel they might need. Welcome to  Running Week .

In 2023, I hit a wall of back-to-back injuries: a calf strain in the spring, a bruised rib (from a non-running-related bike crash) also in the spring, and, finally, the crème de la crème of injuries: osteitis pubis and a pelvic stress fracture in the fall, causing me to drop out of the Chicago marathon the week of the race and stop running for three months. Luckily, these weren’t my first running injuries, so while it was excruciating to be benched for a season, I had the number of a good physical therapist and an at-home recovery booster.

Two years before, I injured my calf while training for the New York City marathon. My physical therapist’s office, Finish Line Physical Therapy, offered the use of Normatec 3 Legs compression boots as a complimentary post-session perk. I hadn’t heard of or tried any sort of compression boots prior to starting physical therapy and was thankful for the chance to relax after an hour of strength-training exercises. I soon began to look forward to my physical-therapy appointments, craving the tension relief that only these boots seemed to give me (my colleague Jeremy Rellosa wrote more about six months of testing the boots here ). When my calf eventually healed and I stopped going to physical therapy for the time being, I longed for the comfort of those goofy space-age compression boots. But they were far too expensive and far too large for my small Brooklyn apartment.

Then, like magic, Hyperice reached out to me about their more portable, bootless version of the boot: the Normatec Go . I called some in to test and have been using them ever since. These sleeves are designed to fit over only the calves and, as such, they have half the bulk of the boots. However, they still offer the heft of the bigger model. There are seven levels of compression intensity that cycle through three different compression zones for a period of either 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. While they’re not physically connected to each other, the sleeves work in tandem: Once you adjust the intensity on one side, it automatically adjusts the other calf to that setting as well through Bluetooth.

The magic of the Go boots lies in how you’re able to target your calves. I have what seems like forever tight calves — see: my many, many injuries — and when I’m short on time and just want some post-run relief, these are the perfect thing to wear as I sit at my desk or relax with my breakfast. (I’m even wearing them now.) In just 15 mins, or up to 60 mins, if I have the time, they squeeze out my sore, tight calves in one big tight hug. I usually like to use them after a long running session (for me, that’s ten miles or more when marathon training) to prevent soreness the next day, but they provide quick relief after any length of run. And because they are compact, they are also great for travel. I’ve taken them on road trips to Georgia, New Hampshire, Nantucket, and New Jersey, and I brought them on the plane to California. I look forward to sticking them in my carry-on when I travel for the Chicago Marathon this fall (and to using them in my hotel after the race).

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

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But How Does the Worm Get in Your Brain?

And other questions about parasites.

By Dana G. Smith and Dani Blum

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s disclosure that a doctor apparently found a dead worm in his brain has sparked questions about what brain parasites are, the damage they can cause and how, exactly, they get there.

How do parasites turn up in people? And what can they do to the brain?

Brain parasites encompass far more than worms. There are “legions” of organisms that can affect the brain, said Scott Gardner, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who specializes in parasites. In addition to worms, common brain parasites include single-celled organisms such as Toxoplasma gondii and some amoebas.

The damage varies depending on the type of parasite and where it ends up in the brain. “Some of them actively invade the tissues and destroy tissues,” said Dr. Daniel Pastula, chief of neuro-infectious diseases and global neurology at University of Colorado Medicine. Others cause problems because of the inflammatory reaction that they trigger.

Humans are typically exposed to tapeworms through raw or undercooked food or through food contaminated with feces.

“A lot of these things are transmitted to humans through feces,” said Dr. Edith L. Graham, a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine.

Doctors consulted by The New York Times speculated that Mr. Kennedy described symptoms of an infection with larvae from the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, one of multiple types of tapeworm that can infect the brain. When a person accidentally swallows pork tapeworm eggs, the eggs hatch in the intestines, and the larvae can travel to other organs, including the brain. There, they form cysts, causing a condition known as neurocysticercosis .

It can take months, or even years, for people to show signs of infection. Symptoms vary based on how many cysts develop and where they are. (Cysts can form in the eyes, muscles and spinal cord.) Generally, though, people with neurocysticercosis experience headaches and seizures, and they sometimes feel confused, struggle to pay attention and have issues with balance. The condition can be fatal.

Another type of parasite that can affect the brain is known as a brain-eating amoeba . Infections of this kind are extremely rare but can lead to a potentially fatal swelling of the brain or spinal cord, said Tajie H. Harris, an associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Virginia. The organisms enter through the nose when people swim in lakes and rivers, and then travel to the brain. People have also been infected through using neti pots or other sinus rinses with untreated or non-sterile water.

Toxoplasma gondii

One of the most common parasitic brain infections is toxoplasmosis. Over 40 million people in the United States may be infected with the parasite that causes that infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . People can be infected by eating undercooked meat or shellfish that is contaminated, by drinking contaminated water or by accidentally swallowing the parasite when they encounter it in cat feces, as when cleaning litter boxes.

The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can linger in humans for years — potentially, for someone’s entire life — but most people will not develop symptoms. “For the most part, our immune system does an amazing job at just handling and dealing with this parasite, allowing us to live our lives without ever knowing,” Dr. Harris said.

But it can make some people feel like they have the flu. People with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious illness and brain damage if infected, and developing fetuses can be severely affected if pregnant women are exposed. (That’s why doctors sometimes advise pregnant women to avoid coming into contact with cat litter.)

How do you figure out if you have a parasite?

“You wouldn’t know yourself, unless someone is looking,” Dr. Gardner said. Sometimes a patient’s blood can be tested for antibodies that are produced in response to a parasite. In other cases, doctors diagnose infections with an M.R.I. or C.T. scan.

Treatment options vary because infections span such a wide range. Many are treatable with antiparasitic drugs, which patients may need to take for weeks. Doctors may also prescribe steroids to help with inflammation. Some patients will undergo surgery to remove cysts.

In the United States, severe infections from brain parasites are rare, Dr. Pastula said, “but in other parts of the world, they’re more common.”

Fortunately, many of these infections are preventable, Dr. Pastula said. To lower your risk, especially while traveling internationally, he advised washing hands thoroughly before you eat or prepare food, cooking food properly and ensuring that the water you’re drinking is clean.

Dana G. Smith is a Times reporter covering personal health, particularly aging and brain health. More about Dana G. Smith

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum