e travel i group

Innovative travel solutions

Online travel agencies.

Fly more for less

Fly smart, enjoy more

Travel with ease

Airtech solutions.

Air Platform for Partners

Meta Search

We succeed because of our team & culture

Every day we strive to make the world smaller and more accessible for our customers. Our multicultural team of more than 2400+ passionate professionals is what makes us the industry’s tech wonder and probably the best in the world at what we do.

We have managed to build a strong corporate culture with high engagement and live after a set of three core values that drive the way we work and act: Play to Win, Sense of Urgency to be Excellent and Accountability & Cooperation.

Our Partners

Major partners.

Other Partners

Global Presence

Our global footprint, market countries, number of employees.

Suggested companies

Etraveligroup   Reviews

In the Travel & Vacation category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 1.1.

Most relevant

Worst company

Worst company . partial company. Guu company. Being jobless would be a better option rather to join this company. Stuid management and uneducated Team leads. Employes of Etraveli should be called slaves of management. I pee on the company face. Management eats guu all day

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

I booked a flight from Brindisi to Rome…

I booked a flight from Brindisi to Rome and the flight was delayed 5 hours and missed my connecting flight and had to buy a new ticket from Rome to Istanbul due to the engine failure it Air Italia. I am entitled to compensation by law yet Etraveli Group after months later informed me that because I booked a window seat they are not able to compensate me...although it's obligatory to pick a seat to check in on line...This is a breach of the law and then Etraveli Group shut the case after their ridiculous statement. Avoid this scam company

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Never buy beside seat Etraveligroup…

Never buy beside seat Etraveligroup when flying couples or freinds together. This is just their way to uncrease your bill. On departure flight we did not get seat together and on arrival our friends did not get beside seat together. When I claimed they said it was subject to availability. I paid $16 for nothing, I would have rather paid for seat which would cost me extra $6 in total round trip and peace of mind.

Date of experience : December 27, 2023

Bogus Company

Bogus Company, Everyone Must a lodge a complaint against them as they are operating a SCAM company, Lodge Complaint with ATIA investigates consumer complaints and Consumer AFFAIR. They are running Travel Agency under name Gotogate AS, Seat24 Travel AB, TripStack Inc Flightnetwork Trip.com. STAY AWAY FROM THEM. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THEM.

Date of experience : August 17, 2023

STAY AWAY FROM THIS FRAUDULENT COMPANY

STAY AWAY FROM THIS FRAUDULENT COMPANY. DO NOT USE OR BUY FROM THEIR BRANDS “GO TO GATE”, “MY TRIP” or “FLIGHT NETWORK”😡. This Indian Company has now rejected for the 3rd time a well documented claim using bogus/false arguments (reservation numbers do not match). Skyscanner, Expedia and Kayak should not allow this provider on their platforms! It affects their own image! I certainly won’t buy anything again from them!

Date of experience : September 25, 2023

SCAM!You'll never see your money again

SCAM!You'll never see your money again Refus de remboursement suite à annulation COVID19. Demandes de remboursement : 12. Réponse: 1 , un an plus tard et negative . Mytrip.com et Etraveli group jouent la carte de l'attentisme pendant plus d'un an pour que la demande arrive à expiration.Arnaque pur et dure.

Date of experience : May 25, 2021

Never buy anything through them!

Never buy anything through them! I really don't understand why Skyscanner, Momondo, Kayak or anyone else still cooperates with this firm. They promised the refund back within days, today they say the refund would be back no earlier than january 2024 - nonsense I will change the review if i have my money back by 18.10.2023

Date of experience : October 13, 2023

we needed to pay 175$ and we paid 412.11$!

I booked a flight through their website during the booking process I was told that the price is 87.5 dollars per person and a total of 175 dollars for a couple After the charge I was surprised that I was charged more than double!!! on my credit card and after a few minutes I received an email receipt stating that I charged $412.11!!!!!!! I immediately called their customer service, an indifferent representative answered me and said that he did see that I was charged more than what I should have been charged, I asked for a manager to give me more answers and he replied that he would forward a request to the manager and in addition attach documents to the email I understand that mistakes happen, but letting the customer deal with so much bureaucracy due to a mistake is not right! In any case, no manager called and until now my request has not been handled In the meantime, I was charged with credit. Pay attention to where you order from!! fraud!!!

Date of experience : January 17, 2024

Don't use this company!!

I booked a flight, which ended up changing and having the connection departure time the same as the landing time of the prior flight. For this reason my whole booking was cancelled two weeks from departure, as no reasonable alternatives were provided. Uncomfortable, however understandable so far. I had to book another flight (another £1500, £3000 spent so far) and I have now been chasing the refund for more than a month. However, apparently the airline has "not authorised" the refund yet. I have spoked and have written evidence from the airline that for the specific booking reference no refund request has been raised. Unfortunately you can only speak to a representative (start from scratch every time you speak to a new person and not helpful at all).

Date of experience : December 01, 2023

Company has mixed up with luggage

Company has mixed up with luggage. On our return flight we have to pay Airbaltic for luggage ourself. It was beginning of August. Still no reply. What a joke. Avoid. No mutch cheaper but extra head ache guaranteed.

Date of experience : August 12, 2023

Terrible company

Terrible company - directed to them through Skyscanner (who also will not take responsibility). Flights cancelled due to pandemic, went to rebook wanted double the cost of the flight and then informed by Virgin that the flights didn’t even exist. No responses or help forthcoming - lost all my savings for our 50th birthday present trip.

Date of experience : May 07, 2022

Had to pay twice

Booked baggage through them then had to pay at airport as wasnt booked with airline. This was in July, been complaining since and not resolved. Last email from them 1 month ago they were "investigating" nothing since. It's not a complicated case....!!! Avoid, terrible communications, terrible everything . Order number LGBYAW

Date of experience : July 05, 2022

Extremely unsatisfied with the service

Extremely unsatisfied with the service, we have lost a family member and all your company thinks about is taking money off people. The loss in the family is out of our control so we would appreciate a refund!!!!!! We need a refund as we cannot make the holiday. This is not a huge amount of money to you but it is for us.

Date of experience : November 08, 2023

Attention potential fraud risk - Mytrip (etraveli group)

After introducing card credentials and confirming flight purchase, page keeps loading for a long and Mytrip (etraveligroup) sends e-mail with "Unexpected error", asking to try the purchase again. If you do that, afterwards you will get 2 tickets and be charged 2x! If you cancel they might refund you partly, but will keep some "fees" for them (80€ in my case). Already tried to reach them through multiple channels, but never get a proper response.

Date of experience : March 22, 2022

Etraveli Travelstart is a scammer

Aviod flygresor.se, supersaver, travelstart, seat24. All these companies are from Etraveli. When we wanted to rebook our tickets, the airlines told us that the tickets had been refunded by this travel agency. We have never asked for any refund whatsoever, and the worst thing is, we never get any refund back after confronting this travel agency! We will report this issue to the police, Konsumentverket and ARN. I hope everyone who been scammed by them will do the same!

Date of experience : June 17, 2021

Poor poor company

My experience has been nothing less of awful, I've booked a flight from Manchester to Despanar (Bali). My connecting flight from Athens to Singapore was set to leave at 16:20, however, got changed to 12:30. This was the exact time I was meant to get into Athens. The colleagues on customer service are not helpful by any means, I believe this to be a managerial and corproate problem not providing a good level of training to their staff. Regardless, for the last two weeks I have been put through support teams etc.. and nothing has been achieved. It is safe to say that this company has given me a lot of worry and stress and is yet still to be sorted. In addition, I have suspicions that colleagues are given little to no power to change bookings, amend tickets etc. And is very difficult to get hold of any supervisor. I requested to speak to one but was put on a waiting list, I called. numerous times to ensure I was put on the waiting list and it's taking 3 days and I have not received a single call as of yet. I can confirm I will not be coming back to book a flight with MyTrip.com in the future. The best way is to book directly with the airlines, there are too many middlemen involved when booking flights with these sort of companies.

Date of experience : September 20, 2022

It is a big scam

It is a big scam. There is no contact possibilities and once you paid. Than forget your money. Any reason but you will mever get your money back Especially Lyudmyla Piddunba shame on you that you never response to messages They are a big scammer en fraude. Allen oplichters Mytrip is onderdeel van etraveli group Zeer slechte bedrijf

Date of experience : January 24, 2022

100 days later… still waiting for refund

Wish I could give zero stars. Purchased a plane ticket in Nov ‘22 from Dublin to Oregon on their subsidiary website, MyTrip. Notified January that flight was cancelled and I would be refunded the $468. Today is May 18 2023 and I am still waiting for this refund. I’ve called MyTrip/etraveli multiple times. They insist they released the refund to my credit card who has no record of this. I strongly believe this is an elaborate scam and this company needs to be sued.

Date of experience : January 27, 2023

Company owns and operates several…

Company owns and operates several online scam travel sites that take your money then cancel or change flights (often with no advice) leaving you with no means of contacting them urgently - typically 4weeks for a reply and if you do manage to speak to someone on the phone they will lie, still refuse refunds and hang up on you. Airlines known to be cohorts with this company include Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways. Do not use.

Date of experience : January 29, 2023

Date of experience : April 19, 2022

• New Orleans
• Join Our Mailing List
• 321-517-8876
• Mon-Fri, 12 PM to 5pm (Est)

Your Journey Begins With Group E. Travel

Fabulous Experiences Awaits At Group Travel Destinations Across The World

Ready to peer into the world in a special way? Step beyond your comfort zone with Group E-Travel! Let your family and friends join you to make the best memories ever. Bounce from the hustle of life and treat yourself to a spectacular view. Whether you need a serene environment or have the energy to burn out, we have various group travel destinations for you.

Start An Adventurous Journey To The Best Group Travel Destinations

Group E-Travel welcomes you on a trip of learning and unlearning. And, of course, some great fun with like minds. Choose suitable destinations for group travelers , from the Nile Cruise in Egypt to Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Is Group Travel Worth It?

Short answer? Yes! Here is why:

Hassle-Free

Have no time for planning your next adventure? Our dedicated team saves you the effort and time with group booking with friends and family. We conduct extensive research to give our customers the best experiences possible, locally and internationally. Simply book your spot(s) and have our team member pick you up at the airport on the d-day. Depending on your destination and package, you can end up at a modern hotel or forest bungalow.

Budget-Friendly

Working on the perfect budget and how to save during the trip? That could take a while, especially with the ever-increasing living standards. What if you could spend less by including your family and friends? We partner with different companies so our clients can enjoy affordable rates with well-planned trips. We secure the best deals for you by booking in large numbers. We work on everything from the airport pickup and accommodation to the experiences, offering a great value for your money. Moreover, we try to make our payment options as flexible as possible to accommodate your circumstances.

Meet Your New Travel Buddies

Traveling solo can always be lonely and intimidating. Opt for group travels and meet people who love traveling just like you. These are people who also wish to wind off at scenic places while learning about new cultures.

Step Into The Unknown With Confidence

It's no secret that solo travel packages can feel insecure. Our group travel packages seek to make you confident, so you can make the most of your trip. It's also the ideal opportunity to unearth new interests and bond with your family and friends without school, work, and other responsibilities coming in between. Just you, them, thrilling activities, and fantastic discoveries.

Early Bird Special $50 OFF

 $100 OFF

Our Memories

Dream Explore Discover

Join Our Travel And Lifestyle Community

We keep working on doubling the fun and experiences for our clients. Our passionate team spends a great deal of time making your group travel destinations as affordable and valuable as possible. We have the best deals for you whether you target the peak or off-peak seasons. Contact us to learn more about our travel packages today.

Our Partners

Sign Up Now

Join our email list, forgot your password.

Philippine Travel Information System

Simplify your travel with eTravel

eTravel is FREE

Click here to Sign In

Download eGovPH app

In collaboration with

In compliance with Ease of Doing Business Law (R.A. 11032), an act promoting ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services.

• Share full article

Planning to Combine Business and Leisure Travel? You’re Not Alone.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are trying to figure out where their duty of care obligations begin and end.

Credit... Aart-Jan Venema

Supported by

By Amy Zipkin

• April 7, 2024

On a Sunday in late January, Melinda Buchmann, who lives in Florida and supervises client relations for RevShoppe, a 30-person remote company advising organizations on sales techniques and strategies, arrived in Banff, Alberta, to help set up a four-day company meeting.

The last day of the event, her husband, Josh, a director of strategic partnerships for the delivery company DoorDash , who also works remotely, joined her. They spent two leisurely days hiking in Banff National Park and visiting Lake Louise.

“I take advantage, because I don’t know when I’m going to return,” Ms. Buchmann said of the decision to combine downtime with a business trip.

As postpandemic work life has changed, and arrangements now include full-time office attendance as well as hybrid and remote work, so, too, has business travel. The phenomenon known as bleisure, or blended business and leisure travel, was initially embraced largely by digital nomads . But such combined travel is now also popular with people outside that group . Allied Market Research, a subsidiary of Allied Analytics, based in Portland, Ore., estimated that the bleisure travel market was $315.3 billion in 2022 and would reach $731.4 billion by 2032.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are struggling to determine where their legal obligation to protect employees from harm — their so-called duty of care — begins and ends. And workers may think that because their trip started with business, they will get all the help they need if something goes wrong on the leisure end. Instead, they should generally consider the leisure part of a trip as a regular vacation where they cover all expenses and contingencies.

Companies are responsible for knowing where their employees are during a business trip, covering expenses if an accident or emergency occurs, securing new lodging if a hotel is damaged, even swapping out a broken down rental car. Still, it’s not entirely clear if that coverage ends completely after the conference or the last client meeting.

Companies recognize that threats are increasing, said Robert Cole, senior research analyst focusing on lodging and leisure travel at Phocuswright, a market research company. They are trying to figure out how to take care of a valuable company resource, the employee, without leaving themselves open to financial risk or potential litigation.

“Crafting a comprehensive policy that balances business objectives, employee well-being and legal considerations can be challenging,” Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, head of tourism at ICF, a consulting and technology services company in Reston, Va., wrote in an email.

Employees may be on their own without realizing it and may be surprised by out-of-pocket expenses if they require hospital care abroad or evacuation, said Suzanne Morrow, chief executive of InsureMyTrip , an online insurance travel comparison site in Warwick, R.I.

Ms. Morrow said medical coverage provided by a company “is generally only for the dates of the actual business trip abroad.” If travelers are extending the trip for personal travel, she added, “they would want to secure emergency medical coverage for that additional time abroad.”

Employers and employees are left to figure out when the business portion of the trip ends and the leisure segment begins, a significant detail if an employee has a medical emergency. “Where does the corporation liability end?” said Kathy Bedell, senior vice president at BCD Travel, a travel management company.

Companies have varying policies to deal with the new travel amalgam. The chief executive of RevShoppe, Patricia McLaren, based in Austin, Texas, said the company provided flexible travel options and allowed employees to work anywhere they choose.

Even so, there are constraints. The company requires all employees, including executives, to sign liability and insurance waivers when they are on a voluntary company-sponsored trip, such as an off-site meeting. Such waivers typically place responsibility on employees for their own well-being. And if they bring someone, they are responsible for that person’s expenses.

Employees are responsible for requesting the paid time off and notifying their managers of their whereabouts, although that part is not a requirement. Managers have to ensure adequate staffing, Ms. McLaren said.

Elsewhere, employees may not bother to mention the leisure portion of their trip. Eliot Lees, a vice president and managing director at ICF, said he had been on trips as a child with his parents when they combined business and leisure. His parents were academics, who would piggyback vacations onto conferences.

Now he does the same. “I don’t think I ever asked for approval,” he said. (ICF has no formal business-leisure travel policy. It’s allowed as part of personal time off.) After a conference in the Netherlands last year, he spent four days hiking in the northern part of the country.

“I go anywhere, and take more risks than I should,” he said. He said he didn’t carry personal travel or accident insurance.

Any nonchalance may quickly evaporate if a threat emerges. Security experts say even low-risk locations can become high-risk for a few days or weeks of the year.

“Companies are concerned about losing visibility into a traveler’s whereabouts if they booked flights and hotels outside their corporate travel management company,” Benjamin Thorne, senior intelligence manager in London for Crisis24, a subsidiary of GardaWorld, wrote in an email. “The company may think the traveler is in one city when, in reality, they could have booked a holiday package to another nearby city. This lack of visibility by the company makes it difficult to support travelers when a disaster occurs.”

He also raised the possibility that “a traveler with bleisure travel reservations and expectations may find their work trip canceled due to changes in the risk environment or company policy, disrupting their leisure plans.”

Will a company step in off hours if there’s a problem? “That depends on how you are booked,” Mr. Cole, the senior research analyst at Phocuswright, said. A rule of thumb is the further you get from corporate control, the greater the gray area gets.

Half of GoldSpring Consulting’s clients take the responsibility for the entire trip, said Will Tate, a partner at the consultancy based in Cross Roads, Texas, and a certified public accountant. They don’t want the reputational risk. The other half say: “The business trip ended Friday. That’s when we end our duty of care.”

Some companies are trying to define and narrow the gray area. “If you are clearly on personal time, there is no legal requirement for your employer to provide for you,” said Nicole Page, a lawyer whose practice includes employment law at Reavis Page Jump in New York.

Uber provides employees with advisories before a trip, travel assessments, safety tips while traveling and emergency travel assistance, including medical aid, airport travel support, urgent and emergency assistance, and lost or stolen personal property insurance whether they are on business or pleasure travel or a combination.

And at DoorDash, Chris Cherry, head of global safety and security, wrote in an email that “while personal travel is not something we track, we have received requests to extend our travel support capabilities to personal travel.” Mr. Cherry said in those cases, the company has manually added employee leisure itineraries to its travel risk management system and “provided the same level of overwatch that we do for regular business travel.”

The Buchmanns plan to travel this month to Barcelona, Spain, for the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention. DoorDash will have a booth, and Mr. Buchmann will work on the exhibit floor and also entertain clients.

Ms. Buchmann will accompany him. She plans to go sightseeing in the morning, and work in the afternoons and evenings Barcelona time. She will also take three days of paid time off and has shared her plans with Ms. McLaren, the RevShoppe chief executive.

They will stay a day after the conference and plan to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres. “I’m sure there will be no shortage of tapas and window shopping along way,” Mr. Buchmann said. He expects to be back at work the next Monday.

Explore Our Business Coverage

Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping the world of business..

Stopping a Huge Cyberattack: A Microsoft engineer noticed something was off on a piece of software he worked on. He soon discovered someone was probably trying to gain access to computers all over the world .

Hoping for an A.I. Productivity Boost:  Economists doubt that A.I. is already visible in productivity data . Big companies, however, talk often about adopting it to improve efficiency.

Cashing In on Graffiti:  Brands, developers and even officials are embracing the global appeal of street art , but the boom comes with questions about preserving a neighborhood’s cultural cachet.

‘Twitter Menace’ or True Believer?: The deep-pocketed tech investor Garry Tan says he wants to save San Francisco. But his pugnacious online habits are making him enemies .

A C.E.O.’s Bold Claims:  Amira Yahyaoui, a human rights activist, promoted the success of her student aid start-up, Mos. Some of her statements do not add up .

Advertisement

La Rochelle Building, Christchurch, Dublin 8

EI Travel Group is at the forefront of the tourism industry in Ireland.  The Group offers a vast range of engaging tours and experiences over  six well-known brands including;

Irish Day Tours | EI Travel Coach Hire | Extreme Ireland Adventures | Irish Whiskery Museum | The Riddler Restaurant  |  Tourist Office Dublin.

We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service and attention to detail over all our brands which has earned us thousands of 5 Star reviews by our customers from around the world. Whether it’s on one of our tours tailored for inquisitive travellers or maybe you want to discover the intriguing story if Irish whiskey at our museum.  Possibly an evening at the Riddler Restaurant serving Modern Irish food ?  Whatever you decide, we look forward to hosting you and your clients in Ireland.

F.I.T Services Activity Holidays Adventure B&B / Guest House Golf Packages Honeymoons Hotels Motor Cycling Holidays Short Breaks Small Group Adventure Student And Language

Group Travel: Activity holidays Adventure Groups Coach Tours Golf Holidays Group Travel Language And Learning Special Interest Student Groups Wild Atlantic Way Tours

Conference & Incentive Conference Corporate Meetings Incentive Wild Atlantic Way Programme

Languages Spoken English French German Japanese Mandarin Chinese Polish Russian Scandinavian Languages Spanish

Filter / Search Members

Languages Spoken Arabic Czech English French German Greek Hungarian Italian Japanese Lithuanian Mandarin Chinese Other Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Scandinavian Languages Slovakian Spanish Swiss German

FIT Services Activity Holidays Adventure B&B / Guest House Car Hire Chauffeur Drive Vacations Cultural Tours Of Ireland Fly And Drive Golf Packages Honeymoons Hotels Motor Cycling Holidays Other Private and Themed Tours Private Family Tours Private Transfers Rail Vacations Self Catering Self-Drive Vacations Short Breaks Small Group Adventure Student And Language Unique Experiences Wild Atlantic Way Holidays

Group Travel Services Activity holidays Adventure Groups Choral Coach Tours Cruise Excursions Faith Travel Family Reunions Golf Holidays Group Travel Knitting Tours Language And Learning Motor Cycling Holidays Other Small Group Special Interest Sports Student Groups Study Tours Wellness escapes Wild Atlantic Way Tours

Conference and Incentive Services Award Ceremonies Conference Corporate Meetings Incentive Meetings Product Launches Transfers Wild Atlantic Way Programme

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

8 Trending Destinations to Visit in 2023

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Program These Numbers Into Your Phones Before Traveling Internationally

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

For independent explorers who don’t want to miss out on these amazing destinations, book your hotel stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Porto to Lisbon: 7-Nt, Small-Group Portugal...

Indus Travels

Luxe, 12-Night Spain, France, Monaco &...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

The Dream Team at Your Service

Meet Toni, the visionary leader behind T A E Travel. Toni began her journey in the travel industry as a passionate explorer with an insatiable curiosity for the world. Her deep appreciation for different cultures and experiences inspired her to turn her passion into a profession.

Having served in the armed forces as a veteran, Toni brings a strong sense of discipline, dedication, and attention to detail to the world of travel. Her military background instilled in her a profound respect for planning and execution, which she seamlessly integrates into T A E Travel's operations.

Under her guidance, T A E Travel has flourished, becoming a trusted name in the travel industry. Toni continues to lead with a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every journey curated by T A E Travel reflects her unwavering dedication to providing unforgettable experiences for our clients

Welcome to T A E Travel, where we transform your travel dreams into reality. Founded on a passion for exploration and a commitment to impeccable service, we are your trusted partner in crafting extraordinary journeys.

At T A E Travel, we specialize in curating bespoke travel experiences tailored to your unique preferences. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, cultural immersion in historic cities, or adventurous escapades in exotic landscapes, our team of expert travel agents is dedicated to exceeding your expectations.

With a global network of partners, we ensure seamless logistics and exclusive access to hidden gems. Embark on a journey with us, and let T A E Travel redefine the way you experience the world. Your adventure awaits.

Join us for an unforgettable birthday celebration!  Set sail with CEO Toni on a Royal Cruise.  Experience fine dining, entertainment, happy hour and networking opportunities.  

RSVP now to secure your spot and celebrate in style with esteemed clients.  

Don't miss the exclusive event!

Virgin travelers turn to T A E Travel because we understand their unique needs and concerns. We offer a reassuring hand to guide them through the intricacies of travel, providing expert advice, personalized itineraries, and seamless arrangements. Our CEO, a military veteran, instills a sense of security and precision in every journey. T A E Travel's commitment to safety, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences resonates with those taking their first steps into the world of exploration. Our reputation for reliability and excellence has made us the go-to choice for virgin travelers seeking to embark on their adventures with confidence and excitement.

CEO/Founder 281-406-8778 [email protected] 

President Of Media 713-870-5110 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 832-731-6542 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 713-417-6765 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 832-631-5903 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 713-320-0835 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 832-420-4610 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 281-798-1664 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 832-282-2308 [email protected] 

Travel Advisor 713-582-3579 [email protected]

Travel Advisor 832-716-6569 [email protected]

Travel Advisor

[email protected]

Watch CBS News

Delta is changing how it boards passengers starting May 1

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 12, 2024 / 12:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Delta Air Lines is changing its boarding process beginning May 1 in an effort to speed up loading passengers onto planes. 

If you're flying on the airline, you'll have to know what zone number you're in to board in the correct sequence. The move is hardly innovative, experts say, and instead reflects a return to the traditional way of boarding passengers followed by most airlines. 

That's because Delta is introducing numbered boarding zones for all flights, meaning that customers will have a zone number assigned to them instead of boarding groups labelled by airline status or fare class, such as "Sky Priority." The airline stressed that boarding orders will not change, but the group names will.

When Delta introduced its branded fare boarding process in 2018, it called zone boarding "a thing of the past." But the airline is now reverting to the traditional way of boarding people, in what some experts call an unusual move for an innovative airline.

Customers who need more assistance will still pre-board as usual before passengers in Zone 1, which will comprise Delta One and First Class customers. Zone 2 will include Diamond Medallion Members and Delta Premium Select ticket holders. 

Delta Comfort+ customers will board in Zone 3, followed by Sky Priority in Zone 4, according to a  chart  on the airline's website. Zone numbers will go up to 8, when basic economy passengers will board. 

Delta said the change is small, but could make the process easier for infrequent fliers and non-English speakers who only have to listen for a number to know when it's their turn to board. The change will also make the process less stressful for gate agents, Delta added. 

Still, some travel experts questioned whether the change would meaningfully speed up the boarding process. 

"They're not changing who boards when or the sequence," Clarkson University professor John Milne, an expert on airline boarding, told CBS MoneyWatch. "All they are changing is the names of what passenger group boards next." 

In a statement to CBS MoneyWatch, Delta said the "simple change" will "provide customers more clarity into the boarding sequence and make the boarding process more intuitive—especially for infrequent travelers and/or customers who might face a language barrier at the gate."

Delta added, "Numbered zones will also align more closely with our joint venture and international partners, providing international customers a more simplified, consistent experience when traveling on mixed-metal itineraries. "  

CEO Ed Bastian addressed the change on the company's first quarter earnings call Wednesday. "When you have a number and you're standing in line, we are all trained to know when it's our turn," Bastian said.

Superficial changes?

The change is fairly superficial, Milne said, noting there are other changes Delta and its competitors could make to boarding processes that would make them more efficient. 

The airline still prioritizes passengers with airline status or who paid for a higher class fare on a particular flight. Instead, it would be more efficient to board passengers based on where on the aircraft they are seated, Milne said. 

For example, boarding window seat customers in the back half of the plane first would speed up the process. "That way you would minimize some of the congestion," he said. 

Delta instead assigns passengers to boarding groups based on their loyalty to the airline and ticket prices. 

Travel expert Scott Keyes also emphasized that the change does little to meaningfully improve or expedite the boarding process. All Delta is doing is reverting to the traditional way of boarding passengers and scrapping its branded boarding process that began in 2018, he noted.

"The fact that they've reverted to numbered zones, like those employed by virtually all other airlines, speaks volumes," Keyes said. "Traditionally, Delta has been seen as the innovative airline and others have followed suit. In this case, Delta's innovation didn't pan out, and they've been forced to once again mimic American and United's boarding processes."

To be sure, any move that would actually speed up passenger boarding could give an airline a leg up on competitors.

"Speeding up the boarding process by even 10 minutes can prevent delays, and if sustained, allow airlines to add an additional daily flight to the schedule," Keyes said.

The airline posted a $37 million first-quarter profit on Wednesday and said demand for air travel is strong heading into the busy summer travel season. Travelers are flocking to book trips despite a string of recent air safety incidents, including a panel blowing off a Boeing 737 Max aircraft during an Alaska Airlines flight.

• Delta Air Lines

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News Streaming to discuss her reporting.

More from CBS News

Rupert Murdoch is selling his triplex penthouse. See what it looks like.

Stamp prices poised to rise again, for the 2nd time this year

Why you should open a high-yield savings account with inflation increasing again

How to use a home equity loan to buy a second home

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Booking partnership with OpenTable
• Booking partnership with Resy
• USA - English - USD
• Jean-Georges Vongerichten On His New York

The Starry chef breaks down his go-to spots in Gotham.

Editor's Pick Chef Interview My NYC NYC

There are few chefs known by just their first name, but Jean-Georges has built his empire around it. The downtown denizen has revamped Manhattan from downtown (the Tin Building) to midtown ( 425 Park Avenue ), while still retaining his Two MICHELIN Stars for his eponymous Columbus Circle boîte. 

However, leave it to the chef to frequent some of New York's coolest hidden gems including Soho sushi celeb magnet Omen Azen, haute book shop McNally Jackson, and haute West Village spot Dante (for Negronis on tap).

Below, get Vongerichten's spots for everything from a quick coffee spot to the places where you can linger a little over sumptuous meals. 

Coffee: 

A neighborhood favorite of mine is The Elk. Before I start my workday, I stop by for my daily cappuccino. I’m very particular about how my cappuccino is made and The Elk, from my first visit to my visit this morning (9 years after they opened), nails it every time.

A few favorite restaurants:

Omen Azen is a restaurant I have been going to for many, many years. The family-owned business is in the heart of Soho and offers the best Kyoto-style cuisine I have had in NYC. They also have a location in Kyoto which I have yet to visit (however, I have an upcoming trip to Kyoto so I might have to stop in.)

Whenever I am craving tacos, Atla is my go-to. There are so many options in NYC and while Los Tacos is a close second, if I am looking for a sit-down experience, Atla it is! Their mole, agua frescas, margaritas and seasonal offerings are always so flavorful, hitting all of the right spots. I love sitting at the bar on my own or at one of the corner tables with a group of friends or family. Inside tip – get the Overproof Margarita, it’s my go-to.

I have been coming to Blue Ribbon Sushi for many, many years. I’m actually a big fan of all of their establishments - every year for Super Bowl, I host people at my house, and we order Blue Ribbon fried chicken! Blue Ribbon Sushi is my family’s go-to restaurant for family dinner. From my brother Philippe and his family to my son Cedric, Louise, Chloe and more – when everyone shows up, we essentially take up half the restaurant! Amazing sushi, sake and more, every time.

I recently visited Torrisi for the first time and while I enjoy going to all the Major Food Group establishments regularly no matter what city I am in, I thought Torrisi was very special and delicious. Just a unique blend of Italian, Chinese and American ingredients and flavors.

Where we might find you on your day off:

Some people may be surprised to hear this given the demands of my job, but I love to read – not on my phone, not on a computer, but a physical book or magazine. I love the selection at McNally Jackson in The Seaport – their selection isn't overwhelming, it's the perfect mix of renowned vs. rising writers. The team there are extremely knowledgeable, and I love the coffee shop. They also have a great selection of original greeting cards and stationery.

Cocktails/Late Night:   You might be sensing a theme here… Japan. The Japanese are true masters of the Highball and my favorite in NYC is at Katana Kitten. All of their cocktails are great but I especially love their Highballs – signatures and seasonals. The overall vibe in there as well, makes me miss Tokyo so much and gets me so excited to visit every year.

Located just around the corner from my apartment, I love going to Dante on Hudson Street for a Negroni on Tap (or two.) Whether I’m catching up with friends or going for a night cap, they always welcome with me with such warmth and have my Negroni waiting for me. In case you’re feeling hungry and want to nibble on something, the charcoal oven baked bread, steak tartare and oysters are great shareable plates.

Hero image: Courtesy of Jean-Georges

Paris in the Spring: 15 Things to See and Do

Have you booked a short break in Paris? Explore our list of Inspector-approved activities to enjoy the warmer weather in the French capital.

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

One, Two and Three MICHELIN Keys

Just as the MICHELIN Stars recognize outstanding restaurants, hotels now have their own distinction.

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Penny Is the Seafood Restaurant New Yorkers Have Always Wanted

For their sophomore project, the Claud team ace the ocean.

Lithuania Joins The MICHELIN Guide Collection!

On 13th June 2024, the first MICHELIN Guide selection to Lithuania will be unveiled, covering not only the capital, Vilnius, but the rest of the country too. Watch this space to be the first to discover this new selection...

2024 Florida MICHELIN Bib Gourmands

4 new wallet friendly spots join the Florida selection.

New Additions to MICHELIN Guide New York April 2024

10 delicious and wallet friendly additions are coming to the Big Apple.

The MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2024: Newly Awarded Restaurants Announced Including One 2-Star and two MICHELIN Green Stars

Restaurant Yugen is newly awarded Two MICHELIN Stars, and 17 restaurants are recognised with One MICHELIN Star. The MICHELIN Green Star highlights the sustainable commitment of two new establishment. Two Special Awards are presented: the MICHELIN Mentor Chef and the MICHELIN Service Award.

Eric Ripert on His Midtown Manhattan

The chef behind Three MICHELIN Star Le Bernadin breaks down his favorite spots in New York.

Inspectors' Favorite Spots for First Timers

New to New York? These are tried and true.

San Sabino Is Don Angie on Seafood

The Italian-American pros behind Don Angie just unleashed their next hit.

The Most Luxurious Hotels on an Unlimited Budget in New York City

If price isn't an issue, then try a stay at these refined rooms.

The Best MICHELIN Guide Hotels for Design Lovers in New York City

From Botero sculptures to Poltrona Frau furniture, these spaces up the ante on fabulous.

The Best Pet-Friendly MICHELIN Guide Hotels in New York City

Because even furry friends should experience the best.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, digital standard + weekend, digital premium + weekend.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend newspaper delivered Saturday plus standard digital access
• FT Weekend Print edition
• FT Weekend Digital edition
• FT Weekend newspaper delivered Saturday plus complete digital access
• Everything in Preimum Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print
• Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

I 've always considered myself a fiercely independent traveler. I've navigated more than 50 countries on my own, and while I have sometimes booked short excursions, usually for a day, it had never occurred to me to book a group tour. That changed when I decided to take two of my children on a family tour with Intrepid Travel . 

I had planned on spending our winter break in the Middle East but changed my mind at the last minute due to safety concerns . Because of the abrupt change, I knew I wouldn't have time to plan an itinerary, book hotels and arrange transportation before our departure date. However, I didn’t want to let that stop me from having an adventure. I'm glad I took a chance on a group tour because it changed the way I travel. Here's how.

BEST OF THE BEST: 15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

The trip planning was stress-free

I spent a little time comparing tour companies but quickly honed in on Intrepid. The company offers a variety of itineraries for families at different price points, and a few of my friends had been on its tours and had a good experience. I also liked that Intrepid offers specialized tours for different types of travelers, including family tours . 

At first I planned on an "original" style family tour but upgraded to a "comfort" tour, which included more activities and meals along with upgraded accommodations. Although it cost more, the company's 10-day Morocco Family Holiday tour was still within my budget and looked like a good value. 

BEFORE YOU GO: The 5 most important questions to ask yourself before booking a tour  

Once I committed to a tour, my planning was essentially done. That was a huge relief. I normally spend hours searching for hotels , figuring out some must-do activities in every location along with some off-the-beaten-track attractions, researching transportation options, and gathering restaurant recommendations. Although I often find it's fun, it’s also time-consuming and can become draining for trips that involve several stops.

Even though a group tour was not exactly what I would have planned on my own, Intrepid's Morocco itinerary was fairly close. I thought giving up some control was well worth the trade-off of not having to do all the planning on my own. Because Intrepid uses local teams based at its tour destinations to plan trips, I also hoped having a local involved would bring me to places I never would have found on my own. 

SAVE MONEY: Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts

Instead of reading hotel reviews and booking entry tickets, I spent the weeks leading up to my family vacation learning more about Moroccan culture. I knew this would enrich my experience more than figuring out all of the details for a trip abroad to run smoothly. I'm usually a mix of excited and stressed in the week or two leading up to a big trip. This time I was mostly excited, and my stress was at a minimum. 

Though I won’t stick exclusively to group tours in the future, this trip taught me to not sweat the small stuff so much. I don’t need to spend so much time finding the perfect hotel or restaurant to have a great trip.

Group trips are fantastic for solo travelers and parents traveling on their own

Before I had a family, I often traveled on my own. Though I enjoyed solo travel , it was lonely at times, even more so when I stopped staying at youth hostels and lost access to the fantastic communities they provide. Now I frequently travel with my two younger children. They are fantastic travel companions, but on longer trips I sometimes find myself longing for adult interaction or an extra pair of hands. Additionally, even though my kids usually get along well, they sometimes get sick of each other in the absence of any other playmates. 

TRAVEL WITH TEENS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers

On my Intrepid trip, I had other adults to talk to throughout the day. That was a refreshing change from my usual experience of going a week or more without speaking to another adult for more than five minutes, usually for transactional matters like checking into a hotel. My kids also quickly made friends with the other children on the trip. Not surprisingly, all of the families on the trip had similar interests and an adventurous spirit. My children and I were the only Americans in the group, and it was interesting learning more about life in New Zealand, Canada and Australia from the other families.

The parents in the group quickly started leaning on one another for support. One mom, also traveling alone with her children, asked me to take one of her daughters on an outing so she could get some one-on-one time with her other child. I asked a different mom to keep an eye on my son while I packed our things for the next day. It was nice not feeling as if I was on my own. 

UNIQUE TRIPS: Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you

This "it takes a village" spirit is something I want to bring with me in my future travels. Although it’s not possible to replicate the experience of traveling with other families, it is possible to seek out connections away from home. For example, on a recent trip, my son wanted to play soccer with local children who lived near our hotel. Instead of rushing him away so we could squeeze in another activity, I let him play. He wound up meeting up with the other kids every night we were there, sharing candy and communicating with an app. The nights playing soccer were a highlight of that trip for him and something I probably would not have let him do before my experience with a group tour.  

I appreciated a slower pace

I have serious FOMO and often pack too much into my days when I travel. When I first reviewed the itinerary, I noted right away that it had downtime and even an entire free afternoon built into the trip. Though I know many people enjoy that balance, I was worried I would feel bored and come away feeling as if I had traveled halfway around the world and missed seeing all there is to do. 

TRIP REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s Peru tour is a riveting family adventure

The reality is it’s impossible to do everything. Trying is exhausting and impossible. There is always something left on the to-do list at the end of the trip. It was refreshing to go into a trip not trying to see an entire country in two weeks and being OK with that from the outset. 

Though there were a couple of other things I would have liked to have squeezed in, I was very happy with the balance of activities and downtime. Other than all-inclusive family vacations and trips to family resorts , I normally don’t schedule time to just relax while I am traveling. It was really nice to have time to read and play UNO with my kids. I also liked that Intrepid had a couple of optional activities for those of us who didn’t want quite as much downtime as others. 

MONEY MATTERS: How much should you tip on a guided tour? All your gratuity questions answered  

I do still feel pressure to see and do everything when I travel, but going on a group trip helped me see the value in traveling at a slower pace. Some of my favorite moments from my Intrepid trip happened during scheduled downtime; they gave me and my children time to just enjoy being with one another without the pressures of work and school. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me as I’ve planned future trips. 

Learning from a local is invaluable 

One reason I chose Intrepid is the company uses all local guides, and most tours use the same guide throughout the trip. It may sound obvious that learning from locals is the best way to get to know a country, but I had underestimated just how valuable traveling with a local guide would be. 

TOUR REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s South Africa tour is a lesson in culture, history, and beauty  

I learned much about Moroccan culture through our tour guide, who was always willing to answer questions about his life and traditions. He even brought us to his family home to meet his parents and niece, which was a very special experience. Aside from being able to share the history of everywhere we visited, I also liked that our guide warned us about scams to watch out for, shared the tipping culture and gave advice on bargaining. He was also helpful when it came to practical matters like finding an ATM.  

For future trips, I will be more open to taking guided tours with local guides, even if it’s just for a few hours. I will also make it a point to try to talk to more locals, as long as I can do so without bothering them too much. 

Even though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, not only did I have a great experience on my trip with Intrepid, it has also forever changed the way I plan to travel.

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from TourScoop:

• 9 best travel companies that specialize in women-only tours
• 8 best senior travel tour companies
• 4 great tour companies with independent tours

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Delta Is Changing How It Classifies Boarding Groups

The changes will go into effect next month.

Chris Rank/Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is simplifying the way it boards its aircraft, becoming the latest airline to make changes to the boarding process.

Starting May 1, Delta will change how it classifies the different boarding zones, switching to a number-based system, the airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure . The actual boarding order will remain the same with the new system.

The renamed boarding zones are being introduced “to provide customers with more clarity about [the] boarding sequence,” the airline said in a statement .

“Customer boarding passes — including printed boarding passes and those accessed via the Fly Delta app — will reflect the new zone numbers, along with updated sequencing on airport screens and in gate announcements,” the airline added.

The airline will then welcome customers in the following order: 

• Zone 1: Delta One and first class customers
• Zone 2: Diamond Medallion members and Delta Premium Select Cabin passengers
• Early access: Customers traveling with car seats and strollers
• Zone 3: Delta Comfort+ passengers
• Zone 4: Sky Priority customers
• Zone 5: Main Cabin 1 passengers
• Zone 6: Main Cabin 2 passengers
• Zone 7: Main Cabin 3 passengers
• Zone 8: Basic economy passengers

The airline told T+L the new numbered zones will make the boarding process more self-intuitive and align more closely with Delta’s international partners . However, Delta will continue to offer pre-boarding for customers who need extra time or assistance as well as active-duty military members and Delta 360 members.

At the airport, travelers boarding in zones one to four will use the Sky Priority lane, while travelers boarding in zones five to eight will use the airline’s general boarding lane. Delta said the boarding lane signs will be updated to show the new boarding zone numbers.

Delta isn’t alone in changing how it boards its aircraft. Late last year, United Airlines updated its boarding procedure to allow travelers in window and middle seats to board earlier in an effort to speed up the process.

Total solar eclipse 2024: Watch video and see photos of the sky spectacle

EAGLE PASS, Texas − In a moment of cosmic alignment that was precisely predicted yet undeniably mysterious , the moon crept across the face of the sun as seen from Earth, casting its shadow onto the United States on Monday.

And then it was over: A total eclipse of the sun has come and gone.  

The partial shadow crossed into the U.S. in Texas just after noon local time, and a bit more than an hour later, the minutes of “totality” began. The total eclipse of the sun then traced a path from southern Texas to northern Maine, where it exited into Canada and the ocean beyond.

The rare event was an astronomical experience like no other. Monday's eclipse was unusually accessible to millions of people. It was widely anticipated not only for its remarkable period of darkness, but for its rare timing: No total solar eclipse would be visible from the contiguous United States again until 2044. While millions of Americans may have seen today’s eclipse, a small group in Texas was among the very first.

Edge of eclipse shadow began in south Texas

Alejandra Martinez, a seventh-grade science teacher from the south Texas border city of Eagle Pass, peered up at the gray, gauzy sky, anxiously awaiting the solar eclipse’s entrance into the USA.

Sitting with a telescope under a camping canopy in a corner of the county airport, Martinez, 42, and two other science enthusiasts had been recruited by NASA to participate in an effort called Citizen CATE 2024, where more than 30 teams perched in the eclipse’s path will record the shadowy trek across the country. 

In this spot, less than five miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, she and her team would be among the first people in the U.S. to witness the phenomenon. Eagle Pass sits near the very beginning of the eclipse’s track from southwest to northeast across the country. It also sits very near dead-center of it, where the period of “totality” will be the longest. That total shadow was still more than an hour away when the edge of the shadow began to darken the sky.

Martinez, dressed in a “This Totality Rocks” T-shirt and eclipse-themed skirt, watched as the penumbra crept across the airfield, about 10 minutes past noon local time. She put on her eclipse glasses and peered up at the sky. The gauzy clouds parted. “There it is! There it is!” she yelled. “First contact. It’s begun!”

Clouds came and went as the shadow grew for the next hour. As totality approached Eagle Pass, the sky shaded a dull gray then a heavy brown and the temperature dropped a few degrees. Only a sliver of the sun remained.

A few seconds before 1:27 p.m. CT, the crowd counted down, “3..2..1…” The sun was gone, completely covered by the moon. Darkness spread over the small airport grounds. “Oh my god,” Martinez said, a hand covering her heart. “This is so cool!”

How to tell if you have eye damage from looking at a partial eclipse?

For those who took a chance and looked at the sun without protective eyewear during the eclipse, concerns may arise if their vision starts to seem impaired. Have they suffered eclipse blindness?

Looking directly at the sun even briefly without the proper safety glasses can result in eye damage, either temporary or permanent. The body's natural squinting reaction in normal circumstances prevents people from staring directly at the sun, but that reflex may not be activated during partial eclipses, even though a partly shielded sun can still burn the retina.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says pain won't be an indication of damaged eyes because the retina lacks pain nerves. Worrisome signs are instead blurry vision, headaches, light sensitivity, blind spots in the central vision, distorted vision and changes in color perception. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should see an ophthalmologist, the AAO says.

What was the timeline of the 2024 solar eclipse?

The total eclipse began in Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday before crossing into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It ended in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Even those who weren't in the path of totality could see a percentage of the eclipse.

To find out exactly when the eclipse occurred in your area, you can search by  USA TODAY's database by ZIP code  for a viewing guide.

Students in Washington get hands-on learning

Dozens of students spilled out of Ida B. Wells Middle School in Washington, D.C., gripping cardboard solar eclipse glasses and chatting with excitement. “Why is the sun shaped as a moon?” one student asked after looking toward the sun. “Why is it not getting dark?’’ asked another.

Teacher Troy Mangum, who the students called “Mr. Mango,’’ slowly explained the science behind the experience as he cautioned others to put on their glasses. Students at the school in northwest D.C. had had lessons about the eclipse leading up the day’s teaching outside the classroom.

“Anytime we can get hands on or dynamic learning … it’s invaluable,’’ said Mangum, a social emotional learning coach. “We talked about it so much. It’s nice to see them get excited about qeeky Mr. Mango type of stuff.”

Skylar Cruel, 12, had come outside with her science class. “I just really wanted to see it,’’ she said. “You get to see it turn from light to dark.”

Steps away at Whittier Elementary School, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), younger students put on their glasses and tilted their heads up toward the sun behind their school.

Michael Haile joined his daughter, Markan Worku, 9, a student at Whittier, and brought along his 5-year-old son, Keab. He called it a memorable experience for his children. Markan, who had been learning about solar eclipses in her third-grade class, simply said, “This is cool!’’ 

− Deborah Berry

In Michigan, a bonding experience for a mother and her three kids

In Michigan, eclipse enthusiasts packed a watch party along the Detroit Riverwalk near Cullen Plaza. They sat on the grass, on benches and berms. For Janelle Ikonen of Waterford, it was a chance to bond with her three children − Hannah, 9; Elim, 12; and Isaac, 14 − whom she took out of school for the day.

“I wanted to experience a unique event with them,” said Ikonen, 47. “It’s one of my big deals to me, to experience things with my kids. … I hope they’ll remember spending time with me.”

In Grand Rapids, where 94% coverage of the sun was expected, viewers gathered on the city's “Blue Bridge,” which offered a view of the eclipse over the Grand River. With no cloud cover over the city, visitors had an unobstructed scene. The Grand Rapids Public Museum set up a series of solar telescopes.

Jill and Wes Johnson, 50 and 14, were among those awaiting max coverage. They’d considered traveling from Grand Rapids to a place with total coverage, but decided 94% coverage was worthwhile enough to stay home.

“I think people are excited to see something unique,” Jill Johnson said.

− Georgea Kovanis and Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press

US women's soccer team takes in eclipse ahead of title game

COLUMBUS, Ohio − The U.S. women’s national soccer team took a break from SheBelieves Cup preparation to watch the eclipse. 

Several team members, including World Cup veterans Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma and Trinity Rodman, coaches and staff members donned eclipse glasses and went outside their hotel to see the rare event.

As the sky darkened and the moon moved in front of the sun, someone yelled, “Come on, keep going!” Columbus is just outside the path of totality, so all but a sliver of the sun wound up being covered. 

The USWNT is in Columbus for the final of the SheBelieves Cup on Tuesday night against Canada.

− Nancy Armour

Witnessing the first total eclipse from a cruise ship

Passengers aboard Holland America's Koningsdam cruise ship eagerly gathered on the top decks at 10 a.m. local time to watch the spectacle of a solar eclipse.

Positioned off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico − the first city in North America to witness the total eclipse − the ship provided an ideal vantage point for viewing the celestial event. Accompanied by an astronomer, the captain meticulously adjusted the ship's position to ensure the best possible view.

Dan Fueller, an experienced eclipse observer who had previously seen similar phenomena from ships in 1991 and 1998, emphasized the advantages of viewing the eclipse from a cruise ship. He noted the flexibility of the ship's mobility allowed for optimal positioning along the eclipse's path, ensuring unobstructed views.

"You're on a cruise ship and (the best view) is a little bit farther to the west or a little bit farther to the east − along the path, there's a clear sky − the ship can move. If you're on land and there's not a road there, you better have a tank."

− Joshuan Rivera

Partial eclipse 'like a little Pac-Man taking a bite out of the sun'

In Parthenon, Arkansas, the eclipse began near the Buffalo National River. Five friends traveled from Florida to be on a rock outcropping to witness the celestial event.

“Yes! I see it!” Angie Printiss exclaimed.

“Oh ya! You can see it,” said Kate Estes. “It’s like a little Pac-Man taking a bite out of the sun.”

At 20 minutes before totality, the sky got noticeably darker. The shadow of crescent sun shapes played off the limestone rocks.

“It looks like water − like fish scales,” Estes said. “That is so weird, when the trees move you can really see it.”

− Jennifer Portman

New Englanders travel for better view of the eclipse

Crowds ballooned into the thousands midday Monday in the center of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, as the nearly cloudless sky and warm sun boosted temperatures to an unseasonably 60 degrees.

Jim and Kim Cooper drove over from New Hampton, New Hampshire, their first time doing more than just passing through the town locals call St. Jays. Their son had proposed to his girlfriend in Tennessee during the 2017 eclipse and then had an eclipse-themed wedding, but the Coopers had never seen a total eclipse for themselves, so they decided to come to the closest place where they could be assured of a good view.

Jeffrey Breau had seen that 2017 eclipse for himself and was so impressed that he convinced family members to join him this time. Breau’s girlfriend, Nell Hawley, came up with him from Cambridge, Massachusetts, while his brother Alex and his girlfriend Diana Ventura drove up from New York City. The Breau brothers' father, Walter, joined them in taking in their first eclipse.

“I would have been OK watching it in the yard,” Walter said, though he would only have seen a partial eclipse from there. “That’s what you think now,” Jeffrey said quickly. “Talk to me in two hours.”

− Karen Weintraub

Kids bring homemade eclipse viewers to National Mall

Lucas and Lucy Porto Banco didn’t need to buy fancy eclipse glasses – the 7- and 10-year-old siblings made their own eclipse viewers from two cardboard shoe boxes left over from a couple of their mom’s recent shoe purchases.With the help of a YouTube tutorial video, they made two holes in each box with a whittling knife and taped tin foil over. Then they used dry spaghetti to poke holes in the tin foil for the sun’s light to pass through and project onto the dark inside of the box.The kids put together the viewer in little more than five minutes, Lucy said. “Maybe 15, with covering all the gaps in the shoe box,” she said.Even with his own eclipse-viewing creation, Lucas said he may still take advantage of his eclipse glasses. “I’m going to do both,” he said.

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman

What is an 'umbra?' − and other eclipse words

Astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts used a bunch of specialized words Monday as the nation experienced its first solar eclipse since 2017 and the last one for until 2044. Here are a few of those terms and what they mean, according to the American Astronomical Society .

Baily's Beads – This refers to the beaded appearance of the moon's edge as the eclipse nears totality. Shafts of sunlight shine through deep valleys on the moon's surface, which causes the effect known to observers as Bailey's Beads.

Umbra – The darkest part of the moon’s shadow, within which the entirety of the sun's bright face is blocked. An observer standing in the umbra sees a total solar eclipse.

Penumbra: The lighter part of the moon's shadow, making up its outer portion, where light can reach.

Corona – The sun’s upper atmosphere, visible as a pearly glow around the eclipsed sun during totality.

Totality – The maximum phase of a total solar eclipse, during which the moon’s disk completely covers the sun's bright face. It can last from a fraction of a second to a maximum of 7 minutes, 31 seconds, depending on viewing location and other factors.

− Dale Denwalt, The Oklahoman

A last-minute search for glasses for 'a perfect spot'

Patsy Faoro walked toward a half dozen people gathered at the gate of Turner Farm Park in Great Falls, Virginia. The people were awaiting the opening of an eclipse viewing event complete with telescopes and educational presentations.

Faoro, who lives near the park in this upscale Northern Virginia neighborhood, just wanted glasses to safely view the eclipse.

She visited CVS, Safeway and a 7/11 convenience store, all of which had advertised the availability of glasses to view the eclipse. None of the retailers had any glasses remaining when Faoro checked this morning.

“We have this great big open space that’s a perfect spot,” said Faoro, who viewed her first eclipse in the 1970s. “We just need some glasses.”

− Ken Alltucker

Indianapolis Motor Speedway event draws tens of thousands

Tory Patrick, 41, is hoping to give her four children a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity. Patrick and her family traveled 160 miles to Indianapolis Motor Speedway from their home in Granger, Indiana. They were expected to have 97% totality at home, but it’s not the same as total coverage, she said.

“They will be getting the full experience that they can’t read about in textbooks,” Patrick said.

Patrick and her sister Cally Gannon, 39, from Cincinnati, met in Indianapolis to view the eclipse from the speedway. They camped outside IMS over the weekend ahead of the event and on Sunday afternoon saw a double rainbow over the speedway’s iconic pagoda. An estimated 50,000 tickets were sold for the day’s festivities, presented in partnership with NASA and Purdue University.

Elsewhere in the stands, Ryan Harper, 30, knows today is special.

“We’re right in totality,” he said. “This sometimes doesn’t happen in people’s lifetimes.

— Sarah Bowman and Jade Thomas

Family travels from Baltimore to Rochester, N.Y., to view the eclipse

When Maze Pelham of Baltimore was a fifth-grader, he watched news of the 2017 solar eclipse and vowed to witness the next notable solar eclipse. That eclipse, and that day, has come. And this is why he and his parents, Janice and Sonney Pelham, left Maryland around 1 a.m. on Monday and drove nearly seven hours to Rochester, New York.

“I said to myself I would go to the next one,” Maze Pelham said while seated with his parents on lawn chairs at downtown Rochester’s Parcel 5 park, where he and hundreds of others are awaiting a view of the full eclipse. “It’s a promise I made to myself.”

– Democrat and Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network

In Brooklyn: Eclipses glasses, check. Lawn chair, check.

Ralph Emerson held a pair of paper sunglasses in his hands while riding the subway to Brooklyn's sprawling Prospect Park on Monday. He exited the train with a folded lawn chair strapped across his shoulder, and said he felt energized and full of anticipation.

"This is special," Emerson, 61, said. "I haven't woken up with this much excitement since the Super Bowl."

Walking to the park's botanic garden, Emerson said appreciating natural phenomena makes it easier to manage the stresses that come with living in a big city. Also like a big sports game, the eclipse will draw lots of people together to experience something much larger than themselves, in community, he said.

"A lot of times it's tragedies that bring us together, but sometimes things like this do," he said.

− Claire Thornton

Texas Eclipse Festival cut short by weather

The Texas Eclipse Festival was canceled Monday in Burnet County, 50 miles northwest of Austin, because of weather concerns. The festival, which included bands and other events, began Sunday and was supposed to wrap up Tuesday.

"We regret to inform you of the severe weather forecast, including risks of high winds, tornadic activity, large hail, and thunderstorms for later today, including during the eclipse, Tuesday, and Wednesday," festival organizers said on their website. "Your safety is our top priority."

Festivalgoers were urged to leave early for safety and to beat traffic. Guests, however, were allowed to stay "provided they pack and are prepared to depart after totality."

Traffic jams, collisions mar eclipse watchers' travel

Traffic crashes and road delays were reported across the nation as Americans flocked to prime locations to gaze up at the rare solar eclipse . Local roads and highways in states including Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Vermont and New Hampshire were overwhelmed with eclipse chasers, many of whom were from out of state. The most intense bottlenecks appeared to be in the path of totality , where spectators will be able to view the full eclipse.

In Oklahoma, a crash around 7:30 a.m. local time narrowed eastbound lanes on I-40, a major transcontinental highway that runs from California to North Carolina. The crash occurred not far from several state parks that were hosting eclipse events, and it's also within driving distance of the full eclipse path, which includes parts of southeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Multiple crashes were reported on an interstate in Waco, Texas, a city in the path of totality, where several festivities and eclipse viewing events were scheduled. The crashes all occurred on I-35, which runs from southern Texas to Minnesota.

"Expect major traffic delays in this area," the Texas Department of Transportation said in a statement .

− Christopher Cann

Airport draws a crowd of jets for eclipse

EAGLE PASS, Texas − Maverick County International Airport in Eagle Pass, Texas, usually sees maybe three private planes a day. By 10 a.m. CT on Monday, more than 10 planes crowded the tarmac, including Cessnas, Pipers and at least one corporate jet − all there to catch an early glimpse of the total solar eclipse. Eagle Pass will be one of the first American cities to witness the phenomenon. Some watchers, like Brandon Beck, 43, flew in Sunday night from San Diego and spent the night in a sleeping bag on the tarmac next to his friend’s Mooney single-prop piston four-seater.“We’re so lucky to be on a planet where the sun is the perfect size and perfect distance to create that effect,” he said. “It’s obligatory. We have to see it.”

First the Cherry Blossoms, then the eclipse

WASHINGTON − The Cherry Blossoms brought Ali and Aurore Youssouf to the city all the way from Paris, but the pair were delighted to learn that their trip would overlap with the eclipse. The day is extra special for Aurore Youssouf, 43, who has never seen an eclipse before. On Monday morning, the couple arrived by chance at the National Mall early enough to snag a few pairs of free eclipse glasses distributed by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for the occasion.“We didn’t even know. We just ended up here and found out that they were giving away some glasses,” said Ali Youssouf, 46.

Awaiting eclipse − and hail − in Texas

KERRVILLE, Texas − Forecasts called for considerable cloudiness, rain and possible hail, but retired NASA engineer Jeff Stone stayed positive as he and his wife prepared to host more than a dozen people for a watch party at their hilltop home in Texas Hill Country. Stone, an eclipse enthusiast who had met family in Missouri to watch the solar eclipse of 2017, said he recently reviewed video footage of that event and said current conditions weren’t that much different than they were back then.

“I’m outside and seeing patches of blue among scattered clouds, so we’re remaining hopeful,” he said.

About 150 miles to the northeast in Gatesville, lead pastor Eric Moffett of Coryell Community Church said a similar forecast did little to deter an expected gathering of about 800 visitors for the church’s family-oriented “Eclipse at the Crosses” event. Many, if not most, were from out of town or even out of country − Canada, Wales, France, Italy. Many locals were staying home to avoid the crowd, he said.

“It’s partly cloudy, but the sun is shining on me right now,” he said. “We are praying that it stays that way.”

− Marc Ramirez

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

A  total solar eclipse  occurs when the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching our planet, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. The Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the moon. Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon’s surface, Earth's shadow falls on it.

A lunar eclipse can last for a few hours, while a solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes. Solar eclipses also rarely occur, while lunar eclipses are comparatively more frequent. While at least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, total lunar eclipses are still rare, NASA says. Another major difference: No special glasses or gizmos are needed to view the a lunar eclipse, and people can directly stare at the moon.

− Saman Shafiq

Solar eclipse, lunar eclipse: What is the difference?

Can you drive during the solar eclipse?

The  2024 solar eclipse  will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the solar eclipse?

It is safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse. But the automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

"Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally," Diaz said. "People will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse."

A similar scenario  played out in 2017 during the nation's last total solar eclipse : Congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after totality,  according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests the worst of the traffic – on interstates and rural back roads alike – will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to leave all at once.

− Kayla Jimenez

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again. According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse. The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

But another eclipse scheduledfor Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

− Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Gabe Hauari and Eric Lagatta

Eclipse and pets: It's not the sky that's the problem

An  eclipse  itself isn't dangerous for domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but experts say it's probably best to not bring pets to  experience the April 2024 total solar eclipse . Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and  eager people gather , said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs especially will take their cues from their owners rather than  the celestial event.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people,” Carlson said.

− Elizabeth Weise

A guide to the solar eclipse for kids

Here's an easy-to read, illustrated guide to help kids understand what the  April 8 total solar eclipse  means, where it will be visible and how you can watch it safely. It also shows them how an ordinary kitchen colander can easily be used to view a solar eclipse − the colander's holes can project crescent images of the sun onto the ground. There are even pages that can be downloaded and colored.

Trump's eclipse experience lit up internet in 2017

Seven years ago, when the last  total solar eclipse  crossed over North America, a photo of then-President Donald Trump  seemingly gazing at the sun with his naked eyes set the internet ablaze . During the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2017, Trump, who was president at the time, was joined by then first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron  to watch the rare phenomenon from the Truman Balcony  at the White House. Photos taken by members of the media captured all three donning eclipse glasses while looking at the eclipse.

But at one point during the viewing, the former president was captured in photos and videos without proper eye protection, seemingly gazing directly at the sun. Looking at an eclipse before or after the brief phase of totality without proper eyewear  can lead to eye damage .

− Natalie Neysa Alund

When is the next total solar eclipse? What to know about the next eclipse's path, timing

How to make a solar eclipse viewer

People who didn't manage to get their  hands on glasses  are not completely down and out. There are other safe ways to view the eclipse , say experts, and a lot of them only require a little bit of craftiness and items you can find lying around the house.

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer (And here is a video aid) :

• Get an empty, clean cereal box.
• Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
• Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
• Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
• Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
• Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
• Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

The finished box should be held with the pin-hole side facing the sun. It may take a little practice pointing the box. With your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun, about ½ cm in diameter, can be seen projected on the white paper inside the box.

− Mary Walrath-Holdrid

What is the path of the solar eclipse called?

Those in the direct line of the eclipse will be treated to an incredible sight as the moon completely blots out the sun's disk, ushering in uncharacteristic darkness and revealing the sun's elusive outermost layer called the corona. That moment is called "totality" and this year the path of totality crosses through 13 U.S. states.

The last total solar eclipse to cut through North America was in August 2017.

How to look at eclipse without glasses

A total solar eclipse offers skygazers the rare opportunity to witness the eclipse with the naked eye. However,  solar eclipse glasses  are still needed until totality is reached. 

Certified solar eclipse  glasses are crucial for spectators to avoid the sun's retina-damaging rays. But when the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light, you'll know it's  safe to remove the glasses  for a short period of time.

How fast does an eclipse shadow travel?

According to a post from the  National Weather Service  in Indianapolis on X, an eclipse shadow travels at speeds from 1,100 to 5,000 mph. Near the equator, it travels at around 1,100 mph and increases in speed as it approaches the poles.

The eclipse party is over? Time to recycle those glasses!

Astronomers Without Borders , or AWB, a non-profit organization running its second nationwide  eclipse glasses recycling drive . Her business will join over 300 schools, museums, city governments, commercial businesses, community organizations and local libraries that will collect and ship an estimated  millions of glasses  to be repurposed for use by underserved communities around the world in  future solar eclipses .

AWB launched its first run of the program after the last solar eclipse in 2017 when volunteer centers across the country collected millions of the glass. After vetting them for reuse, more than  half a million glasses were distributed to Africa, Asia and South America.

People can visit  AWB's website  to find their nearest participating collection center and learn more about recycling the glasses, said Andrew Fazekas, the organization's communication manager.  

"We figure there's probably going to be tens of millions of glasses out there at the very least," he said. "And most of them are probably very gently used."