The 2025 Rolling Stone Travel Awards: Best Hotels, Gear, Services

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t’s time to check in: The 2025 Rolling Stone Travel Awards have landed.

Over the past year, we logged thousands of miles in the air and on the ground to find the best gear, destinations, and services that you need to know about. We explored the latest luxury resorts, found the ultimate getaways for music fans, pushed new noise-canceling headphones to the limit on flights, and even discovered our new favorite watering hole for a nightcap.

For this year’s awards, we enlisted the help of artists and tastemakers, including Chance the Rapper, Sunflower Bean, and Nate Berkus, who revealed their go-to vacation spots, road-trip snacks, and what’s on their travel playlists (including tracks you’ll find on ours, below). Beyond the hotels, the innovative luggage, and the lounge recs, our well-traveled music team also selected the best cities to hear live music in America — places where you can discover new local DIY acts and see rock legends play one-night-only sets alike.

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy our 2025 Rolling Stone Travel Awards.

From celeb-approved hotels to travel-friendly headphones, these recommendations deserve to be a part of your next getaway.

Hotels & Getaways

With more than a dozen brands in its portfolio, spanning luxury beachfront resorts to casual countryside getaways, IHG (a.k.a., the InterContinental Hotels Group) offers a host of memorable stays no matter where your travel takes you. The U.K.-based company was officially founded in 2003, but its origins are said to date back to the late 1700s, and the old-school standards of service, quality, and character continue to lead IHG’s offerings today.

Though it’s one of the largest hotel chains in the world, all of the IHG properties we’ve stayed at have managed to retain a sort of singular charm, featuring locally inspired designs and expertly curated amenities. Traveling with a group? Most IHG hotels are family-friendly and many of them are pet-friendly, too, like the Kimpton Hotels chain, where your four-legged friends always stay free.

The Roxy Hotel in New York has long been a destination for music fans, located steps away from where the underground scene of the Mudd Club once thrived and just blocks from the iconic Lower Manhattan Ocean Club, where artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne and Talking Heads have made guest appearances. Formerly known as the Tribeca Grand, the property transitioned to the Roxy name in 2015, bringing with it the eclectic programming and evocative spirit of the legendary Nineties dance club of the same name.

Today, the hotel is a hub for live jazz, with musicians performing seven days a week at the lobby-level Roxy Bar, and downstairs at the not-so-secret subterranean jazz club, the Django, which is modeled after the boîtes of Paris. And if you’re hungry for more, the Roxy has hosted a jazz brunch every Sunday for the past decade, drawing everyone from local artists to Grammy winners for an afternoon of music and mimosas.

There’s paradise — and then there’s Hotel Esencia. The stunning 50-acre property set just outside of Tulum, Mexico, is the ultimate luxury-hotel destination thanks to its jaw-dropping beachfront and jungle views, delicious restaurants, a freshly renovated spa, and gorgeous interiors alike. From the chic rooms to the hotel’s must-visit speakeasy (with windows peeking out at the pool above), the Quintana Roo gem is the coolest getaway you can find in North America that you’ll never want to leave. The heavenly grounds feature 47 suites and four villas, along with a dreamy Main House that looks like it’s a scene from a movie — maybe that’s why celebrities can’t get enough of this place.

It’s hard to still find such a pristinely captured aesthetic of old-school Hollywood glamour in modern hotels. Sure, there are your exclusive five-star resorts, but very few have as much history baked into their architecture. Hotel del Coronado, or “the Del,” is one of those locales, having hosted entertainment A-listers, U.S. presidents, and musicians alike. But with reimagined Victorian rooms, a lush-garden upgrade, and new luxury-dining tenants (welcome, Nobu!), after a five-year revitalization, this quintessential California beach vacation feels worth visiting now more than ever.

For whatever brings you to Denver, your stay at this Urban Cowboy location will deliver style and soul in spades. Set inside a restored 1880s Queen Anne mansion in Capitol Hill, this hotel expertly blends historic charm — think gargoyle-carved staircases and stained glass — with bold, Western-inspired design (including hand-hammered copper tubs in every room).

After a day spent hiking the Red Rocks, or exploring RiNo’s extensive street-art scene, grab a seat on-site at Public House (located in the actual former carriage house of the mansion) and order a wood-fired pie from locals Little Johnny B’s. With arguably one of the most creative hotel-bar programs we’ve ever tried (go ahead and order their Bee Sting, pizza-inspired cocktail), Urban Cowboy offers a uniquely Denver experience that’s as memorable as it is Instagram-worthy.

Dreaming of a Palm Beach getaway that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film? The Colony Hotel is your perfect match. Known as the “Pink Paradise,” this boutique hotel charms with whimsical, vintage decor and a prime location, steps from the beach and the upscale shops of Worth Avenue. Some of the tropical eccentricities may feel like you’re stepping into a seaside resort of days gone by, but with personalized touches like a Beach Butler service and a cheeky-monkey mascot named Johnnie Brown, The Colony offers a unique experience that feels luxurious without losing a sense of whimsy.

If you’re a Northeasterner sick of vacationing in the Catskills, may we direct your attention to a luxury resort situated in a historic brick mansion with its own farm, all nestled inside 500 acres of lush, green parkland … in New Jersey. Yes, just an hour away from Manhattan, you’ll be delighted (and maybe even surprised) by the old-world charm of the 1900s Tudor-style estate (the wood-paneled Great Room, Billiards Room, and Library gave us Clue vibes), and the beloved restaurant Ninety Acre, where you can literally see the farm your food is coming from outside the window. It’s a hidden gem of the East Coast, with arguably the best thing to do here during your stay being nothing — just enjoy the view.

From the moment you soar over the Soutpansberg Mountains in a solar-powered aerial tram, you can tell that Few & Far Luvhondo is a special place. This thoughtfully designed eco-lodge, which recently opened in South Africa’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, is not only redefining what a safari can be, but also seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability. The lodge’s commitment to regenerative tourism is abundantly evident through its use of locally sourced materials, on-site eucalyptus-wood production, and initiatives aimed at rewilding more than 100,000 hectares of wilderness. There’s still the usual safari fare (leopard tracking on foot-guided rhino hikes), but this is ultimately a carbon-neutral retreat that offers an intimate look at one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

You haven’t quite experienced travel until you go on a safari, and the best safari experience we’ve had was at the Ishara Safari Camp, located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Ten suites are spread across a serene property that offers awe-inspiring views of the nearby river, forest, and savanna plains. Each suite is well-appointed and impeccably designed to offer a camping-style experience with modern luxuries. Needless to say, service is equally exemplary, with meals cooked to order and personal tour guides who will customize daily game drives based on what you want to see — and there is a lot to see, from lions and jaguars to zebras and giraffes. What we like: Ishara is an official Canon partner and guests can borrow any camera or lens to take with them on a game drive for no extra charge. The camp also has in-house photographers who can accompany you for personal photo shoots or to snap pics of the animals with their professional gear so you can enjoy the view undisturbed.

Located on the side of a cliff in Santorini and carved into an ancient Greek cave, Dana Villas & Infinity Suites will take your breath away. This stunning resort has sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, and select suites come complete with a private infinity pool, so you can soak in the scenery while immersed in your own oasis. Conveniently situated next to numerous shops and eateries, you can go hiking, boating around the volcanic Caldera, or lounge by the pool with a glass of island-made wine in hand. The surrounding town even offers a Mamma Mia! experience, where you can live out your Donna and the Dynamos fantasy by belting out ABBA songs in an open-air restaurant. Every moment here feels like a dream. Dana Villa & Infinity Suites is the type of resort that isn’t a one-time stay, but a lifelong tradition.

There are a lot of things we love about Norwegian Cruise Lines, but its world-class entertainment options are its best feature. From Broadway-caliber productions to immersive, high-energy performances, every show puts you right in the middle of the action. Whether you want Motown-inspired musical numbers (which is one of their newest additions) or an interactive-gaming experience, Norwegian’s lineup is bold, dynamic, and endlessly engaging. You could spend your entire voyage exploring the entertainment offerings, and still want an encore.

Yes, it’s in the name, but with Celebrity Cruises, you truly feel like an A-lister. From the minute you embark, you are welcomed with a crisp glass of champagne, and the VIP treatment only continues from there. The ships boast beautifully designed ocean-view staterooms and spacious, thoughtfully laid-out interior cabins, so you never feel claustrophobic. From sea to shore, you experience white-glove-service at every moment.

Whether you’re a kid, or a kid at heart, sometimes we forget that there’s something inherently magical about setting sail on the open sea. If you’re craving that kind of whimsical adventure, the Disney Treasure offers a voyage that blends the company’s classic storytelling style with modern luxury. The most recent ship added to the fleet features dining experiences just as immersive as previous sailings, this time themed to Coco and the MCU films (your meal may include superheroes like Groot and Rocket). But this time, Disney also successfully tapped into the nostalgia of beloved park attractions, so you can have a drink and unwind with “ghosts” in the Haunted Mansion Parlor, or chuckle at terrible puns in the Jungle Cruise-inspired Skipper Society Lounge. Combine that with jaw-dropping entertainment and themed activities for adults and kids alike, and we can confidently say that the Treasure has set the new gold standard for Disney Cruise Line.

With four stunning ships in their fleet and an endless lineup of entertainment, Virgin Voyages is for music lovers who cruise to their own beat. On board, you’ll find everything from cabaret performances and intimate live-music sets to DJ-led dance parties and immersive shows. And for true audiophiles, there’s Virgin Vinyl, a dedicated onboard record shop where you can browse and buy a selection of albums across genres. Oh, yeah, and all of the ships are adults-only, so you’ll never have to worry about “Baby Shark” playing over the intercom. Virgin Voyages is cruising remixed.

One of the best features of the newly renovated W Hollywood is a brand-new music system, powered by Tempo AI. After registering their musical preferences during check-in, guests will notice hotel spaces adjusting the music to suit their (and other present guests’) tastes. It’s a genius way to personalize and elevate the vibes for every guest, while also nodding to the hotel’s location in one of America’s most iconic music locales.

Grammy-winning rapper and songwriter

Go-To Road-Trip Song: “Travellin’ Man,” by Mos Def

Favorite Airbnb Destination: New Orleans

Must-Pack Travel Accessory: The du-y, the durag, or satin pillowcases.

Forget the famous hotels of London or Paris; Zagreb, Croatia, has our favorite hotel in Europe and the U.K. The Esplanade delivers the kind of perfectly old-school experience we envision when we think of a classic European hotel. The beautiful old building, which dates back to the Twenties, houses a stunning Art Deco lobby, an award-winning bar, and two restaurants. One of the two restaurants, a fine-dining establishment called Zinfandel’s, delivers one of the city’s best culinary experiences, just downstairs from your room.

South Asia is on seemingly every traveler’s list right now (thanks, White Lotus). If you’re one of those travelers, consider forgoing Thailand for the Kokomo Private Island Resort in Fiji. As the name suggests, the luxury all-inclusive is situated on its own island, accessible by seaplane or helicopter. Once on the island, you’ll have access to white-sand beaches in all directions from your private villa, plus tons of activities from diving and fishing to yoga to tours of nearby villages.

Colombia is quickly becoming a new hot spot for travelers headed to South America. If you’re stopping in Bogota, the Click Clack Hotel will provide a window into Bogota’s stylish personality. Expect to see Bogota’s coolest socialites in the sleek common spaces before retiring to equally tasteful rooms. And, like most other things in Bogota, expect to be pleasantly surprised by the price for such a high-quality stay.

Opened in 1963, the Mandarin Oriental was one of Hong Kong’s first luxury hotels, and it’s still a standout in the must-see city, making it one of the best hotels in all of Asia. The location in Central provides easy access to the whole city, but it’ll be hard to leave the hotel’s excellent restaurants and Captain’s Bar. Rooms are, of course, impeccable, as you’d expect from the luxury chain.

Nestled just off of the Pacific Coast Highway sits one of the world’s most beautiful stays: the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. It has all the trappings of West Coast bliss, including its sunny beachfront views, stunning interiors, top-tier hospitality and kind staff, and dog-friendly amenities. It’s pure California luxury and charm that guarantees you’ll ask for a late checkout the moment you arrive.

Toronto punk-rock band

Go-To Travel Destination: My in-laws live in Kentucky, so often it’s a road trip down to see them. Otherwise, it’s always easy to get to New York or Montreal for a little weekend getaway from Toronto.

Favorite Hotel in the World: Hotel St. Vincent in New Orleans. If you know, you know!

Ultimate Road-Trip Snack: Unsweetened lemon tea, jalapeño potato chips, and a Payday. All of your flavor bases are covered.

What’s on Your Travel Playlist? Whenever I can, I’ll stream NTS Radio. If that’s not doable, I’ll either throw on newly released records I haven’t heard or full discographies of artists I love (Black Sabbath, for instance!).

Dream-Vacation Destination: Tokyo! Still can’t believe I’ve never been …

Travel Accessory You Can’t Live Without: AirPods and noise-canceling headphones. Different travel environments require different headphones — hard to use AirPods on a long flight or train ride — but if you’re in a laundromat on a day off on tour, you need the AirPods to call your wife and listen to a podcast! —Steve Sladkowski

Grammy-nominated hip-hop legend

Favorite Vacation Cocktail: Amber Rush (Amber & Opal whiskey, honey, lemon juice)

What’s on Your Travel Playlist? Jhené Aiko

Even if Marigny neighborhood in New Orleans wasn’t already known for some exceptional food and drink, Elysian Bar would stand out from the pack with its quietly classy vibe and flawless cocktail program. Nestled amid buildings associated with a former church, the rectory opens up into a warm, decadent space with an orange-marbled bar backed by Gaudi-esque arched, wooden columns. Beloved by locals, it feels like you’ve just stepped into a cocktail party in someone’s private study. The drinks are some of the most creative in the city, even if they’re heavy on the gin and Campari (some drinks like the “Blessed and Happy Afterlife” with pisco, gin, velvet falernum, passion fruit, lemon, and burlesque bitters could even pass for upscale tiki drinks). Altogether it makes for a sophisticated yet playful watering hole, and an entirely unpretentious one at that.

Theme park enthusiasts seeking the next level of adventure need to run, not walk, to Universal’s Epic Universe. A lot has changed in the world of themed entertainment in the past 24 years, and as the first new U.S. theme park since then, this expansive 750-acre park is already firing on all cylinders — if they aren’t yet, the Mouse should be a little worried. The park features five distinct fandom-ready worlds, from Super Nintendo World, where you can race through a real-life Mario Kart track, to Dark Universe, a creepily fun land inspired by Universal’s classic movie monsters, and Celestial Park, a serene, astronomy-themed central hub with the best roller coaster in Florida (yeah, we said it), the dual-launch Stardust Racers. The investment in cutting-edge technology is what really sets the attractions apart, though, like the use of augmented reality or the movement of the lifelike animatronics. Even if it just opened, Epic Universe is already setting a new standard for theme-park innovation.

Rock trio who just released their fourth album, Mortal Primetime

Go-To Travel Destination: Upstate New York. We have spent so much time upstate, and it always serves as such an amazing getaway from NYC. Most recently, we went up to Troy, New York, and found it so charming.

Favorite Hotel in the World: The Chelsea Hotel. It has such a rich history, and even with all our traveling, it’s a hard hotel to beat. We pop in for drinks when we can.

Ultimate Road-Trip Snack: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and an ice-cold crispy Diet Coke.

What’s on Your Travel Playlist? “Going Up the Country,” by Canned Heat

Dream-Vacation Destination: Amalfi Coast of Italy

Travel Accessory You Can’t Live Without: Notebook and a great pen.

Situated directly next to Coors Field, Denver’s Rally Hotel offers a rare mix of sports excitement and luxury amenities. Besides quick access to Rockies games, the hotel includes a rooftop deck and pool, a cocktail lounge, and stylish, upscale rooms.

At the base of Blackcomb Mountain in British Columbia, a breathtaking chateau rises above the forest of snow-dusted trees. At the foot of North America’s largest ski resort lies the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a hotel that feels like something straight out of a storybook. Location-wise, it’s hard to imagine a better destination for skiers, blessed with a long snow season and true ski-in/ski-out access to the new Blackcomb Gondola. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly warm and welcoming ambiance that feels more like a country retreat than a chain hotel, with roaring fireplaces, rustic wooden accents, and a truly excellent spa. As fine as the comforts are here, it’s also entirely unfussy enough to feel like you can trudge through with your boots still on — the sign of a perfect ski hotel.

Todos Santos, Mexico’s decorated Paradero is a superb stay for anyone, but it’s especially fantastic if you’re looking to surf. The hotel offers surf instructors and access to nearby world-class breaks, making it an ideal home base for both seasoned surfers and beginners. After your sesh, enjoy top-tier dining, relaxing, and rooms in the hotel’s stunning concrete compound.

Located on the bones of a restored 1800s Colorado mining town, Dunton Hot Springs combines the modern comforts of a luxury resort with a rustic edge that will encourage even the most screen-addled of kids to get out there and explore. High up in the San Juan Mountains, the wilderness grounds are great for getting little ones with a boatload of adrenaline into activities like horseback riding, fly fishing, and rafting in the summer (meanwhile, parents can unwind in the natural hot springs, or indulge in wine pairings in the Saloon). The cabins, once authentic mining structures, have been meticulously restored to provide cozy accommodations complete with wood-burning stoves and handpicked animal-themed decor, so you really will feel like this is your home away from home.

If you’re seeking a yoga retreat that transcends anything remotely considered “ordinary,” Palmaïa – The House of AïA in Mexico’s Riviera Maya offers a truly transformative experience. Set between a pristine private beach and a lush jungle, this eco-luxury resort sets its daily yoga classes — including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Therapeutic styles — on serene decks situated between the trees. Beyond yoga, the resort’s Architects of Life program also invites you to explore holistic practices like sound healing, meditation, and “ancestral rituals” with practitioners who are as knowledgeable as they are groovy. If you’re all stretched out, the spa located quite literally in the middle of the jungle offers some of the most unique healing treatments we’ve ever experienced. Whether you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice, or just reconnect with yourself, Palmaïa is the ideal space for both.

Celebrity interior designer

Go-To Travel Destination: I have a few, but right now Portugal, where we have an 18th-century farmhouse that we’re restoring.

Favorite Hotel in the World: Amantaka in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Ultimate Road-Trip Snack: Popcorn. Or ice cream if it’s en route.

What’s on Your Travel Playlist? Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Beyoncé.

Dream-Vacation Destination: Japan.

Travel Accessory You Can’t Live Without: A book and a tiny book light so I don’t wake Jeremiah.

Favorite Hotel Bar: Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris.

Favorite Cocktail in the World: The Modern Medicine, created by a local L.A. bartender named Adam Fournier. Made with Oban 14-Year-Old Single-Malt Scotch Whisky, it is a riff on a Penicillin, with notes of ginger, spice, and citrus.

Gear, Luggage, and Accessories

From their sleek carrying pouch down to the satisfying volume dial, Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H100s scream luxury (and have the audio to match). Post-takeoff, they’re also the best noise-canceling travel headphones we’ve tested so far this year, thanks to their crisp, immersive sound quality, comfortable, adjustable lambskin-leather headband, and simple earcup controls. Ten built-in mics ensure you can easily block out distractions and noise in midair, while the brand’s TrueTransparency dial lets you adjust and find the level of noise cancelation. The headphones even support Dolby Atmos and deliver around 32 hours of run time on a charge. The bottom line: We won’t hop on a flight without them.

If your phone’s ever died when you needed it most on a trip, chances are that Anker has always been there to save the day. The brand’s excellent portable chargers are tech essentials for every trip, whether you need to power up your tablet, laptop, or smartphone on the go. We especially love Anker’s new Nano Power Bank, which features a USB-C cable, a compact size that fits in your pocket or duffel, 10,000mAH power, and two-way charging. (Want a wireless charger? We recommend the Anker MagGo.)

Whether you’re flying across time zones or logging hours on the freeway, a reliable pair of compression socks can make all the difference. Bombas Everyday Compression Socks are designed to put just the right amount of pressure on your calves and feet to help with circulation and relax your muscles during trips. Slip them on before takeoff, and you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them. They’re smart, supportive, and passport-level essential.

If you pack your entire accessories collection when you travel, the Mark & Graham Travel Jewelry Case is the best way to keep it all safe, organized, and tangle-free. With dedicated spots for rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, it fits seamlessly into your luggage or carry-on. Plus, the optional monogramming adds a personal, luxurious touch that makes it feel more like a mini vanity than a travel case.

Always bring your own water bottle when you travel, and make it a good one. Designed with a spill-resistant lid, ergonomic grip, and a built-in straw, the Owala Water Bottle is both practical and sleek. Even better, its impressive insulation keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature wherever you roam.

Guilty of putting off packing until mere hours before your flight? There’s a reason why Travelpro is famous among global flight crews, and the latest VersaPack+ Carry-On Spinner has eased our travel-organizing stress for good. With expandable compartments, compression straps, and a customizable packing system, it makes packing nearly effortless. It helps that even with sleek, stylish looks (the colors for this collection were inspired by the serene shades of a Mediterranean vacation), the soft-sided nylon fabric is both stain- and abrasion-resistant, so this thoughtfully designed spinner can get tossed around without losing its luster.

Whenever you hear “personal item” for the plane, you might think of a teeny, tiny cross-body, or that plastic bag of snacks you bought minutes before at Hudson News. But there’s no bag we reach for more than Calpak’s Luka Duffel when it comes to squeezing in every last ounce of packing space for our weekend getaways. Its lightweight, polyester exterior looks like a trendy puffer jacket, and it comes with nine (nine!) pockets for all of your essentials, including a separate shoe compartment. Being the perfect size to fit under the airplane seat, toting the Luka Duffel with us almost feels like a secret packing hack.

The Away Large Flex suitcase is a standout choice for travelers needing ample packing space without heaving around the bulk of traditional checked luggage. The suitcase would be stylish enough already, but its expandable design also offers up to 108 liters of capacity. High-heeled shoes? Pack ‘em. Heavy jackets and knit sweaters? Pack ‘em. Those souvenirs you didn’t think about bringing back? Don’t even worry about it. Overpackers rejoice, because Away has your back for the long haul.

Mystery Ranch’s new In and Out line of backpacks turns the brand’s rugged, sturdy bags into the ideal on-the-go companion. If you’re the type to travel with just a carry-on, the In and Out packs down to about the size of a football, so you can stuff it into a duffel or carry-on roller bag. The backpack has plenty of space for a laptop, headphone case, or change of clothes, so it’s well-suited as your daily carrier once you get to your destination, whether you’re exploring the city or hitting the hiking trail.

Your 12-step skin-care routine is the most essential part of your day, so just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you should compromise (or have to toss your full-size products in the trash at TSA). That’s why the Malin + Goetz Essential Travel Kit is a must-pack item. This curated, carry-on-approved set includes everything you need for vacation — cleanser, moisturizer, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner — in lightweight, spill-proof bottles. It’s smart, streamlined skin care when you want it most.

Not every trip goes as planned. Delays happen. Flights get canceled. Hotel rooms disappoint. And that aisle seatmate? Not always ideal. When travel throws you through a loop, comfort becomes key, and that’s where the Gravel Travel Blanket comes in. Portable, ultrasoft, and water-resistant, you can toss it in your carry-on or roll it up in your weekender. Once your journey’s over, throw it in the wash, and you’ll be ready for your next adventure.

Chipolo’s new Pop tracker might just be the most versatile option on the market. It works with Apple’s and Google’s Find My and Find My Device networks, respectively (though only one at a time), making it great for iOS or Android users. Plus, the colorful design stands out from the pack, and the tracker’s built-in keyring is easy to attach without buying a separate accessory (looking at you, AirTag).

Traveling with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful; it just takes the right bag. The Wild One Airline Carrier is designed to make every journey smoother and safer for you and your furry best friend. Lightweight, breathable, and easy to lift, it’s ideal for pets up to 16 pounds and meets the requirements of most major airlines. From airport terminals to cabin seats, this sleek carrier is as functional as it is fashionable. Because let’s be real, your pets deserve first-class amenities, too.

Between handling your passport, phone, keys, and whatever loose currency you carry, there’s a lot of room for error. That’s why having one reliable, stylish bag is a must. The Tumi Teghan Crossbody bag is our ultimate travel companion. It’s compact yet spacious, and features multiple interior pockets to keep your essentials safe.

Travel Services and Offerings

When Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour made its way around the world, fans were left scrambling to find a way into the instantly sold-out dates. But Marriott Bonvoy members were able to score tickets, thanks to the loyalty program’s Marriott Bonvoy Moments giveaways, and opportunities to redeem points or bid for seats. Now, Marriott Bonvoy is offering the same access for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, along with prestige events like F1 and the FIFA Club World Cup. That’s in addition to perks like free WiFi, priority late checkout, and special welcome gifts upon arrival. Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program that goes above and beyond just a hotel-room upgrade, delivering unparalleled access and unforgettable moments for fans of music, fans of travel, and fans of exclusive experiences you can’t get anywhere else.

Sonder gives you the unique appeal of a short-term rental, with the consistency of a hotel. Each room is accessed with a digital key, making it easier and more secure for solo travelers. Listings include stylish, fully furnished apartments available across North America and Europe. If you’re looking for the kind of stay that isn’t cookie-cutter, but also doesn’t have any unwanted surprises, Sonder is a standout option.

Travel is complicated enough as it is, and there’s a reason Booking.com is a household name. Between hotels, flights, car rentals, and even cruises, Booking.com is one of the easiest ways to get from point A to point B with the least amount of stress. The intuitive search service lets you easily filter by number of travelers, date ranges, and more, so you can find accommodations that actually work with your needs.

Intrepid Travel is for everyone who immediately sits down at the local bar wherever they’re traveling, or who takes the road less traveled in search of something thrilling. From trekking Peru’s Inca Trail to exploring the markets of Morocco, Intrepid’s small-group tours really get you to the heart of each destination — often with local guides and staff who share insider tips. It’s also committed to sustainable travel beyond just buzzwords, having been a carbon-neutral company since 2010, and collaborating with local communities to make sure economic benefits of the tours stay within the community. If you’re ready to engage with a side of the world you’ve never explored before, Intrepid takes the hassle out of planning and delivers an unforgettable journey along the way.

Oliver’s Travel takes the legwork out of scoring a stunning luxury villa. The rental service will help with suggestions and offers a concierge service to help make every step of the stay — from booking to departure — stress-free. The site has villas all over the globe, with gems like this palace in France’s Loire Valley, this modern Croatian villa on the Adriatic, or this spacious chalet in the Alps.

Outdoorsy is one of a few peer-to-peer RV rental companies (like Airbnb for RVs), and it’s the best one out there. Users can choose from RVs in thousands of cities worldwide, making it easy to hit the road. The massive selection of RVs means you can shop for any budget or group size, and the company’s setup makes it easily doable for first-time RV drivers.

Signing up for an Amex Platinum is the easiest way to upgrade your travel experiences — more than any suitcase or sandals. The amount of perks are too many to list here, but highlights include access to Centurion, Delta, and other lounges, statement credits for services like CLEAR Plus, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck, and status at certain hotels. To top it all off, you get 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and hotels booked with the sleek metal card. It’s pricey, with a $700 annual fee, but the perks are literally worth more, especially for frequent travelers.

Turo has made us forget the horrors of traditional car renting. The service is essentially Airbnb for cars, letting you rent cars from people (instead of huge companies). That means you can choose from luxury whips, unique cars, or affordable rides — all without the hassle of the rental-car counter.

If you’re looking to travel instead of just vacation, trust Artisans of Leisure to deliver. The New York-based firm delivers impeccably planned trips around the world, complete with insider access to stays and experiences in some of the world’s best locales. Whether you’re looking to disconnect and relax or be fully immersed in another culture, Artisans of Leisure can make it happen with minimal effort on your part.

Air France’s new La Premiere first class made an amazing offering even better. Long hailed as one of the world’s best first-class experiences, the new La Premiere pulls Air France even further ahead of the competition with its superbly stylish and comfortable suites. The spaces include a chaise lounge (that turns into a bed) and a reclining seat. Enjoy a multicourse French dining experience in the chair before retiring to the chaise for some entertainment and sleep in the included Jacquemus pajama set.

Waiting to board your plane doesn’t need to be stressful; in some cases, it can even be enjoyable. That’s the case when you’re flying Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong airline offers the best lounge experience we’ve come across, complete with massages, a full sit-down restaurant, and tasteful, premium vibes all around (specifically in their home base at Hong Kong International). Cathay Pacific’s lounges make us want to get to the airport as early as possible.

Emirates has made itself synonymous with luxury air travel. Routes are plentiful, mainly for travelers going to and from Asia and Australia. All classes are a step above the competition, especially on the A380, which offers slightly more space in economy. But where Emirates really shines is in the front of the plane, where you’ll find exceptionally deluxe business and first-class offerings. You’ll be sad to disembark, even after a 10-hour-plus long-haul flight.

Country-music singer-songwriter

Go-To Travel Destination: Definitely a cruise, ideally headed to the islands. I have been going on Norwegian cruises with my friends and family for years. I spend so much time getting from place to place while on tour, so I love that a cruise packs a punch with everything you need in close quarters. And waking up in a new place without having to get on a bus or a plane? Even better.

Favorite Hotel in the World: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. If I’m not kicking it by the pool or on the water slide, you can find me at the casino.

Favorite Vacation Drink: Vacation is all about slowing down and enjoying the change of pace. If I’m poolside after a long day, a glass of Patrón El Alto neat is what I always reach for because it’s so smooth to sip on. But on the other hand, if I’m vacationing in a more lively place, I always reach for the classic Patrón margarita with Patrón Silver.

Ultimate Road-Trip Snack: Beef jerky. I’m on the road all the time, and it’s become a new jerky wherever we’re traveling. The jerky from Love’s Travel Stop is my current go-to. Easy and tasty way to get my protein fix while I’m on the move.

Favorite Road-Trip Song: You can always count on hearing “On the Bus” by Improvement Movement or some Jim Croce.

Dream-Vacation Destination: Anywhere sunny on a beach. Bonus points if there’s no cell service. I’ve been wanting to check out the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Travel Accessory You Can’t Live Without: I can’t go anywhere without my Apple AirPods Max or Ray-Ban polarized square sunglasses.

Best Music Cities in America

There’s no shortage of unforgettable places around the world worth a visit if you’re a music fan. But to come up with our list of the best music cities in America, our team highlighted a small sampling of some of the most exciting towns that are worth traveling to right now to hear some live tunes — and have a blast doing it.

Chicago has been witness to a stunning outpouring of young indie and punk talent in the past five years, much of it rooted in the city’s network of teen arts programs. Horsegirl, Lifeguard, Friko, and Free Range are just a few of the wildly creative bands playing shows right now that you’ll brag about seeing in a few years; dig a little deeper and you’ll find any number of inspiring DIY acts of all genres.

Rents keep going up, the city becomes less and less welcoming to artists — and yet somehow New York is still home to one of the most varied and impressive music scenes in the world. Look around and you’ll find everything from avant-garde noise (Model/Actriz, Water From Your Eyes, Lip Critic) to underground hip-hop (Lord Sko, Xaviersobased) to crowd-pleasing indie rock (Sunflower Bean, Hello Mary) to zeitgeist-shaping rap (Cash Cobain), and more. And that’s not even counting the straight-up superstars who keep a foot or two in NYC.

They don’t call the Tennessee capital Music City for nothing. On any given night, music fans might stumble across the next big thing singing their heart out in a bar, or catch a memorable set by a headliner at the Ryman Auditorium, arguably the best theater in America. And keep an eye out for surprise gigs, too: This year, Ed Sheeran and Noah Kahan wowed fans with a song swap at local fave Santa’s Pub.

Whether you’re seeing Joni Mitchell at the Hollywood Bowl or rocking out at a Wet Leg show at the River in Frogtown, Los Angeles is a music fan’s dream. The city has an unbeatable mix of outdoor venues like the Greek Theatre, historic venues like the Wiltern, intimate clubs like Hotel Cafe, and new stadiums where you can see everyone from Beyoncé to the Rolling Stones play a show.

Hurricane Helene’s floods may have knocked this North Carolina mountain town back on its heels, but Asheville’s music scene is resilient. Bands and fans alike have since returned to breweries’ beer gardens and traditional venues across town to hear artists from all genres. Above all else, catch a show at venerable club the Orange Peel.

Miami might be one of the most vibrant music capitals of the planet — and it also feels like the bona fide center of the Latin music industry. The city is filled with studios, and its massive stadiums and arenas are go-tos for major artists. (Rauw Alejandro, for example, lit up Kaseya Stadium for the end of his Cosa Nuestra spectacular.) Meanwhile, tiny bars and clubs lining Wynwood, Little Havana, and Brickell mean you can still see smaller acts up close and personal.

No place in the U.S. feels like New Orleans. With its mix of French, Spanish, Creole, and African American influences, the city is a world-class music hub known as a center for jazz, the blues, Creole sounds, and more. Walk down any street on a random day and you might also crash directly into one of Nola’s constant brass parades.

How We Picked Our Winners

Traveling is a full-time job — and our team proved it over the past year. Our editors trekked across the world these past 12 months, selecting products they’ve had hands-on testing experience with, consulting travel-industry pros, and choosing winners after personally staying at properties and experiencing destinations, amenities, and travel services before selecting our champions.