Destination guides that tell you what's worth it and what isn't

A good destination guide should help you decide whether to go at all. That means covering the crowds in peak season, what things really cost once you're there, how to get from the airport to the old town, and which famous sight is mostly a line.

Our guides are built from research, official sources and clearly labeled reporting, never invented visits. We look at the season you're traveling in, the neighborhoods that suit families versus couples, how walkable a place really is, and the local customs and laws a visitor should know before arriving.

We'll also cover how to start researching a destination if you're new to it, and what beginners usually get wrong. Our first destination guides are in the works; in the meantime, the reading list below is updated from other travel writers we respect.