2014 Trip Planning Guide

Hotel rates, cabs versus the likes of Uber and Lyft, Las Vegas, car rentals, vaccines, river cruises — here’s what to know before you go.

Concerts, festivals and bars around the world that add something special to the sights and sounds of a trip abroad.

You’ve come home from your trip and you’re looking through your photos, but they’re not as dynamic as the destination you’re remembering.

Tips and tricks to keep everyone happy when vacationing or touring with a group of pals.

A guide to parking and locating airlines at the region’s five commercial hubs. Click on the map below to get airline listings and parking rates.

A cheat sheet to travel websites that can help you save money on hotels or transportation, or plan what to do.

Whether you are looking for sites to see, want to plan an itinerary or check airport transportation, there is an app to make your travels easier.

On the Spot: Surprise roaming and data charges can be staggering. Here’s 14 tips to save cash while staying connected.

A list, from Alcatraz Island to Yosemite National Park, with programs, fees and directions.

States and many U.S. territories have tourism offices to help visitors.

You can often earn frequent-flier miles on your primary airline by flying with an airline partner.

Here is a list of selected national and international airlines that offer flights out of major U.S. cities.

Major lodging companies’ phone numbers and websites are listed below.

AIDA Cruises Ships: Each name preceded by and blended with AIDA: aura, bella, blu, cara, diva, luna, mar, sol, stella, vita.

For tourist information about foreign destinations, contact the government offices below.

Contact information for rental car agencies, here and abroad: Ace (800) 243-3443 https://www.acerentacar.com Advantage (800) 777-5500 https://www.advantage.com Airport Van Rental Solutions (877) 826-4680 https://www.airportvanrental.com Alamo (877) 222-9075 https://www.alamo.com Apex Car Rentals, New Zealand No U.S. central booking number https://www.apexrentals.co.nz Auto Europe (888) 223-5555 https://www.autoeurope.com Avis (800) 331-1212 (800) 331-1084 international https://www.avis.com Bestway Rent-a-Car No central booking number https://www.bestwayrentacar.com Black & White Car Rental (310) 274-1144 https://www.bwrentacar.com Budget (800) 527-0700 (800) 472-3325 international https://www.budget.com Discount Car & Truck Rentals, Canada and Australia (800) 263-2355 https://www.discountcar.com Discovery Rent-a-Car (LAX and BUR locations) No central booking number discoveryrentacar.com Dollar (800) 800-4000 https://www.dollar.com Enterprise (800) 261-7331 https://www.enterprise.com Enterprise CarShare (877) 599-3227 https://www.enterprisecarshare.com (Available in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and Salt Lake City) Europcar (877) 940-6900 (800) 777-5500 https://www.europcar.com Europe by Car (800) 223-1516 https://www.europebycarblog.com E-Z Rent-a-Car (800) 277-5171 https://www.e-zrentacar.com Fox Rent a Car (800) 225-4369 https://www.foxrentacar.com Getaround (car sharing) 1-866-GETAROUND (438-2768) https://www.getaround.com Go Birdz, New Zealand No U.S. central booking number https://www.gobirdz.co.nz Hertz (800) 654-3131 (800) 654-3001 international https://www.hertz.com Holiday Autos (866) 392-9288 https://www.holidayautos.com JUCY Rentals Campervan Hire (U.S., New Zealand and Australia) (800) 650-4180 https://www.jucyrentals.com Kemwel (800) 678-0678 https://www.kemwel.com Midway Car Rental (866) 717-6802 https://www.midwaycarrental.com National Car Rental (877) 222-9058 https://www.nationalcar.com Payless Car Rental (800) 729-5377 https://www.paylesscarrental.com Relay Rides No central booking number relayrides.com Renault Eurodrive (888) 532-1221 https://www.renaultusa.com Rent-a-Wreck (800) 944-7501 https://www.rentawreck.com Simply Hybrid (888) 359-0055 https://www.simplyhybrid.com Sixt (888) 749-8227 https://www.sixtusa.com Thrifty (800) 847-4389 https://www.thrifty.com Zipcar (866) 494-7227 https://www.zipcar.com