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How to Plan a Once-in-a-lifetime Trip to the Maldives — Overwater Villas, Turquoise Waters, and Postcard-perfect Islands Included

Here's what you need to know before planning your Maldives vacation, including the best places to stay, things to do, and more.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation/Visit Maldives

Mention a trip to the Maldives, and you’re immediately met with wistful sighs. There’s a reason this long string of low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean is at the top of many travelers' lists. Perhaps it's the sugary-white sands, the thatched-roof overwater bungalows, the swaying palm trees, or the waters so electric blue that its shade deserves a new classification.

“The colors just pop in the Maldives. Absolutely no filter is required!” says Sarah Harvey, Maldives expert and travel journalist. “The sea is so intensely turquoise that it almost glows, and the water is clearer than anywhere I’ve yet seen in the Caribbean. I once lost half an hour standing waist-deep in a lagoon just marveling at the hundreds of tiny rainbows refracted by the sun across the sandy sea floor.”

It's no wonder it was also crowned the favorite island destination in Asia in Travel + Leisure 's 2024 World's Best Awards . Whatever these islands’ magic touch is, it has loved-up honeymooners and wealthy families flocking to its 174 private island resorts. Made up of 1,192 tiny islands spread throughout 26 atolls, only around 200 of its islands are “local islands,” and 174 are resort islands, with more opening up every year.

“It's a truly exceptional escape from the every day, full of diversity and exploration that is more surprising than many give credit for,” says Venetia Cox, travel advisor at Cazenove+Loyd . “It's not just a passive destination for relaxation. It has incredible marine biodiversity, which can be experienced via snorkeling or diving, and has some of the best beaches in the world.”

Read on to start planning your dream trip to the Maldives.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Arrive early in the morning to minimize time for your resort transfer and get to the island as quickly as possible.
• Spend time snorkeling your resort’s house reef or book a diving excursion.
• Book a stay at Soneva Fushi for an ultra-relaxing, over-the-top resort experience unlike any other.
• Biking around your island resort is the best — and most fun — way to cross the island.
• Visit during the low season from May to November to see the manta rays feeding in the famous Hanifaru Bay.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Soneva Fushi

A castaway island dream, this sustainable luxury resort is known as one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Maldives. It's been wowing guests for almost 30 years with the country’s largest kids club and rooms dedicated to ice cream, chocolates, and meat and cheese — all complimentary. “Every time I go to Soneva Fushi , I get giddy; the island makes me feel like a big kid! The water villas have water slides. You can skip between restaurants via a wooden walkway in the jungle canopy,” says Harvey. “There’s so much fun baked into this resort’s DNA.”

Joali Maldives

It’s all about the glitz and glam at this Raa Atoll resort. Each of Joali’s 73 villas is a design dream dotted with touches like rose gold finishings, emerald marble showers, and pops of coral pink. “The food here is also amazing, and the Japanese restaurant is outstanding,” says Cox.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

This resort was voted the best resort in Asia in 2022 by T+L readers and one of our readers' 100 favorite hotels in the world for 2024 . One of the largest human-made islands in the country, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi has 119 palatial villas and a can’t-miss spa. Its 11 dining options, including an Australian-style grill helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, are also a major draw.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The Four Seasons at Landaa Giravaaru’s sprawling 103 villas offer a more sophisticated and sleek take on an island paradise. It’s “Manta on Call” phones for when manta rays appear nearby and stellar service are a few highlights. “One of the best things about it is the ‘psychic butlers’ who seem to know exactly what you want before you do,” says Harvey.

Gili Lankanfushi

A short boat ride from the airport takes you to this thatched-roof paradise which Cox calls, “the original Robinson Crusoe escape” — but five-star. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 open-air overwater villas are rustic and eco-friendly, enforcing a no-plastic policy and a “no news, no shoes ethos.” Reserve one of its standalone Crusoe Residences for an incredibly private stay — they’re only reachable by boat.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Architecture lovers will swoon over the St. Regis’ 77 artfully designed villas made to look like manta rays and Maldivian fishing huts. A points-friendly hotel, it’s a favorite for American travelers in search of a far-flung tropical escape. While the villas are hard to leave, don’t miss out on its crustacean-shaped spa, home to one of the Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy pools.

Velaa Private Island Maldives

With a reputation as one of the country’s most exclusive and expensive resorts, anything is possible at Velaa. From Wagyu teppanyaki dinners in its rooftop restaurant to nine holes at one of the country’s only golf courses to a wellness retreat at its new Wellbeing Village; there are endless options at this ultra-luxury, expertly crafted 47-villa island getaway.

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation/Visit Maldives

Snorkel with marine life.

Ocean enthusiasts say the best part of the Maldives exists underwater. So snorkel or dive amongst a kaleidoscope of colors and marine life, including turtles, sharks, fish, manta rays, and whale shakes. “Diving and snorkeling with whale sharks is one of the most incredible things you can do in the Maldives,” says Harvey.

Treat yourself at the spa.

Many island resorts in the Maldives have a dedicated spa. Some are overwater with glass bottoms, and some are in the jungle canopy, but they’re all worth booking a treatment. Depending on the spa, guests can find just about any therapy, from cryotherapy to 24k gold facials.

Bike around the island.

The majority of the resorts listed above give guests bikes for personal use during their stay. Spend mornings biking to the breakfast buffet and evenings riding along the jetty, spotting eagle rays and sharks below. The mix of freedom and fun is one of the most unique parts of a Maldivian resort stay.

Get out on the ocean.

Life and fun in the Maldives revolve around the water. Resorts offer a seemingly never-ending laundry list of water activities, including surfing, fishing, dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, sea bobs, flyboarding, catamarans, and even submersibles. The ocean is your oyster.

Visit a local island.

While 99 percent of visitors come for total rest and relaxation on the private islands, spend an afternoon on a local one instead. Most resorts offer tours and experiences to visit the “real Maldives.” “You might get befriended, you might be lucky enough to see women playing a game of bashi on the sports field, you might even get invited into someone’s home for a cup of tea,” says Harvey.

Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure

While there’s no wrong time to visit the Maldives, the country’s peak season is from November to April, a time synonymous with blue skies and scorching sun. However, due to the effects of climate change, the seasons are becoming more and more uncertain. “Every Maldivian I’ve spoken to about the weather says the timing of monsoon season has been harder to predict in the past couple of decades,” says Harvey. A visit during the off-season from May to October puts you squarely in the monsoon season, but that doesn’t mean it will be a definite downpour. Planning your trip during this time will also save you a few bucks due to more affordable “low season” villa rates. If you base yourself at a resort in or around the Baa Atoll during this time, you can snorkel with hundreds of massive manta rays feeding at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay.

Travelers arrive in the Maldives via Velana International Airport, which is set to unveil an expansion at the end of the year. Upon entering the arrivals terminal, guests will see dozens and dozens of resort representatives holding a plaque with the resort name. Once you’ve found yours, they’ll escort you to one of three places: the domestic terminal for a plane transfer, a speedboat for a transfer directly to your resort, or the new seaplane terminal for a seaplane transfer. Don’t worry; it may sound overwhelming, but a resort rep will take care of everything for you; all you have to do is follow them.

Transport to the resorts is typically arranged through your resort. Once you’ve arrived at your private island resort, there’s not far to go. Guests typically use the bicycles provided to get from one place to the other, call their butler for a buggy ride, or walk the island barefoot.

Related Articles

Travel vs Trip – Difference

What is the difference between Travel and Trip?

These two words frequently confuse learners of English.

A quick explanation that is valid for most situations is the following:

Travel – a verb (the action) Trip – a noun

Susan’s husband isn’t in town at the moment; he is on a business trip . He travels to many different countries. Susan met her husband on a trip to the Bahamas.

Travel – to go from one place to another Trip – a journey that is often for a short period of time.

NOTE: There are some exceptions to the general rule above.

Travel can also be a noun when it refers to the act of traveling.

• Travel is difficult in that part of the country since there are no paved roads.
• Travel broadens your mind.

Sometimes Travel appears in plural form and in that case is normally preceded by a possessive adjective (my travels, his travels etc.)

• She has had many adventures in her travels .
• I have never seen any as strange as that in all of my travels .

Trip can also be a verb though it has a completely different meaning. To Trip – to accidentally stumble and almost fall while walking or running, usually after catching your foot on something.

• He didn’t see the cat and he tripped up.

Trip vs. Journey

A trip usually refers to traveling to a place and returning back to where you started. A journey usually implies traveling from one place to another (not necessarily returning to where you started). It sometimes refers to the length of time taken to go from one place to another.

• They went on a journey through South America that lasted 6 months.
• It is a three-day journey by train.

Some more uses of the word Trip

A day trip usually refers to a tourist activity that occupies your entire day. A business trip is when you travel for business reasons. A round trip means to travel somewhere and return to place of original, there and back (= a return trip)

Summary Chart

What is the best trip you have ever had?

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Understanding the Distinction: Travel, Trip, and Journey Explained

Zackary Hooper

Ever find yourself scratching your head over when to use ‘travel’, ‘trip’, or ‘journey’? Me too. In fact, these terms are commonly misused by even the most well-traveled folks among us.

Table of Contents

As an English language aficionado and travel enthusiast, I dove deep into linguistic resources to clear up this confusion once and for all. This blog will guide you through the nuances of these three words , helping you navigate your way to flawless English usage in any travel context .

Ready for departure?

Key Takeaways

• Travel refers to going to a place, especially far away.
• Trip involves traveling from one place to another, usually for a short period of time.
• Journey implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.
• Proper usage of these terms is essential in effectively conveying our experiences.

Definition and Differences between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel is a verb that means going to a place, especially far away, while trip refers to the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time. Journey, on the other hand, implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.

Travel as a verb meaning to go to a place, especially far away

Travel, as a verb, emphasizes the act of moving from one location to another. This movement often involves significant distance between the two points. For instance, you might say you are traveling to Europe or Asia from America – places that are undoubtedly quite far from each other.

Notably, travel doesn’t always require a return trip; it merely notes the action of going somewhere far . Even voyages into space can be considered travel! So next time you utter “I love to travel,” note that this phrase speaks volumes about your passion for exploring distant destinations and embracing new experiences on a broader geographic scale .

Trip as the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time

When we talk about a trip, we’re referring to the act of traveling from one place to another. It’s usually for a short period of time and involves moving between different locations .

Think of it as going on a vacation or taking a quick getaway. A trip can be as short as a day or extend over several days, but it generally doesn’t involve staying in one place for an extended period.

So whether you’re heading out on a road trip with friends or catching a flight to explore new cities, remember that a trip is all about the process of getting from point A to point B , enjoying the journey along the way.

Journey as traveling from one place to another, not necessarily returning

A journey is all about the experience of traveling from one place to another, without the expectation of returning . It can be a long and exciting adventure, with multiple destinations along the way.

Unlike a trip or travel, which often involves going somewhere and then coming back, a journey implies forward movement and exploration . It’s like embarking on a voyage of discovery, where you’re eager to see what lies ahead and open to new experiences.

Whether it’s backpacking through Europe or sailing around the world, a journey offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-discovery .

Common Uses and Examples of Travel, Trip, and Journey

– Travel: “I love traveling to different countries , experiencing new cultures and exploring exotic destinations.

– Trip: “We took a weekend trip to the beach, enjoying sun-kissed days and relaxing by the seaside.”

– Journey: “His journey across the desert was filled with challenges and self-discovery as he embarked on a soul-searching adventure.”

Travel: “I love to travel to different countries.”

I absolutely adore exploring different countries . Experiencing new cultures, trying unique cuisines , and immersing myself in unfamiliar landscapes is what makes travel so thrilling for me.

Whether it’s wandering through ancient ruins in Greece or hiking through the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica, I find immense joy in venturing beyond my comfort zone and discovering all that the world has to offer.

Travel opens my eyes to different perspectives and allows me to create lasting memories that I cherish forever.

Trip: “We went on a business trip to New York.”

Last week, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to New York . It was an exciting experience that allowed me to explore the bustling city and meet with important clients . During the trip, we visited various companies , attended conferences , and even had some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New York.

Being able to immerse myself in a different environment for a short period of time was both refreshing and educational. Overall, it was a successful trip that helped us strengthen our professional relationships and achieve our business goals.

Journey: “His journey around the world took him three years.”

I embarked on a three-year journey around the world, exploring new cultures and experiencing incredible adventures along the way. From bustling cities to remote villages, my journey allowed me to immerse myself in different landscapes and meet fascinating people from all walks of life.

It was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective on the world.

Clarifying Misuses of Travel, Trip, and Journey

Many people mistakenly use the term “travel” for short distances, but it should be reserved for going to faraway places. To understand the proper usage of these words, read on!

Incorrect uses of travel: “He traveled to the grocery store.”

Using the word “travel” to describe a short trip to the grocery store is incorrect. Travel usually refers to going to a distant place, especially far away. So, it’s important to use this term appropriately and not for everyday local trips like grocery stores.

Proper uses of the terms: “I traveled to Europe.”

I traveled to Europe for my summer vacation. It was an exciting travel experience filled with new cultures, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. The proper use of the term “travel” in this context refers to going somewhere far away , especially to a different country or continent .

In this case, I embarked on an adventure from my home country to Europe, immersing myself in each destination’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Traveling to Europe broadened my horizons and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Understanding the Nuances between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel, trip, and journey may seem similar, but they each have their own nuances. Read on to delve deeper into the distinctions between these terms and how to use them correctly in your everyday conversations.

Travel focuses on the action of going to a distant place.

Travel allows us to embark on exciting journeys to faraway destinations. It is the act of physically moving from one place to another , often to distant locations . Whether it’s exploring a new country , immersing ourselves in different cultures , or experiencing thrilling adventures , travel is all about the exhilarating action of venturing beyond our comfort zones .

So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences!

Trip emphasizes the process of traveling and staying in a place.

A trip is all about the journey itself and the experience of being in a specific place . It focuses on the process of traveling from one location to another, while also emphasizing the time spent staying in that particular place.

Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip to a nearby city or embarking on a week-long vacation, a trip is about immersing yourself in new surroundings and enjoying everything that destination has to offer.

Journey implies a longer and more significant travel experience.

When embarking on a journey, you can expect a more extensive and meaningful travel experience . Unlike a simple trip or travel, a journey often involves exploring multiple destinations or pursuing a specific purpose .

It encompasses the idea of venturing into the unknown and embracing new challenges along the way. Whether it’s an epic road trip across several countries or a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites, a journey offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation .

It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures , navigate unfamiliar terrain, and create lasting memories. So if you’re seeking an adventure that goes beyond mere transportation from point A to point B, set out on a journey that will take you further and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Conclusion and Importance of Using the Correct Terms

Understanding the distinctions between travel , trip, and journey is crucial in accurately conveying our experiences . By using these terms correctly, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion .

So whether we’re embarking on a short trip or a life-changing journey , let’s remember to use the right words to describe our adventures ! Keep exploring and keep traveling!

1. What is the difference between travel, trip, and journey?

Travel refers to the act of going from one place to another, while a trip is a specific instance of traveling for a particular purpose or destination. A journey, on the other hand, implies a longer and more meaningful experience that may involve personal growth or transformation.

2. Can you give examples of each term – travel, trip, and journey?

Sure! Travel can include activities like flying to a different country or taking a road trip across states. A trip could be going on vacation to Disneyland or visiting family over the holidays. And a journey might involve backpacking through Europe for several months or embarking on a spiritual retreat.

3. Is there any overlap between these terms?

Yes, there can be some overlap between these terms depending on context. For example, someone’s “trip” may also be considered their “journey” if it involves self-discovery or exploration. Similarly, long-term travel experiences may encompass both the notions of “travel” and “journey.”

4. How does understanding the distinction between these terms help in communication?

Understanding the distinction between travel, trip, and journey helps in effective communication as it allows us to accurately describe our experiences and intentions when discussing our travels with others. It provides clarity and avoids confusion by using appropriate terminology when sharing stories or making plans involving different types of travel experiences.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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TRAVEL - TRIP - JOURNEY - TOUR - VOYAGE

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Travel vs. Trip vs. Journey

The act of going to another place (often for a short period of time) and returning.

• We took a five-day trip to the Amazon.
• You’re back from vacation! How was your trip ?
• I went on business trips to Switzerland and Germany last month.

Use the verbs “take” and “go on” with trip .

• A round-trip ticket is a ticket for going and coming back.
• A one-way ticket is only for going.

Travel (v.)

Going to another place (in general).

• I really like to travel.
• He travels frequently for work.
• My sister is currently  traveling through South America.

Travel (n.) can be used to describe the act of traveling in general:

• Travel in that region of the country is dangerous.
• World travel gives you a new perspective.

Incorrect uses of travel :

• I bought this shirt on my  travel  to Thailand. I bought this shirt on my  trip  to Thailand.
• I’m planning a travel to the U.S. next year. I’m planning to travel to the U.S. next year. I’m planning a trip to the U.S. next year.

Journey (n.)

One piece of travel (going from one place to another) – usually a long distance.

• The journey takes 3 hours by plane or 28 hours by bus.
• He made the 200-mile journey by bike.
• “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step” – Lao-tze,  Tao Te Ching

We can also use journey in a more “metaphorical” way to talk about progress in life:

• He has overcome a lot of problems on his spiritual journey.
• My uncle is an alcoholic, but he’s beginning the journey of recovery.

Quiz: Travel, Trip, or Journey

• Then and Than
• Affect and Effect

Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently!

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Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

What is the difference between journey , trip , voyage and excursion ?

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Help! My Boyfriend’s Parents Are the World’s Worst Travelers. Now They Have a Disastrous Idea.

The last trip we took—a cruise—almost killed me..

Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

My boyfriend’s parents are fine in their home environment, but are the world’s worst travelers. His mom is a nervous wreck and constantly imagining doomsday situations, while his father loses the ability to tell time and blames everyone else if he is late. We went on a cruise together. I basically planned everything, down to helping them pack. It was so stressful, I needed a vacation from that vacation. I told my boyfriend that I am not doing that again, but he and his parents want to do an international trip now! I am digging my heels in here. I love my boyfriend and his parents are great, but his mother freaked out over a gate change and his father almost missed boarding because he was taking too long in the bathroom. Help!

—Trip Stress

Dear Trip Stress,

Traveling with in-laws isn’t mandatory. And traveling with the parents of a boyfriend who is not even your husband yet definitely isn’t either! You are unmarried and free—you really don’t have to be using your PTO in this way. Vacations that feel like work and leave you drained are for when you have kids. Call up some friends and book a trip to wine country or Vegas or a cabin somewhere—whatever will actually be relaxing.

If you aren’t comfortable being explicit about resetting family travel expectations with your boyfriend, there’s another way to approach this too. When your boyfriend and his parents say “We want to do an international trip,” you just say “Okay!” You do not start talking about dates and itineraries and flight deals. When they bring it up again, say, “Let me know the details, and I’ll see if I can get the time off.” It sounds like if you, the person who has previously planned everything, are not going to take action, the trip might simply not happen.

If it does miraculously get booked and you, for whatever reason, decide to go, the theme of your trip should be “I’m just along for the ride.” You’re not the travel agent or camp counselor. There is no world in which you should be helping two other adults pack. You’ll also need to suppress whatever Type A tendencies you might have and accept that the trip might not be your dream vacation. You do not need to make an itinerary for everyone. You just get on the flight they tell you to get on, identify some things you would like to do, and make an effort to do them with whoever is interested. If your boyfriend’s mother is panicking over a gate change, you actually don’t have to do anything to fix that. She’s probably been panicking her whole life. You can decide to stay calm and say “Let’s head to 34D” and simply start walking. Something tells me that when your boyfriend experiences a vacation without the luxury of you handling the logistics and emotional labor—when he becomes the point person for his parents’ needs and the one in charge or comforting them—he might decide that he never wants to book another trip with them. And your problem will be solved.

I just learned that my former marriage counselor is now living with my ex-husband. Am I right to be mad and hurt?

—Mad and Angry

Dear Angry,

Absolutely. Also betrayed, pissed off, and bitter. If you want to add “vindictive” to the list, you may, depending on the counselor’s professional membership, even have the basis to make a formal complaint against them. For example, the American Counseling Association, which covers many licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), has a code of ethics that doesn’t allow counselors to get romantically or sexually involved with past or present clients, either in person or over the internet. If all else fails, feel free to write a scathing negative Yelp review. You might actually be doing a future potential client a favor. And then, to the extent possible, move on and try to embrace the mantra: “They deserve each other.”

Dear Prudence Uncensored

“Surely he can pack his daddy’s own underwear , you know?”

Jenée Desmond-Harris and Joel Anderson discuss a letter in this week’s Dear Prudence Uncensored —only for Slate Plus members.

I got my car detailed at a business near the beach in Los Angeles. When I took my car there, I meant to move my spare change I kept for parking meters and laundry out of the car but did not. When I got my car back, there were about $8 in quarters, and dollar coins missing, but dimes, nickels, and pennies were left behind. I emailed the owner the next day. The owner called me and apologized and refunded the full price of my car detail. I told him the full refund was not necessary and that I wanted to let him know what had happened. Because I had used the word “steal” in my email he took offense to that. I replied on the phone that the money was gone after I got my car back. He said he wished me well and I replied, “Are you saying you don’t want to do business with me anymore?” Now I feel bad about a situation where I did nothing wrong. I was just trying to alert him of a problem with his workers at his business. As the saying goes, “No good deed goes unpunished.” What do I do now? Or what should have I done instead in this situation?

—Suffering as a Result of Trying to Help

Dear Suffering,

Put yourself in the owner’s shoes. In the middle of a busy day trying to run a business, he gets your call and moves quickly to solve the problem by apologizing and offering to refund your money. You respond that that’s not necessary and reiterate that someone stole from you, without explaining what you  do  want. At this point, he’s spent time and money righting the wrong and speaking to you, and you appear to just want to … talk about it more? Be more dramatic about the offense? Hear in detail how the workers will be punished?

The clock was ticking, someone was probably waiting to buy an energy drink from the convenience store, and the car wash needed new windshield wiper fluid or something. Wishing you well was the polite thing for him to do so he could get off the phone with someone who wasn’t going to be satisfied with his response and get back to work. I am sure he didn’t give it another thought after he hung up, won’t remember you, and would be happy to have your business again. But it might be a better idea to choose a place where you don’t have a history of being robbed. Or at least make sure to remove the valuables from your car next time.

Classic Prudie

My wife and I recently had to have our dog put down. The dog was young, barely more than a puppy, and while this was upsetting to me, it was devastating to my wife. (The dog was sort of “her pet.” We have another pet that’s “mine.”) Our young daughter is also devastated. Through the whole thing, I’ve tried to be supportive, loving, and helpful. My problem is that I am also absolutely furious. My wife is not a tidy person. Our house is rarely as neat as we’d like, which is not the end of the world. But she’s always had an ability to create unholy amounts of mess: papers everywhere, food left around, bags dropped wherever on the floor. It’s long been a source of frustration for me. And it’s how this happened. 

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All the Adventure, a Fraction of the Cost: The D.I.Y. Orient Express

The luxury version of this classic train journey costs almost $50,000, but for $1,000 or less, you can book the rail trip from Paris to Istanbul yourself.

Rail fans can stitch together their own version of the Orient Express, which includes the Dacia train between Vienna and Bucharest. Credit... Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Supported by

By Michael Harmon

Photographs and Video by Tony Cenicola

• Published July 5, 2024 Updated July 7, 2024

Mention the Orient Express to most people, and you’re likely to conjure up visions of the private five-star luxury train — Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — whose meticulously restored coaches feature every conceivable Belle Epoque bell and whistle: acres of mirror-finish mahogany, sophisticated silver service, a pianist taking after-dinner requests at the lounge car’s baby grand.

That train primarily runs overnight excursions between Paris and Venice. For two travelers sharing a sleeper, prices start at 3,530 British pounds, or around $4,500 per person — but once a year, the V.S.O.E. takes five nights to retrace the classic route from Paris to Istanbul. For a solo traveler, the cost of admission is £35,000 — and that’s for the smallest cabin.

Thanks to Europe’s ongoing night train renaissance, though, it’s now possible for the first time in years to travel from Paris to Istanbul by regularly scheduled sleepers, with just two planned changes of trains, in Vienna and Bucharest. And not only can you book this D.I.Y. Orient Express online, you can reserve private sleeping compartments for the entire trip for less than $1,000.

It was a trip I had always wanted to take. And so, one balmy evening last July, I found myself under the soaring glass canopy of the Gare de l’Est in Paris — from which the first Orient Express departed 140 years earlier — with tickets in my pocket for a trip 2,000 miles east to the shores of the Bosporus, on an unbroken ribbon of rail.

Route of the D.I.Y. Orient Express

Châlons-en-

Dacia Express

Gorna Oryahovitsa

Dimitrovgrad

Bosporus Express

Mediterranean Sea

Sure, there’d be no pianist in the lounge car — nor a piano, nor a lounge car. And the trip takes at least four days, with two lengthy layovers. But not even a surprise downgrade to third class (that would come later) could have lessened my excitement when “Wien” flashed onto the digital departure board. I didn’t even wait for a track announcement; I spotted the rake of blue sleeper cars across the station and lit out for Track 5 and the far edge of Europe.

The Nightjet to Vienna

The Austrian Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet train to Vienna left with little fanfare: just a blast of the whistle and we were off.

The sun was streaming into my compartment as we picked up speed through the outskirts of Paris, and there was a laid-back camaraderie on the train as everyone settled in for the 15-hour journey ahead. In the corridor, I met a music student on his way back to school in Vienna and an Austrian couple heading home to Linz, a reminder that overland travel in Europe is a fact of life rather than a novelty or an exercise in nostalgia.

That said, this train does have a claim to the Orient Express name. Between Belmond’s V.S.O.E. and Accor’s ultra-luxe rival launching next year , it’s easy to forget that the real Orient Express trundled on for decades after its interwar heyday: Following its final Paris-Istanbul run in 1977, the train was cut back to Paris-Bucharest, then Paris-Budapest, then Paris-Vienna, before fading from the timetable altogether in 2009. Since then, ÖBB has led the charge of reviving Europe’s night trains, adding Paris to its expanding Nightjet sleeper network in 2021.

For this trip, I’d sprung for the top-of-the-line single deluxe sleeper with an en-suite toilet and, sensationally, a shower.

“Breakfast will be around 8 o’clock,” said our sleeping-car attendant, Melanie, stopping by to take my order. The scenery had opened up, and our train was blasting through the French countryside as I tucked into the Algerian mhadjeb wrap I’d bought at Paris’s Belleville street market. (While the Nightjet does have a room service dinner menu, it lacks a communal restaurant car.)

An unplanned stop at Châlons-en-Champagne gave me a chance to talk to some fellow overlanders, as we stretched our legs on the platform waiting for a freight train to pass. One young man, grounded from flying by an ear condition, had come by train and ferry all the way from Ireland; a couple from London, grounded by Daisy the cockapoo, were en route to Croatia.

We stood marveling at the fiery sunset until the whistle called us back onboard, and after the wobbly thrill of showering on a speeding train, I climbed into bed, catching a glimpse of the Big Dipper before the electric whine of the Nightjet lulled me to sleep.

The Dacia Express to Bucharest

The next morning in Vienna, I stepped out of the train and into a July heat wave, which melted away most of my grand ambitions for the 10-hour Viennese layover the journey requires. Catching a tram to the city center, I decided, in the spirit of the trip, to stay on until the end of the line in leafy Nussdorf, a ride of about 40 minutes, where the stately old terminal now houses a restaurant; its back garden beckoned me to fully embrace “slow travel” and linger over a long lunch with a book and some ice-cold white wine.

I was back at the station by 7 p.m., armed with a schnitzel sandwich for dinner — I had read there’d be no dining car on this train, either (nor the next one, for that matter). Eventually, after an hour delay (they’d been looking for a driver), the night train to Bucharest barreled in, its sky-blue sleeping cars, emblazoned with VAGON DE DORMIT and the logo of CFR Calatori, the passenger division of Romanian Railways, giving it an exotic air of having come from far away.

The Dacia Express takes more than 18 hours to travel from Vienna to Bucharest, where it arrives in the afternoon; for anyone catching the last leg of a D.I.Y. Orient Express trip, the 10:50 a.m. Istanbul train, this means spending a night in a Bucharest hotel. Taking advantage of the fact that the Dacia passes through Transylvania, I opted to further break up my trip with two nights in the preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara, about six hours up the line from Romania’s capital.

It’s luck of the draw if you’ll land a sleeper with an en suite bathroom on the Dacia , which like most night trains has shared toilets and showers at the end of each car; mine had only a wash basin, but my compartment was clean, cool and spacious. It felt great to be on the move again, and as we hurtled toward Hungary I poked my head through the open door of my neighbors’ compartment and asked cheerily where they were going.

“Istanbul!” answered Sabine Mader, 57, traveling with her son Josef, 17, on a rail adventure from Berlin. “At least, we are trying to! We hope to get tickets as soon as we arrive in Bucharest.”

The direct Bucharest-Istanbul service, reintroduced in 2022, is in fact a single Turkish Railways couchette car (a notch below a proper sleeper, with padded bunks rather than real beds) carried relay-race style by three connecting Romanian, Bulgarian and Turkish trains. Called the Bosporus Express, it’s a multinational effort that can be elusive in online timetables (and requires picking up a physical ticket), but it can be reserved online , news which delighted my neighbors.

With tickets secured through Josef’s phone, Sabine opened a bottle of sparkling wine to toast our success. Sitting in their compartment swapping stories felt like the Platonic ideal of night train travel, and the Dacia had more in store: a stop at Budapest’s breathtaking Keleti station, bathed in yellow lamplight, followed by the sleeper train ritual of middle-of-the-night passport checks in one’s pajamas.

The next morning, I hopped off in Sighisoara for some medieval R & R, catching the Dacia again two days later for the dramatic daytime ride through the Carpathian Mountains — past Saxon fortified churches and donkey carts waiting patiently at grade crossings — and finally into Bucharest’s bustling Gara di Nord, where I picked up my ticket for the next train to Istanbul.

The Bosporus Express to Istanbul

“Where’s the Turkish car?”

I stared, slack-jawed, at Train 461. The Turkish couchette car was nowhere in sight. In its place was a forlorn-looking two-car Romanian train — the one the couchette car should have been attached to — and a vague explanation from a Romanian conductor that yes, the Turkish car was “broken,” so yes, this was today’s train to Istanbul.

My heart sank.

I climbed onboard, and before my disappointment could turn to panic (the two cars were “sitters,” not sleepers, and Istanbul was a 19-hour ride away), a whistle blew and I flopped into a seat next to three young men speaking quietly to each other in French.

“Istanbul, right?” I asked anxiously.

“Yes, we hope!” Our train had just lurched forward, so this was mildly reassuring.

Eliaz Bourez, Adrien Godefroy and Yann Berthier, all 24 and traveling across Europe on Interrail passes, were riding the rails to Istanbul because it’s “as far as you can go,” said Mr. Godefroy. “And we’ve been dreaming about this train the whole trip.”

“With the plate on the side saying ‘Istanbul!’” jumped in Mr. Berthier, framing it with his hands. “But where is it? I was so ready to take that photo!”

We were all a little nervous about what lay ahead, a question the entire train car was soon pondering in a scene that would have made Agatha Christie proud. We reasoned we would have to catch the three successive trains that normally haul the couchette car to Istanbul, but one question loomed large: whether the Turkish sleeper from Sofia, our final train, would have beds for us for the overnight leg of our odyssey.

Mr. Bourez shrugged hopefully. “We have to roll with it.”

And we did. Six hours, two passport checks, and one locomotive swap later, after rolling through sunflower fields and clattering across the enormous “Friendship Bridge” over the mighty Danube, we reached the Bulgarian junction town of Gorna Oryahovitsa, where we said goodbye to our first train and apprehensively eyed our next ride.

Baking in the 90-degree heat two platforms over, the Gorna-Dimitrovgrad train’s two graffitied coaches made our Romanian railcar look like the V.S.O.E. Its wide-open windows confirmed our worst fears — no air conditioning — as we hoisted ourselves onboard. I slumped into a stuffy sitting compartment with Jan Géhant, another young Interrailer, and our French friends.

“How long are we on this one?” Mr. Géhant, 19, wondered aloud. The group turned toward me; I had studied the timetable.

“Five hours.”

They groaned. “But,” I added, “it should be a scenic ride.”

It was magnificent. As we climbed slowly into the mountains along the snaking single-track line, the jointed rail clack-clacking beneath us, a staggering panorama unfolded, each S-turn revealing a more spectacular gorge or lushly green peak than the last.

I drank in the deliciously cool air and considered my luck. Had it been a normal day on the Bosporus Express, ensconced in a private air-conditioned couchette, I couldn’t have stuck my head out the window like a golden retriever, or flung open the manual doors at every remote alpine halt to wave to the uniformed stationmasters. I might have missed the invigorating chill of each tunnel lit up by sparks flying off our locomotive, or the elation of joining in a Beatles singalong in the next car up, or the joy of a picnic with new friends as we descended the mountain pass and rumbled on into the night.

And we certainly wouldn’t have arrived in the humid purgatory of Dimitrovgrad euphoric to find that the sleeper from Sofia, just by luck, had exactly enough spare beds for everyone. Bunking with Mr. Géhant in an immaculately clean two-bed compartment, I spotted the Turkish crescent on the window and broke into a huge grin.

It was almost midnight, but we were all high-fiving in the corridor, ecstatic. Spirits stayed high even through the everybody-off-the-train Kapikule border crossing, and I woke the next morning to our train racing past distant minarets under a piercing blue sky.

A few hours later, we reached the suburban station of Halkali, the current end of the line for international trains to Istanbul. There, I caught the Marmaray — the world’s only intercontinental commuter train — for the short ride to its last stop in Europe, in a tunnel built 200 feet below Sirkeci station, the historic terminus of the Orient Express.

Six days after leaving Paris, I was in Istanbul. The trip had stayed true to the myth of the train that inspired it: comfortable, convivial — and a genuine adventure.

For planning a train trip across Europe (or anywhere), Mark Smith’s website The Man In Seat 61 is an indispensable resource. Check for the latest timetables and booking instructions.

I paid 371 euros, about $398, on the Nightjet and €253 on the Dacia, for top-end, private sleeping compartments; choosing a shared sleeper or couchette cuts the cost considerably. Both trains run year-round and can be booked through ÖBB , while the summer-only Bosporus Express can be reserved through CFR (I paid about 1,093 Romanian lei, or $242 to buy out an entire four-berth couchette, though Turkish Railways had other plans).

In Istanbul, until the classic line to Sirkeci reopens to international trains, buy a reloadable Istanbulkart at Halkali to ride the Marmaray. For maximum historical accuracy, continue to the Pera Palace hotel (rooms from about €263), built in 1892 to host passengers of the Orient Express.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Tony Cenicola is a Times photographer. More about Tony Cenicola

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Boston:  A destination steeped in history, as ever, has reinvented itself with outdoor spaces for drinking, dining and recreating, and more change in the air .

Spain:  By welcoming visitors with glorious scents and a natural beauty that rivals Provence in France, the annual lavender harvest has revitalized the medieval town of Brihuega .

Santa Fe:  Every spring, hundreds of bicyclists gather in the New Mexico city to ride through a high-desert landscape  rich in art, history and Indigenous culture.

Lausanne:  A new arts district, stylish restaurants and a museum that pays homage to the Olympics greet visitors to this Swiss city , home to the International Olympic Committee.

Orient Express:  The luxury version of this classic train journey costs $50,000. But for $1,000 or less, you can book the trip from Paris to Istanbul yourself .

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Palm Beach makes another list - as an 'affordable road trip destination'

Maybe we can file this under the "All Press is Good Press" file.

Travel + Leisure, a publication with more than five decades of advising people on where to go and what to do when they get there, recently published a list of "10 Affordable Road Trip Destinations in the U.S." — and Palm Beach made the cut.

Listen, we're just as confused as you are. Palm Beach isn't the first place that comes to mind when you say "affordable."

The Travel + Leisure writer certainly lavished praise on the town.

Noting that Palm Beach is "posh" and a "ritzy seaside enclave," they also called the island "The Hamptons of the South." Ahem. Aren't The Hamptons the Palm Beach of the North?

In declaring Palm Beach an "affordable" road trip destination, Travel + Leisure points to summer deals at some of Palm Beach's top hotels, including the Brazilian Court, Eau Palm Beach — which is in Manalapan, not Palm Beach — and The Colony. Yes, you can stay for "a fraction of the cost," as Travel + Leisure points out.

Special nightly rates at The Breakers start at $690 through Aug. 31. At The Brazilian Court, nightly summer rates start at about $399. That number bumps up to about $499 a night at The Colony through the summer, although a booking search for an upcoming August week found a standard double room for $384 a night. The Eau offers rooms over the summer that start at about $599 a night.

The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach has summer deals for Florida residents of up to 30% off nightly rates with complimentary parking. At the Palm Beach Historic Inn, you can score a room during the summer for a nightly rate that starts around $200 for a queen room. The Tideline is offering a 20% savings on nightly rates to Florida and Georgia residents this summer, and The White Elephant Palm Beach has nightly summer rates that start at $365.

More: Majority of billionaires in Palm Beach got richer ... but some, including Trump, did not

Still a far cry from the season, when many of those same rooms will quickly book up at $1,000 or more a night.

Yes, of course Travel + Leisure notes Palm Beach County's 47 miles of beaches. It also encourages its readers to "not sleep on" the Lake Trail and Worth Avenue.

Admittedly, one recommendation to hit up two small businesses-slash-local icons — Green's Pharmacy and Sprinkles Ice Cream — hits the nail on the head.

But the final recommendation from Travel + Leisure takes people off the island, and while Mounts Botanical Garden is a gem, it's not Palm Beach. Might we recommend Pan's Garden instead ? This half-acre of all-native botanical paradise is tucked away just north of Worth Avenue on Hibiscus Avenue. It's a true jewel, admission is free and the Casa Apava wall — saved from the remnants of one of Palm Beach's great estates — is not to be missed.

You could also visit the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden and the Demonstration Garden at the Society of the Four Arts on Royal Palm Way. The Demonstration Garden is managed and maintained by the Garden Club of Palm Beach, and it is designed to highlight plants that thrive in South Florida, with themed planting areas: Bromeliad Garden, Chinese Garden, Formal Garden, Fragrant Moonlight Garden, Jungle Garden, Madonna Garden, Palm Garden, Spanish Facade Garden and Tropical Garden.

More: From Bradley Park to Four Arts, take a stroll through Palm Beach’s public parks and gardens

Other cities that made the cut for Travel + Leisure's list are Jacksonville; Orlando; Tampa; Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio, Texas; Sacramento and San Diego, California; and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

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Travel tips for a Fourth of July that's set to break records

Luke Garrett

Airports around the United States are preparing for what could be the busiest Fourth of July travel season on record. The nation's roads are no different. Traffic could reach never-before-seen volumes over the Independence Day holiday.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever.”  

Nearly 71 million people are expected to make trips for the Independence Day travel period, AAA predicts.

Here's what to know about traveling for the holiday this week.

The TSA sets a new record and readies for another

Last week, a record-breaking 2.99 million passengers went through U.S. airports in a single day, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The agency said it's expecting a new travel record this week.

At Philadelphia International Airport, Gerardo Spero, the TSA’s federal security director for the airport, is dealing with an 8% passenger increase this year and is cautioning travelers to give themselves extra time.

“The best advice that I can offer is to get to the airport well before your ticketed departure time,” Spero said in a news release . “Now more than ever it is vital to give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, check in with your airline to check bags and prepare for the security checkpoint."

There's usually no need to panic when planes make emergency landings. Here's why

Spero also said travelers can help each other out by being "efficient" in the security lines: take off shoes and belts preemptively, empty your pockets into your carry-on, and grab a bin early.

Over at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — where travel volumes are up 5% — the TSA wants travelers to double-check their carry-on bags before they get to the airport.

“We are asking travelers to be good partners with TSA and ensure that they are prepared for the screening process," TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Greg Hawko said in a release . "Please don’t bring prohibited items in your carry-on luggage."

The busiest airport days are expected to be July 3, 7 and 8, according to flight website Hopper . The company projects Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver airports to be the ones with the most travelers.

This rise in summer air travel comes amid heightened attention on aircraft maker Boeing's quality control practices after a door plug blew out on a 737 Max jet in midair at the start of the year. Still, flying is the safest way to travel .

On the road

Nearly one in five Americans are set to drive more than 50 miles this Fourth of July travel season, according to an AAA forecast .

If you want to beat the traffic, drive early. INRIX, a transportation data provider, said driving on Monday should save travelers time. Any day after that, the best time to drive is before 10 a.m.

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX , said in a statement. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal.” 

When driving on the wrong side of the road is the right way to speed up traffic

If you are preparing for a longer road trip with family and friends, AAA recommends running through this checklist: check kids' car seats, bring an emergency pack (first aid, jumper cables, snacks and water) and map the route.

At the pump, drivers can expect lower gas prices than last year with a gallon costing an average of $3.50. In 2023, gas cost $3.53 per gallon and in 2022, it cost nearly $5.

This year, the states with the most expensive gas are California ($4.80), Hawaii ($4.71), Washington ($4.21), Oregon ($4.07), Nevada ($4.04), Alaska ($3.90), Illinois ($3.88), Michigan ($3.70), Washington, D.C. ($3.66), and Indiana ($3.65).

Another cost to consider is tolls. Not all states have them, but check your route on Toll Guru to see how much change you might need on hand or how much money to have loaded on the E-ZPass.

The weather factor

High temperatures and a few thunderstorms are in the forecast for much of the country, according to AccuWeather . Both can cause travel delays.

The worst heat is expected in California.

Heat wave safety tips from the world's first chief heat officer

"It's going to be downright hot across the Southwest, especially in California and the Desert Southwest where record highs will be challenged," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joseph Bauer told the website.

The Southern Plains and Southeast regions are also expected to feel the heat over the Independence Day weekend with higher than average temperatures.

High temperatures can slow down travel. When temperatures get too high, railway tracks can start to bend — forcing trains to slow down or stop completely. And planes may face weight restrictions during severe heat.

Traveling during the morning or evening can help offset the risk of heat-related delays.

While much of the country will face high temperatures on the Fourth of July, the Northern Plains, Midwest and portions of the Northeast may see thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather.

Flight delays and cancellations

As a rule, airlines are required to offer travelers a refund or book them another flight if they cancel a passenger's flight. The rules surrounding flight delays are more complicated.

Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

This U.S. Department of Transportation chart offers a full list of specific airline cancellation and delay policies.

‘Trip of a lifetime’ ruined when UPS lost our passports, customers say

• Updated: Jul. 02, 2024, 3:08 p.m.
• | Published: Jul. 02, 2024, 9:31 a.m.

Fred and Natalia Brodzinski said their "trip of a lifetime" was ruined after a UPS package holding their passports was lost. It still has not been found. Courtesy Fred and Natalia Brodzinski

• Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Fred and Natalia Brodzinski are world travelers.

They’ve visited 123 countries and another 30 colonies, territories and islands all across the world. But they had never been to western Africa.

“Natalia found a cruise that went from South Africa to Ghana and stopped at countries we had not visited,” said Fred Brodzinski, 75. “We decided as we were in that part of Africa, we should visit the neighboring countries. We selected Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Cape Verde.”

It would be a “trip of a lifetime,” the Hamilton man said.

They learned they needed visas for the Liberian part of the trip, so they sent the required forms, their flight schedule, a money order for $470 for expedited service, their passports and a prepaid return envelope to the Liberian embassy in Washington, D.C.

To make sure their package would be delivered on time, they sent it via United Parcel Service (UPS) on April 22, documents show.

But it never arrived.

THE FUTILE SEARCH

Time was of the essence.

They were scheduled to leave on May 3.

Brodzinski said they expected to get the visas, along with the return of their passports, by April 26 or 27, at the latest.

When nothing was received by April 27 and the online tracking system didn’t show any updates, they returned to the Hamilton Square UPS Store to try to get an update.

The employee said the package had been received by the embassy.

So Brodzinski waited. With no news on April 29, they went back to the store. This time, he said, they spoke to the owner.

“He said he couldn’t find any information on where the package was and gave us a letter that he requested an investigation,” Brodzinski said. “He suggested we check the hub in Hamilton.”

So to Hamilton they went on April 30, and the manager there said there was no scan of the package by the driver, so he believed it was still at the store.

Back at the store, the owner insisted all packages are picked up at the end of each shipping day.

By now, it was too late to get the visas, but they still needed their passports if they were going to salvage any of the trip.

They tried the manager at the UPS hub again, who said he’d have employees search around the conveyor belts and in the trucks, and then he’d call the couple back.

They never got a call back, they said.

Fred and Natalia Brodzinski say they have traveled to 123 countries, but a recent trip was upended when UPS lost their passports. Courtesy Fred and Natalia Brodzinski

So they tried calling UPS headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., but all the recorded voice messages said they should visit the website, they said.

“We are now in serious difficulty as it is now May 1 and our once-in-a-lifetime vacation starts on May 3 and we can’t fly because UPS has our passports somewhere in their system but can’t find them,” Brodzinski said.

With the help of their congressperson, they were able to get emergency passports in Philadelphia the next day.

They ultimately went on a smaller version of the trip without the Liberia stop, losing money in the process.

The total losses were $2,735.24, they said. It included their canceled and nonrefundable flights worth $1,942, $450 for the emergency passports, $118.24 for the shipping and $225 to renew their passports again because the emergency ones were only good for one year.

“We suffered great distress, anxiety, worry and mental suffering,” Brodzinski said. “To not have a passport two days before a major lifetime trip that was a huge investment for two retired senior citizens was a nightmare.”

LOOKING FOR SATISFACTION

By the time they returned from their travels, their lost package still hadn’t been found.

They sent a certified letter, return receipt requested, to UPS chief executive Carol Tomé, which launched a weeks-long email conversation with a customer service representative who promised an investigation and a reimbursement request to the UPS “claims department.”

They received a check for $118.24 — $100 plus the cost of shipping their package to the embassy — from UPS.

The last communication from the representative was June 13, when the representative said it could take eight days for the investigation to be completed.

That time passed with no word, so they asked Bamboozled for help.

We asked UPS for a status update on the missing package and reimbursement request.

A spokesman apologized for UPS’ inability to find the package.

“Industry-leading service is what has defined UPS for 116 years and we will closely review this incident to learn from it,” he said. “As outlined in our terms and conditions, we have reimbursed the customer the maximum permitted as they did not declare any additional value when the package was shipped.”

Indeed, the company’s terms and conditions show that if a customer doesn’t declare a package’s value, UPS’ maximum liability is $100 plus the cost of shipping the lost item. It also says it is not responsible for “any special, incidental or consequential damages” from a shipping mishap.

So of course, if you’re sending any item of value, you should insure it properly. In this case, though, the lost travel costs would probably be considered “special, incidental or consequential damages,” leaving the Brodzinskis with what seems to be an unrecoverable loss.

Fred Brodzinski said he received a phone call from UPS saying the same.

“We worked very hard to earn every single penny we invested in this trip,” Brodzinski said. “We will tell everyone to never use UPS.”

Stories by Karin Price Mueller

• They almost lost $25k in real estate scam. Why won’t bank release their money?
• When is the new N.J. ANCHOR property tax benefit coming? What we know so far.
• What’s next for property taxes in N.J.? Big tax cut’s future remains murky.

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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X at @KPMueller .

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Inside tom brady’s adventurous montana trip with his kids: ‘true love’.

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Tom Brady whisked away his children for an adventurous trip to Montana.

The former New England Patriots quarterback, 46, shared glimpses of his family getaway by posting photos and videos to his Instagram Story on Wednesday.

Brady, his son Benjamin, 14, and daughter Vivian, 11, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen , were seen doing various outdoor activities in the mountains.

It is unclear whether the retired NFL star’s son Jack, 16, whom he shares with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan , went on the trip as well, as he did not appear in any photos.

Brady posted a photo of himself with Benjamin and Vivian holding fishing gear together in a woodsy area.

“Gone Fishin’,” he captioned the snap, along with three red-heart emojis.

The athlete also shared videos of the trio zip-lining.

Brady called Vivian a “courageous” angel as he proudly filmed her taking a dive from the wood tower.

“C’mon girl,” he could be heard cheering in the video before his daughter took the plunge with an excited scream.

In another clip, Brady jokingly told his kids, “How dare you make me do this” before hopping on the swing and yelling, “Oh, sugar!”

“When your son calls you a chicken but your daughter is cheering you on,” he captioned the post with several heart and laughing emojis.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion also posted a stunning selfie with his youngest kids in which they smiled in front of a mountain range during golden hour.

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“Truelove [sic],” he captioned the photo, capping off the message with several red hearts.

Brady looked cozy in a blue plaid shirt and sweater while Ben wore a green T-shirt and Vivian opted for a casual gray sweatshirt.

The legendary football player and Bündchen, 43, divorced in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage.

Since ending their marriage, Brady has casually dated Irina Shayk. However, their fling seemingly fizzled earlier this year.

The former Victoria’s Secret Angel, for her part, has been dating her jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente .

Brady often posts affectionate moments with his kids and expressed his love for all three on Father’s Day.

“THANK YOU, to these kids for giving me the gift of being a father, a joy that I could have never imagined until you came into my life,” he wrote on Instagram in June. “I hope that I can give you all that my dad gave me… unconditional love and support.”

Brady also expressed his regret over how jokes about his family in Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady” affected his kids and said he wouldn’t do it again.

“You don’t see the full picture all of the time. It’s a good lesson for me as a parent. I’m going to be a better parent as I go forward because of it,” he said in May.

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