Photos show stunning designer Christmas displays at luxury hotels around the world

Several luxury hotels across the world collaborated with luxury brands — from Dolce & Gabbana to Jenny Packham — and artists to elevate their festive tree displays.

Riggs Washington, DC/Hotel de Russie/The Charles Hotel

• Hotels around the world collaborate with luxury brands for their Christmas decorations.
• Some trees, like the one at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, have been designed by jewelers.
• Other hotels have tapped artists like Conrad Shawcross and fashion brands like Jenny Packham.

It has been a tough quarter for luxury labels like LVMH and Kering as key consumer markets like China pull back amid a globally unsteady economic environment.

But there's still plenty of reason for cheer ahead of the festive season.

The once fashion-exclusive brands are diversifying their offerings, from cafés and pop-ups to partnerships with historic hotels around the holiday season.

As the luxury travel sector bounces back from its COVID-19 era downfall — think the rise in high-end train travel — it's yet another space where brands can make their mark.

While festive collaborations aren't anything new, a struggling luxury fashion market makes it even more important for brands to capitalize on the moment. And the benefits of these collaborations aren't one-sided — Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at venues like Claridge's in London have evolved into beloved festive traditions, drawing crowds each year.

For many guests checking into hotels this holiday season, a well-decorated, designer tree display not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also serves as the ultimate status symbol that helps hotels stand out.

From colorful oversized bows to leather-crafted ribbon ornaments, here are 12 designer Christmas trees that are just as extravagant as the luxury brands behind them.

Christopher John Rogers for Riggs Hotel in Washington, DC

The holiday tree at Riggs Hotel in Washington, DC, was designed by Christopher Rogers, whose 2023 collaboration with British paintmaker Farrow & Ball inspired the decor.

Riggs Washington, DC

Boutique hotel Riggs Washington, DC, has collaborated with fashion designer Christopher John Rogers and British paint and paper maker Farrow & Ball to create a dazzling 18-foot holiday tree.

Inspired by Rogers' childhood memories of food and family, the Carte Blanche collection, which debuted last September, includes 12 custom paint colors and three wallpaper prints, with names like "Cardamom," "Lobster," "Raw Tomatillo," and "Hog Plum."

These have served as inspiration for the holiday tree's colorful decor.

The 18-foot tree is decked in large, colorful bows.

The ornaments were hand-painted using colors from the Carte Blanche collection, while the bows were made using strips of hand-painted paper.

Riggs Washington, DC

The tree uses the 12 signature paint colors from the collection for oversize hand-painted bows and geometric wallpaper draped like fabric from Rogers' womenswear collections.

Ornaments, which Forbes reported took five days to make, include designs like blue lobsters, pink shallots, and silver sardines.

Sir Paul Smith for Claridge's in London

British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, a longtime friend of Claridge's, has designed the hotel's holiday tree this year.

Claridge's

From sweet treats and scents to the star of the season, the Christmas tree, British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has worked closely with Mayfair-based Claridge's to transform its lobby.

"When designing this year's tree, I automatically thought of a birdhouse, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge's," Sir Paul Smith told Harper's Bazaar in October, ahead of the tree's reveal.

The 19-foot tree is decorated with 100 bespoke birdhouses.

The ornaments used to decorate the tree include a mix of birdhouses — designed by British architect Nik Ramage — and red, blue, and golden baubles.

Claridge's

To create the ornaments for the tree, Sir Paul Smith partnered with British architect Nik Ramage and design studio Studiomama.

Ramage helped craft the birdhouses displayed on the tree, while Studiomama created "off-cut creatures" made from scrapwood to place at the base of the tree.

In addition to the decor, Smith's holiday fragrance, "Merrymaker," will be sprayed in the hotel's lobby, and a candy cart called "Paul's Pick n Mix," featuring his favorite Christmas treats, will be wheeled into the lobby daily.

Jenny Packham for Pulitzer Hotel in Amsterdam

British fashion designer Jenny Packham designed the Pulitzer Hotel's holiday tree this year.

Ashkan Mortezapour Photography

British fashion designer Jenny Packham has brought her signature sparkling embellishments and silhouettes to Pulitzer Amsterdam's holiday decorations this year.

For the set design, Packham was inspired by renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, whose ability to showcase the "quiet moments of beauty" stayed with her, she told WWD.

The nearly 29-foot tree is decorated with black-and-white bows.

The ornaments used to decorate the tree were inspired by the embellishments Packham had previously incorporated in the clothes she designed and Johannes Vermeer's painting, "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

Suaturayphotography

At nearly 29 feet, the tree, draped in grosgrain bows — reminiscent of those on Kate Middleton's dress during King Charles' Trooping of the Colour procession — and handmade pearls, stands tall in the hotel's central courtyard.

The intricate details on the bows and large pearl ornaments accompanying them are inspired by Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

Ladurée for The St. Regis Hotel in New York City

The St. Regis New York's holiday decorations include a tree designed by Ladurée, a sweet cart, and trees made of macarons.

The St. Regis New York

From garlands and velvet bows to a 12-foot tree, The St. Regis Hotel in New York has undergone a complete festive transformation, thanks to its collaboration with French patisserie Ladurée.

In addition to the decor, the Parisian brand is also offering a festive afternoon tea experience at the hotel's newly launched tea salon, La Maisonette.

The 12-foot tree is decked with oversized macaron ornaments and dried golden florals.

For St. Regis New York's 2024 holiday tree, Ladurée used large macaron ornaments in shades of gold, cream, and teal to decorate the tree.

The St. Regis New York

The dessert brand has created macaron-shaped ornaments in shades of gold, cream, and teal, complete with matching velvet bows, to decorate the tree in the hotel's reception.

Underneath, the spot is surrounded by ribbon-wrapped gifts such as an advent calendar and sweet boxes. And next to it, there's a macaron cart that doubles as both a photo stop and a place to shop.

Garrard for Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai

Jewelry house Garrard collaborated with the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira to design its annual holiday tree.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

London-based jewelry brand Garrard — appointed crown jeweler by Queen Victoria in 1843 — is bringing some of its holiday sparkle to Mandarin Oriental Jumeira this holiday season.

"Every year, our Christmas tree represents the ultimate celebration of sophistication and creative expression," said Werner Anzinger, the general manager of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.

Of this year's tree, he said, "This new masterpiece crafted together with Garrard evokes the timeless luxury and glamour of both brands as we bring seasonal sparkle and joy to Dubai."

The tree is adorned with blue baubles and golden leaves, paying tribute to both brands.

This year, the hotel's Christmas tree is draped in Garrard Blue, highlighting the brand's festive "Enchanted Night" concept.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

This year's Christmas tree is themed around sapphires, the same gemstone used by the jeweler for a pendant for the hotel's fifth anniversary earlier this year.

The tree's golden branches are decorated with the Mandarin fan — the hotel's signature motif — large midnight-blue baubles, and an illuminated ribbon.

La Ligne for The Dewberry in Charleston, South Carolina

In partnership with interior stylist Tom Dunn, fashion label La Ligne decorated The Dewberry's lobby.

Andrew Cebulka

From Meghan Markle to Karlie Kloss, several celebrities have been spotted rocking a La Ligne outfit. This year, the brand has dressed The Dewberry's lobby for Christmas.

Interior stylist Tom Dunn, who has previously worked with the fashion label, helped design the tree.

The 12-foot tree is draped in ribbons and woven ornaments.

The ornaments used to decorate the tree include a mix of wicker baskets and decorative sweetgrass.

Andrew Cebulka

When decorating the tree, Dunn took inspiration from Charleston's sweetgrass baskets, incorporating natural elements like shed branches, woven baskets, and decorative sweetgrass into the decor.

The stylist added a touch of the outdoors to the Balsam fir, draping it with oak branches, wicker baubles, and tiny gold-toned flowers.

Ghurka for Primland Resort in Virginia

The holiday tree at Primland was designed by the luxury leather label Ghurka.

Heather Ison

Connecticut-based luxury leather-goods brand Ghurka is known for its luggage and leather accessories, but this year, it will also be known for its cozy, country holiday aesthetic at the Primland resort, a private mountain estate in Virginia.

The tree in the resort's Great Hall is decorated with tiny bows made of leather.

For Primland's 2024 holiday tree, Ghurka used mini chestnut leather bows to decorate the tree.

Heather Ison

Beginning with festive bright-red bows, Ghurka reworked its signature chestnut leather for the holiday decor.

The tree also features natural brass rivets and red ribbons with Christmas lights.

Guests staying at the hotel can also request a personalized tree en suite throughout the festive season.

Conrad Shawcross for The Connaught Hotel in London

Keeping up with nine years of Christmas tradition, The Connaught collaborated with sculptor Conrad Shawcross for its annual holiday tree decorations.

The Connaught

The historic Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has stuck to simplicity with a hint of sparkle for its holiday makeover this year.

Helping with the designs is British sculptor Conrad Shawcross, best known for blending mathematical concepts and geometrical patterns within his designs.

The nearly 29-foot tree is bedecked with 90 lanterns.

Ninety identical lanterns were used as ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree at The Connaught this year.

The Connaught

The hotel's tree on Carlos Place has been dressed in 90 identical lanterns, each made from aluminum and hand painted with a silver coating.

Atop, the designer has added a shining star that lights up Mayfair and, per the artist, symbolizes hope this Christmas.

Baccarat for Mandarin Oriental in Singapore

Crystal House, Baccarat joined hands with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Singapore to add a touch of sparkle to its holiday decor.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

It is a season of double celebrations for crystal brand Baccarat, which is marking its 260th anniversary this year by collaborating with hotels worldwide for festive experiences.

One of the hotels is the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore, where Baccarat also hosted a cocktail world tour earlier this year.

A new take on the traditional tree, the hotel's centerpiece is made from crystals.

This unconventional tree uses two chandeliers and Baccarat's signature red ribbon.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Although the tree is slightly unconventional — with no leaves or branches — the hotel's centerpiece is certainly one of a kind, given that it's made from 24- and 40-light Le Roi Soleil chandeliers.

The crystal chandeliers feature intricate branches, tassels, and octagons stacked into a tree shape with the brand's logo on top.

Brioni for Hotel De La Ville in Rome

Italian fashion label Brioni collaborated with Hotel de la Ville to craft holiday decorations.

Janos Grapow/Hotel de la Ville

One of Rome's most Instagram-worthy getaways, Hotel de la Ville, collaborated with luxury Italian label Brioni for its holiday decor.

The result is a cozy, quiet-luxury aesthetic with elegant details throughout the lobby and, of course, a Christmas tree.

Hotel guests can also experience "tailoring en suite," where they can shop customized outfits crafted by Brioni's master tailors.

The tree features silk baubles made from fabrics used by the brand in its previous collections.

Brioni used silk scraps from previous collections to create the tree's ornaments for this festive collaboration.

Janos Grapow/Hotel de la Ville

The Italian label has reimagined silk pieces from its previous collections to create custom ornaments for what it calls a sustainable Christmas tree.

The tree, designed in shades of blue, gold, and cream and arranged by florists, incorporates natural elements and is brightened with golden hues.

MCM for The Charles Hotel in Munich

MCM has collaborated with The Charles Hotel for its holiday tree decorations.

The Charles Hotel

The Charles Hotel in Munich is celebrating the holidays by creating an enchanting Christmas world titled "From Munich to Mars" in collaboration with MCM — think gingerbread-style ornaments, glittering displays, and a giant Christmas tree adorned with gold and bronze baubles.

If all of that isn't exciting enough, the hotel will also feature an MCM-branded advent calendar, in which guests can win one of 24 luxury gifts every day.

The tree is adorned with MCM-branded rocket and mini Christmas tree ornaments.

The ornaments used to decorate the tree include a mix of gold and bronze baubles and branded rockets.

The Charles Hotel

To uphold this year's theme, the hotel has turned to a holiday favorite: gingerbread. Taking inspiration from the traditional biscuit, MCM has used its colors to create rocket and Christmas tree-shaped ornaments.

They've also built out a snowy landscape with gifts wrapped in brown boxes and a miniature, snow-capped gingerbread house to complement the theme.

Dolce & Gabbana for Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy

Hotel de Russie has collaborated with fashion house Dolce & Gabbana for its tree decor this holiday season.

Hotel de Russie

Another Roman contender, Hotel de Russie, unveiled a high-fashion tree for the festive season, crafted in collaboration with luxury label Dolce & Gabbana.

The tree, which is located in the hotel's courtyard, was inspired by the brand's intricate work seen in its collections over the years.

The nearly 13-foot tree is covered with ceramic and glass baubles, colorful ribbons, and fairy lights.

The tree is adorned with ceramic and glass ornaments inspired by the fashion brand's designs, colorful ribbons, and tiny lights.

Hotel de Russie

The nearly 13-foot tree, decorated with glass and ceramic baubles depicting folk character motifs, big bows, and twinkling lights, adds a warm, festive vibe to the hotel.

Hues of gold pay tribute to the fashion label's signature style.

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The smart ring explosion is here — a sign that fitness trackers are moving from wrists to fingers in 2025

Samsung's $399 Galaxy ring debuted in 2024.

Samsung

• The smart ring market is exploding, with options available at Costco and Walmart.
• Rings aren't perfect health monitoring tools, but they can help detect patterns and some illnesses.
• Healthcare companies and the US military are increasingly interested in harnessing the tech.

The rich and famous have been wearing them for years, and competing for the very best sleep scores. Longevity doctors swear by them too. But 2025 may just be the year that smart rings become the "it" tracker for the masses.

"We call it a 'check engine' light for your body," Oura CEO Tom Hale told Business Insider. "It's a tool for you to become literate in the dynamics of your biometrics as they relate to your behaviors."

Oura has been the longtime leader in smart rings — the Finnish company debuted its first ring in a Kickstarter campaign 10 years ago. The undeniable giant in the smart ring space (for now), Oura recently debuted a slimmer and smoother 4th generation ring model, priced from $349 to $399.

Oura has been selling smart rings since 2015. They've gotten smaller and thinner over time.

Oura

Oura says it has been profitable for 14 months after many years in the red. On Thursday, the company announced a $200 million series D funding round, bringing its valuation to $5.2 billion.

There's also been an explosion of competitor rings, including the $349 Ultrahuman Ring Air, which debuted in 2022. In 2024, we've seen Samsung's $399 Galaxy ring enter the market as well as smaller devices like the longevity-focused and David Sinclair-backed $200 Virtusan ring.

It all heralds the beginning of a new wearables category that may eventually help people eat, exercise, sleep, and avoid illness a little better than we do now.

"I welcome all the competition," Oura's Hale said. "It makes us better, it's good for the market."

Every smart ring has a different competitive claim

Samsung's ring has a charging case that looks like something you'd pack an engagement ring inside.

Samsung

Each smart ring company seems to have its own differentiator, the thing that they say makes them better than the rest, whether it's the thinnest ring band, the best battery life, or the biggest dataset.

They each generally track steps, monitor temperature, and log heart rate.

Dr. Daniel Kraft, a Bay Area-based physician-scientist and founder, says that's probably enough for the general consumer. We don't all need FDA-approved medical devices on our fingers. Instead, there's value in the consistency of the data a ring provides, monitoring trends day after day, learning about our bodies.

"We're all quite different and it's often the change from baseline that is most important," Kraft told BI.

Longitudinal trend lines can be useful for tracking things like how exercise, supplements, or stress are impacting a person's overall health. In Kraft's case, he watched his resting heart rate drop eight points over a roughly three-month period of daily exercise sessions.

Virtusan's ring pairs with an app that features breathwork sessions from Andrew Huberman.

Virtusan

"That gets people engaged, like, 'Wow, I make these small incremental changes and I'm going to see changes that show up in weeks and months and years,'" he said.

Until now, interest in Oura rings has largely been driven by word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues, and some longevity-focused physicians. Oura's friend referrals (a 10% discount) drive a lot of the business; almost half of Oura members were referred by a friend or family member, according to the company.

A smart ring is also "considered a little premium," Jeffrey Kim, Samsung America's senior product lead for the Galaxy smart ring, told BI.

2025 is shaping up to be the year that smart rings could go mainstream in a big way.

Multiple projections show the market for smart rings taking off, growing more than 20% year over year, until 2030. Over the past six months, Ultrahuman has started stocking its ring at major brick-and-mortar retailers in the US, including Best Buy, Verizon, Costco, and Walmart, and the company says more than 15,000 people in the US are picking up a new Ultrahuman ring each month.

Smart rings are about more than fitness tracking — they're being used for period tracking and to predict illnesses

Ultrahuman also sells a blood sugar monitoring patch (CGM) that people can use in tandem with the ring.

Ultrahuman

Already, studies have shown smart rings are good at picking up when someone is about to get sick with a viral illness like COVID or the flu, by combining metrics like heart rate variability with temperature and breathing rate while asleep.

Some brands have also been carving out a niche among women, playing up their potential impact on women's health. In the US, women were not required to be included in medical research until 1993.

"We need more data," Dr. Umbereen Nehal, a fem-tech founder and pediatrician, told BI. "I would like to have accurate, personalized care. I would like to prevent bad things happening to me."

Women now make up the majority of Oura and Ultrahuman users (55% and 60%, respectively). Beyond sleep and fitness, a ring can use temperature to track a period — not a failsafe technique, but it's a non-invasive option to help people better plan when to have sex to conceive or avoid a pregnancy.

Nehal hasn't bought into the ring hype yet. In part, she says it's because the current rings are too "ugly" for her. But she also cautions consumers to maintain a "healthy skepticism" toward their wearables, and not take the data insights or recommendations as health gospel.

"Try to understand: who was this tested on? Who was this built for? How do you want to use it? Do you think this is a good way for what you want to know?" she said. "Recognize that when you buy a product, you are still in the driver's seat of deciding what to do with that information."

Oura

Having more at-home data on everyday health may prove useful, but it doesn't have to come from our fingers or wrists. Kraft said we can also harness health insights from cameras, voice recorders, and other easily accessible tech.

Ultrahuman founder and CEO Mohit Kumar imagines that his customers will use the Ring Air as an entry point into what can be a whole body and house health monitoring system, complete with a CGM for tracking blood sugar and a CO2 scrubber for cleaning the air.

The Department of Defense is investing in Oura.

Lorado/Getty Images

Oura has recently partnered with CGM-maker Dexcom and inked a $96 million deal with the Department of Defense. Some US Army airmen have been trying out Oura rings in an attempt to optimize performance by helping make decisions about when they might need more rest, or a caffeine boost.

Medicare Advantage plan Essence Healthcare says it will start offering free Oura rings to seniors in 2025, in the hopes of reducing healthcare costs.

"If I see Mrs. Jones's resting heart rate went from 65 to 95 over the last month, and it's not just because she's been climbing stairs, it's when she's sleeping, boy, I might want to call and figure out what's going on cardiopulmonary-wise," Kraft said. "A lot of our healthcare issues, they show up in subtle ways weeks, months, or years early, and they're just not picked up on, they can't be picked on that short clinical visit — if you're lucky enough to have primary care doctor at all."

Smart ring vs smartwatch

Smart ring pros

• Small, inconspicuous, and unobtrusive
• Great for sleep tracking
• Long-lasting battery (~1 week)

Smart ring cons

• Not as ideal for sports like weightlifting or running; you can't track your pace, and it gets in the way when you're lifting weights
• Can't pick up a phone call or respond to a text
• Expensive

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Party City is reportedly going out of business and closing all stores

Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

• Party City's CEO told employees the specialty retailer is "winding down" operations, CNN reports.
• The company was impacted severely by the COVID-19 pandemic and never fully recovered.
• The company spent much of the past two years in bankruptcy proceedings and has closed 80 locations.

Party City's balloon is out of air.

CEO Barry Litwin, who took the job in August, told Party City's corporate employees on Friday that operations were "winding down" immediately, CNN reported.

The news follows reports last week that the company was contemplating a second bankruptcy in two years as debt continued to weigh on profitability.

A spokesperson for Party City did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Litwin told employees the company had done what it could to avoid shutting down but that, "unfortunately, it's necessary to commence a wind-down process immediately," CNN reported.

Party City navigated a pre-pandemic shortage of helium for balloons, securing a new supply source.

It was impacted severely by the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns and social distancing ended many celebratory gatherings, and other mass retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target stepped up their party supply offerings.

The company spent much of 2023 in bankruptcy proceedings and reportedly closed 80 locations, or roughly a tenth of its store fleet.

It exited bankruptcy in September 2023, after a judge canceled $1 billion of its debt. Litwin was appointed CEO a year later.

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For Gen Alpha, learning to read is becoming a privilege

Keith Negley for BI

Joshua McGoun, a K-12 public-school teacher in Frederick, Maryland, first noticed a change in his students about 10 years ago. They began to struggle with focus.

Increasingly, younger kids were not nailing basic reading skills before third grade — a crucial window. Those who miss it have a tough road ahead in middle and high school. Even adept readers in their tweens and teens have become afraid of complex or extended reading tasks and more comfortable with short texts or bite-size summaries.

McGoun, who has a doctorate in education, shared one stark example. With struggling readers, he hands each child a book upside down and backward. "They should be able to turn the book the right way up and open it at the first page," he said. These days, "some students aren't able to do that."

This is not unusual. Across the US, kids are struggling to read. Last year, reading performance for fourth graders hit its lowest level since 2005, and teachers expect that number to keep tumbling.

The panic to turn things around quickly is driving a wedge between teachers, politicians, and parents, all pointing the finger of blame at one another.

The Senate education committee, calling it a crisis, is pushing school districts to retrain teachers in a trendy new teaching style called "the science of reading," which has dramatically improved literacy in some areas (scroll down for more detail on that). Parents with resources to do so are moving their kids to schools that tout science-backed teaching styles.

Some teachers and policy experts worry this frenzy may have an ironic side effect, putting pressure on public schools to resolve a problem that cannot be tackled in the classroom alone.

"It makes the task of teaching harder," McGoun said, referring to new literacy programs and a focus on test results. "We're burning out at a faster rate, and it's causing a lot of apathy."

Gen Alpha kids, aged 2 to 12, need to discover the joy of reading, he and other teachers say. It's doable, but it's a more creative and slower process that many parents don't have time to wait for.

Teaching a 6-year-old to read is political

There has never been a golden age for reading scores in America. The record high was in 2017, when 37% of US fourth graders pass their NAEP reading test — just 5% higher than the most recent results.

Still, this new low raised alarm among lawmakers who were already concerned about screens and loneliness among Gen Alpha.

“The long-term implications will be dire” if literacy does not improve, Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate education committee, said in February. “We are at risk of having an entire generation of children, those who were in their prime learning years during the COVID-19 pandemic, fail to become productive adults if reading proficiency does not improve.”

His proposed solution? Get all teachers to use the same, evidence-backed teaching style.

Teaching styles have served as political footballs for over 100 years. The fierce, ongoing debate — known as the “reading wars” — dates back to at least the mid-19th century, when Horace Mann, then Massachusetts’ education secretary, slammed the alphabet as “skeleton-shaped, bloodless, ghostly apparitions” and said children should be taught whole words rather than their structure.

While teaching unions maintain that teachers should be able to draw from various teaching styles, it’s a tough sell with parents.

“Parents and others are getting upset about their kids’ literacy curriculum because they've heard that there's a certain way to teach kids how to read, and that might not be properly implemented in schools,” Carly Robinson, a senior education researcher at Stanford University, said.

Recently, the “science of reading” method (see chart below) has been touted as a silver bullet that transformed literacy rates in Mississippi between 2013 and 2019 — even in areas with high child-poverty rates, which typically correlate with lower literacy levels. It became known as the “Mississippi Miracle.”

In a February report, the Senate education committee said teachers who still used other methods — particularly the three-cueing system — were setting students “up for failure in the long run.”

TEACHING STYLES

Style	Whole language	Three-cueing	Science of reading
How it works	Popular in the 1980s and ’90s, this style is about learning words through immersion. A teacher practicing this approach repeatedly shows students a set of words, using photos to help them remember the meanings. Critics said the whole-language approach made students rely on context instead of learning to sound out unfamiliar words.	Popularized in the 1960s, this model blends contextual, visual, and grammar techniques. Kids are given three cues: semantic (the meaning of the word), syntactic (how the word is used in a sentence), and graphophonic (letters and sounds). Critics of three-cueing say it could teach students to interpret words incorrectly. For example, a student could look at a photo of a horse and read "pony." They might not be corrected because the meaning makes sense within the context of the sentence and the photo.	The “science of reading” places emphasis on decoding words. It is rooted in an approach developed in the 1930s by the neuropsychiatrist Samuel Orton and the psychologist Anna Gillingham. Take the word “chip." Instructors focus on teaching students to identify the individual sounds each letter makes alone and those they make when combined — like “ch” instead of “c” and “h” individually. Given the word chip's multiple meanings, you may be able to identify the major challenge with methods that focus on flashcards or context clues.
Where it's used	These days, elements of the whole-language method are used, particularly in Montessori and Waldorf schools, but it is no longer popular as a singular method.	At least eight states, including Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin, banned three-cueing last year in favor of the science-of-reading method.	A growing number of states across the country are adopting the science-of-reading methods.

In other states, parents want a Mississippi Miracle of their own.

Susie Coughlin, a mom in Falmouth, Maine, found herself going down rabbit holes about literacy techniques after her 5-year-old daughter, Carter, repeated kindergarten. Despite spending a second year at that level, the little girl had fallen behind in reading and writing.

One day, near the end of the school year, Coughlin saw a piece of Carter’s homework where she had written, “I went to the osen,” rather than, “I went to the ocean.” The teacher had not corrected the mistake because the emphasis was on visual cues — a picture of the sea — rather than spelling. Coughlin was appalled; spelling was why Carter struggled to keep up in other classes. The mom took up her concerns with the teacher, who, she said, defended the visual method.

Coughlin said that the impression the teacher gave off was that the school was "just going to let your child slide through." "So we hit the brakes."

Carter finished the year, but her parents elected to send her to a private Catholic school for first grade. In her new school, Carter was taught to “sound it out” — articulating the word as she read it rather than scanning pages for context cues.

Her progress was dramatic, Coughlin said. Now 8 years old, Carter thrives in her second-grade reading classes. “It broke my heart when her confidence was in the toilet at her old school, but her bucket of self-esteem is filling up,” Coughlin, who has since enrolled Carter’s younger brother at the same school, added.

Coughlin said her family was fortunate to have the resources to go private because the annual fees at the Catholic school are relatively low: $10,000 a child, compared with about $40,000 for secular private schools in Falmouth.

Forty-five states and Washington, DC, are considering bills that would retrain public school teachers in new, evidence-based reading practices. Susan Neuman, a professor of childhood and literacy education at New York University and an education official under President George W. Bush, said the bills represented “the biggest, boldest, and most inclusive effort to date to promote high-quality, scientifically supported reading instruction for all children,” adding: “We cannot fail.”

Educators are not so bullish about another initiative that requires retraining and devotion to new materials that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars a year, preventing creativity with the syllabus.

“The problem is that some school districts think: ‘We pay for this program, and therefore you have to use this program.’ You can't use anything else,” McGoun said.

While his school allows for flexibility, he’s seen panic take over in other districts, he said: “As a teacher, you can't even make your own materials. It’s because the school district attended a conference and learned about a particular program — they promised XYZ outcomes if you only use its resources.”

Nailing the right method is not a teacher’s biggest concern, McGoun said. “The most important thing an educator can do is provide good pedagogy by focusing on the student’s interests,” he said. “When you have motivated students, they will read.”

Kids are falling out of love with the written word

Students, McGoun said, have “fallen out of love” with the written word because the march of technology has made it seem “alien” and “outmoded” to them.

Parents know tearing a school-age child away from a phone is no easy feat. No matter what literacy technique you employ, the pull of screens tends to be stronger.

There are efforts to leverage technology to help with literacy. Some artificial-intelligence programs, already appearing in classrooms, listen to students read aloud and give them instant feedback on pronunciation and comprehension, an alternative to having students play a reading game for 10 minutes on their own.

Subtitles on TV shows have proved beneficial for early readers by presenting words on a screen that a child will read, sometimes without even realizing it — so much so that the actor Jack Black joined a campaign to promote subtitles to boost kids’ literacy.

Tara West, a former kindergarten teacher and the founder of the literary-coaching organization Little Minds at Work, believes the benefits of constructive tech could outweigh the harm of kids spending too much time on screens. “Kids gravitate toward anything that’s digital,” so teachers can take advantage of that, West said, adding: “Technology is going to go far.”

Getting teachers on board may not be easy. In a recent Pew survey of elementary-school teachers, 47% of respondents said they weren’t sure how AI in classrooms would influence their students’ learning.

Jeff Jarvis, a public-school teacher in Los Angeles, is skeptical about the tech method. Sure, it might work in small groups, “but you’d almost definitely be struggling to use it effectively in a large class with 25 kids,” he said.

Educational digital media is “often attached to visuals, not texts,” Jarvis said, adding: “They’re getting quick blurbs from Snapchat and TikTok but nothing in-depth.”

Teacher Jeff Jarvis would like parents to set an example for their kids by putting aside their phones and devoting more time to traditional reading.

Alex Welsh for BI

Teachers like Jarvis and McGoun say that, at the most basic level, kids should be surrounded by books to simply learn how they work — turning physical pages instead of swiping on an iPad, for example. That’s where parents come in.

Pavel Buyeu, a 43-year-old dad from Seattle, said that when his daughter, Liza, now 15, began to show a reluctance to read, he feared she’d miss out on the joy and satisfaction of discovering books as a kid.

“Liza and I are from different generations with different interests,” Buyeu said. Still, he said he would like to see her enjoy some of the books he loved when he was younger. “My favorites were ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,’ ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,’ and ‘The Little Prince,’” he told Business Insider.

Buyeu devised a “game” to make reading fun for Liza. He’d take his daughter to the bookstore and have her pick a title in return for privileges like sleeping in on weekends. The pair read and discussed the books before writing an alternative ending to the plot. Family members voted on a winner, which motivated Liza even more.

“Reading became a joy for her,” Buyeu said, adding that Liza’s reading speed and spelling improved, said.

Buyeu’s game speaks to the power of parental involvement — a luxury not afforded to every kid.

Parents with means are paying for tutoring

Learning to read isn’t just about getting a grade; it can reverberate throughout someone’s career and personal life. Want to vote? It helps to be able to read and comprehend complex material.

If not all students become readers in school, you will start to see “the haves and the have-nots,” Neuman, the former education official, said — people with the money to pay for extra help moving ahead in school and life, and those relying on public resources falling behind.

Kumon, a private company that provides after-school math and reading tutoring, has recorded a recent surge in its number of new students, with enrollment increasing by 56% between 2020 and 2024. The company’s methodology incorporates both meaning-based instruction and phonics.

Kalisha Brooks of Indian Land, South Carolina, enrolled her son, Corey, at Kumon when he was in kindergarten during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was worried that the disruption of the health crisis might set him back.

“I’d read articles about children being home and getting further and further behind,” Brooks said. So she bit the bullet, budgeting an extra $200 a month for Corey to have twice-weekly reading classes. She’s glad she did. Corey, now 8, performed above average in second grade and is now in third with a renewed confidence in reading.

Jessica Mercedes Penzari, a 40-year-old mom in New York City, can relate to Brooks’ dilemma. Her son Hendrix's kindergarten report card showed that he had dramatically fallen behind in reading within months. “It was a moment of panic,” Penzari said. “Once you fall behind, getting caught up is so difficult. I thought, ‘I’m slipping as a mom because my eye isn’t on the ball.’”

Jessica Mercedes Penzari and her son, Hendrix.

Momo Takahashi/BI

Penzari secured a private tutor — a special-education teacher who lived in her building. She babysat the woman’s kids in exchange for the typically $75-an-hour lessons. It proved successful. Hendrix, who recently entered second grade, is back at proficiency level and above grade level in some subcategories.

Children who have fewer educational resources find themselves a step behind their peers at the outset. Just 10% of multilingual students can read proficiently by fourth grade compared with 33% of fourth graders overall, the NAEP found.

Last year, Nichelle Watkins, who lives in public housing in Baltimore, told Fox 45 News that her fourth-grade son, Logan, still could not read and that they couldn’t afford tutoring.

“How is he supposed to be productive if he can’t read?” she said in the news segment.

“They go there to be babysat for eight hours and come home,” the mom added, referring to Logan’s elementary school. She said legislators — to whom she later wrote pleading for improvements — ignored the problem.

“I feel like they don’t care. It’s not their children,” she said.

What now?

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon, Donald Trump's presumptive education secretary.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Linda McMahon, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead his Education Department, will have a mammoth managerial job on her hands if she is confirmed.

McMahon, a former wrestling executive who sat on the Board of Trustees for Sacred Heart University and served one year on Connecticut’s Board of Education, supports Trump’s plans to deliver funds for education directly to states, giving them the authority to choose how to spend the money. She’s sparked anger from some educators who argue her plans would hurt public schools. She has also been accused in a recent lawsuit of enabling sexual abuse of kids in the WWE. McMahon has denied the allegation, and the lawsuit is on hold while another court rules on the constitutionality of such cases.

In an emailed statement, Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Liz Huston told BI that McMahon "is ready to deliver on President Trump's agenda to restore America's education system and prepare our next generation for the future."

Robinson, the Stanford researcher, said teachers would need much more funding to implement all the new bipartisan reading policies coming through states. Still, it’s not enough to simply shower schools with cash — smart policies are key. “Just giving money without any guidelines isn't actually that helpful if you want it to be directed in a certain way,” Robinson said.

In the meantime, all of these moving parts have created a divide between parents and teachers, who point the finger of blame at each other. It’s easier to take on someone close to you than to tackle unanswerable questions, such as, “how much have screens derailed attention spans?”, and “how much education funding is enough to make a difference?”

Jarvis, the special education teacher in LA, said he understands parents’ frustration that something so fundamental to modern life now feels impossible. He agreed that federal funding for literacy programs is essential to stop reading rates from tumbling further.

In the meantime, he said that parents can make a major difference by engaging in reading with their children at home. Take your kids to libraries, the teacher said. Let your kids see you reading books at home, he added, to create motivation and a rich environment for “reading to flourish.”

“Put down your own electronic devices and read with your kids, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day,” Jarvis said. “Let them read aloud to you and then ask questions about the text. It’s important to have parent-child time away from technology.”

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10 travel destinations you need to visit in 2025 — and what to do when you're there

Greenland is one of the 25 destinations in National Geographic's Best Places to Travel to in 2025 report.

muratart/Shutterstock

• National Geographic shared a list of best travel destinations for 2025.
• Cities like Bangkok, Thailand; Kanazawa, Japan; and Brasov, Romania, made the list.
• BI spoke with travel experts who shared their tips on how to best explore each of these spots.

The best trips are often a result of well-planned itineraries tailored to your tastes.

So when National Geographic published its annual Best Places to Travel report for 2025, unveiling 25 global destinations, we knew the ideal way to explore some of these spots would be to hear from experts.

Business Insider chose 10 places on the list and spoke to destination-specific travel experts to devise the best plan for each place, including what to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

Whether you enjoy exploring the ocean or prefer luxury train tours traversing through tiny towns, the guide incorporates a range of experiences across continents.

Here are some of the top spots to visit in 2025 and the best things to do there.

Antigua, Guatemala

Aerial view from the English Harbour viewpoint in Antigua.

Marco Bicci/Shutterstock

With its storied past and vast natural beauty, Antigua offers activities for people of all ages. But the best way to explore the island is to opt for private guided walking tours, says Carolyn Weppler, the senior vice president at Goway Travel, a travel agency that helps curate travel itineraries.

What to do: Visit two 17th-century landmarks, the San José Cathedral Antigua and Convento Santa Clara, says Weppler, or make a photo stop at the yellow-hued Iglesia de La Merced.

For those who prefer to stroll and shop, the streets surrounding Arco de Santa Catalina, the famous archway, are filled with artisan boutiques offering handwoven goods, colorful tableware, and clothing.

Finally, Weppler advises you spend a full day visiting Lake Atitlán and the town of San Juan La Laguna.

"The town is essentially run by women, the weaving industry is thriving, and there is art everywhere—on buildings, in shops, and woven into the landscape," said Weppler.

Where to stay: Villa Bokéh, located on the outskirts of Antigua, is an upscale colonial-era hacienda perfect for families or large groups, says Weppler. However, if you prefer a boutique hotel, Posada Del Angel, which Weppler says is "known for its charm and hospitality," is another option.

Where to eat: The best place to experience local cuisine is at the outdoor food markets, which Weppler says are "thriving, colorful, and a maze worth exploring." Her favorite local dishes to sample at the market include stews like hilachas and pepián, tamales called chuchitos, and sweets like canillitas de leche.

Por Qué No, a small family-run restaurant six blocks from the main square in Antigua, is another one to add to your list. "It's delicious and offers vegan options for travelers with dietary restrictions," said Weppler.

When to go: While the island enjoys tropical weather all year round, the best way to experience it is during late winter and early spring, from December to April, when there's little to no rainfall. For those who enjoy experiencing festivals, the annual Antigua Sailing Week and International Kite Festival both take place in April.

Ocala National Forest, Florida

An aerial view of Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest.

Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau

Spanning nearly 385,000 acres, Ocala National Forest highlights a unique side of Florida in contrast to its famous beaches and theme parks.

Jessica Heller, a marketing and communications supervisor at Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, says the forest's remote location makes it ideal for those looking to skip overcrowded tourist spots next year.

What to do: Swim or snorkel in one of the forest's four natural springs fed by the Florida aquifer that stay at 72°F year-round. Heller recommends checking out each spring — Silver Glen, Juniper, Alexander, and Salt Springs — to experience their "distinct personalities."

Hiking enthusiasts can take various trails, such as the Florida Trail or the Cross Florida Greenway, which cuts across the forest.

If you visit during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, you can cut your own Florida sand pine to take home.

Where to stay: While most people prefer to camp in the forest — Salt and Juniper Springs being the top camping spots — those who prefer hotels to tents and RVs can opt to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in the downtown square.

For a more upscale experience, The Equestrian Hotel, a 60-minute drive away, offers a great escape and easy access to the World Equestrian Center.

Where to eat: Downtown Ocala has many dining options, but Heller recommends trying out La Cuisine for French-inspired fine dining or District Bar & Kitchen if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.

Closer to the forest, Lena's, located on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway (open from October to June), is a local favorite for seafood.

When to go: According to Heller, January through March is the best time to visit if you'd like to watch horse shows. However, that's also when hotels are most expensive.

But if you're looking to bike, hike, or enjoy any water activities, Heller suggests planning your trip around wintertime. The end of summer — when it's not too hot — is most popular for springs.

"We even have a tubing season," said Heller, adding that their natural version of lazy river tubing is open from April through September.

Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun, a popular tourist spot, is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok.

Pinglabel/Shutterstock

From floating markets and temples to food tours, Bangkok offers a range of exciting activities.

Jack Tydeman, a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley, a travel agency, has visited Thailand over 20 times and has firsthand experience living and working there. He told BI that his suggestions for visitors usually include a mix of cultural and outdoor activities focusing on sustainability and support for local businesses wherever possible.

What to do: Most people prefer hopping on tuk-tuks to navigate the city, but for an off-beat experience, Tydeman recommends taking an eco-friendly Khlong tour. He says the boat tour will make you "feel like you're suddenly in rural Bangkok even though you're in the heart of the city" as you cruise past wooden shops, temples, and floating street food vendors.

The tour with Audley begins after breakfast and lasts about six hours, ending with lunch at Poomjai Garden, a 100-year-old family-run restaurant.

For street food enthusiasts, Tydeman suggests exploring Banthat Thong Road, where you can try everything from spicy soup and Thai-style castellas to fluffy omelets.

But if outdoor adventure appeals to you, Tydeman suggests driving out of town to the Khao Yai National Park, where, apart from trekking, wildlife spotting, and jungle hiking, you could also spend the day at a nearby local vineyard or mango farm.

Where to stay: The Siam Hotel, designed by landscape architect Bill Bensley, is set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and offers private pool villas as well as curated workshops such as sak yant tattoo — a traditional Thai tattoo design — or wet plate photography for its guests. It's a standout alternative to the typical 5-star properties, says Tydeman.

For a beachfront escape, consider The Six Senses Yao Noi, which Tydeman described as "a destination experience." Guests on-site can enjoy cinema screenings on the beach, private yacht charters, and a holistic spa with personalized wellness plans.

Another unique option is the transparent Jungle Bubbles experience at Anantara Golden Triangle, where guests can stargaze among elephants at night from their bubbles.

Where to eat: From a 10-course Michelin tasting menu at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin to a touring local establishment for pad Thai and other specialties, there's no shortage of food options in this city.

Tydeman recommends Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai for its egg noodles and Pad Thai Fai Talu for its standout pad Thai. To end your evening, he suggests soaking in city views with Thai beer at the Above Riva bar.

For something adventurous, consider reserving a table at Dine in the Dark, where you'll enjoy local and international food items in — you guessed it — complete darkness.

When to go: November to February is the best time to visit the city.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is home to a vibrant and diverse marine life ecosystem, where visitors can witness everything from colorful coral reefs and whales to sea turtles.

kkshxt/Shutterstock

If your idea of a holiday is to escape the daily hustle and explore life underwater, then Raja Ampat offers the most diverse aquatic experience.

"The waters around Raja Ampat are like no other," said Ellie Khoury, a senior travel designer for Asia Pacific at Jacada Travel.

What to do: Raja Ampat is home to vibrant coral reefs, jellyfish lakes, majestic manta rays, and various other colorful sea animals. The best way to explore this rich habitat, says Khoury, is by deep-sea diving or snorkeling.

Above the surface, Khoury says you can enjoy spotting "rare birds of paradise," hike up to viewpoints for panoramic views of the archipelago, swim in the turquoise waters of river Kali Biru — home to monkeys, birds, and butterflies — and visit the oyster pearl farm in Aljui Bay to see how pearls are cultivated.

Where to stay: For the most immersive experience, Khoury recommends chartering a luxury boat, which allows you to customize your itinerary.

"One of my favorite private charters," said Khoury, "is the Alexa Luxury Yacht, an old Phinisi-style sailing boat that was once a vessel shipping spice between the Indonesian Islands." It is a good option for couples and honeymooners.

For those who prefer to join a small shared yacht, Khoury recommends the AquaBlu, a former British Naval Explorer transformed into an intimate 15-cabin vessel.

Where to eat: From traditional Indonesian cuisine to seafood staples, the archipelago offers a variety of options to choose from; the most popular dishes include fried fish, satay (grilled meat skewers), and fried banana.

When to go: The best time to sail is between November and early April, says Khoury, but for peak marine encounters, including whales and manta rays, she recommends planning your visit between December and February.

Cenobitic monasteries, Italy

The Sacra di San Michele, one of Italy's leading centers of Benedictine spirituality, is in the lower Susa Valley.

Andrea Frazzetta for National Geographic

Italy is a top tourist spot known for its beaches, architectural splendor, and fresh food.

But in 2025, the year of the jubilee in Rome — a religious event that happens once every 25 years in which all four of its papal Basilicas open their doors — it's also set to become popular for its spiritual activations.

"It's a massive year for pilgrimage," said Grace Harrex, the lead travel writer at Monasteries.com, adding that the city will host around 40 million pilgrims.

What to do: Cenobitic monasteries are religious communities where monks or nuns live together, focusing on prayer, work, and spiritual growth.

"You can join in morning prayers, help with daily chores, and share meals with the community," said Harrex, emphasizing that these visits are often treated as spiritual experiences rather than vacations.

Other noteworthy sites include Monte Cassino Abbey, a key pilgrimage site founded by St. Benedict, just two hours from Rome, and the Abbey of San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Rome, one of the city's most important religious sites.

If you prefer a coastal city to Rome, the Foresteria Monastero Santissimo in Agrigento is a cenobitic community known for its architecture and proximity to the sea. "It's a bit more flexible than some other monastic stays but still offers an authentic spiritual experience," said Harrex.

Where to stay: Whether you're on tour to explore the spiritual side of Italy or prefer the more popular touristy spots, Harrex recommends checking into monastic guesthouses run by nuns for a new experience. If you're looking for affordable stays, the Casa Il Rosario, located in the center of Rome, is a great option, as is the San Giuseppe House, which offers easy access to major religious sites.

Where to eat: According to Harrex, cenobitic monasteries in Agrigento, Sicily, are known for their local produce and sweets like cannoli and granita. They also offer communal meals, which include simple, farm-sourced dishes representing their lifestyle.

When to go: Spring and fall — March through May or early September through November — are the best times to escape the scorching summer heat, said Harrex, adding that it is best to avoid summer and especially August since that's when most people in Italy take time off, and many local businesses remain closed.

Los Angeles, California

Destination Crenshaw is the country's largest public/private Black art project — showcased here is the mural, "Hey Young World," made outside a local business in Crenshaw.

Dareon Grace/Destination Crenshaw/National Geographic

Fashion designer Isabel Marant once said, "In Los Angeles, you can have the city life and feel like you're on holiday at the same time."

Kelly Miller, the president and CEO of Visit Huntington Beach, attests to the city's laidback yet outgoing lifestyle.

What to do: Whether you enjoy surfing, shopping, or just strolling past streets, LA has something for everyone.

Explore the iconic Rodeo Drive, lined with luxury shops, public art, and upscale restaurants, or relax at one of the city's many beaches.

If you prefer to immerse yourself in art and culture, the Miracle Mile, home to several well known museums, is worth a day trip.

Where to stay: Miller says the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is ideal for couples and families. If you prefer something closer to downtown or the heart of the city, The Hoxton is just a few miles away from key travel hubs and attractions.

Where to eat: One perk of visiting LA is being able to sample a multitude of cuisines all in one place. You could begin with Italian staples at Dan Tana's or enjoy a plate of tacos at Mírate.

For couples looking to escape the city, Miller recommends the newly launched Lōrea restaurant in Huntington Beach. Here, diners can enjoy a meal while taking in views of the Pacific.

When to go: September through November is the best time to visit, per Miller. This way, visitors can avoid peak season but still experience amazing weather.

Greenland

A small village featuring traditionally color-coded homes on the coast of Tasiilaq, East Greenland.

muratart/Shutterstock

"This year, we've seen Greenland and Scandinavia become some of the most popular destinations for what we're calling 'cool-cations,'" Duncan Greenfield-Turk, CEO of Global Travel Moments, told BI.

Now, with United offering direct flights from Newark to Nuuk, Greenland, starting June 2025, it is predicted to amass the same popularity as some of its neighboring destinations, like Spain and Iceland, The Wall Street Journal reported.

What to do: The Ilulissat ice fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of the country's most beautiful views. Visitors can travel to it by boat or helicopter.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities can hike to Sermermiut Valley, where you can see ancient Inuit settlements and views of the ice fjord's edge.

Traveling to see the northern lights? Take a Kangerlussuaq northern lights Safari tour for the best viewing chance. Greenfield-Turk says it is an ideal spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis, especially from October to April.

But amid the array of nature experiences, don't forget to explore the country's capital city, Nuuk, which, according to Greenfield-Turk, "offers a unique glimpse into modern Greenlandic life." Nuuk is also home to a rising tech and innovation scene focused on sustainability.

Where to stay: Would you enjoy living in igloo-style cabins? Hotel Arctic, an upscale hotel based in Ilulissat, offers this experience alongside incredible views of Disko Bay and the ice fjord.

For those who prefer budget-friendly finds, the HHE Express in Nuuk offers a clean and minimalist space and is steps away from the National Museum and several local cafés.

Another pocket-friendly alternative is to stay at community-run guesthouses, which allow visitors to interact with locals.

Where to eat: Ulo at the Hotel Arctic serves dishes such as Arctic burgers made using reindeer meat, Arctic char, and musk ox, highlighting regional ingredients and culinary traditions with a contemporary twist.

But if you prefer to sample some of the street food, then Greenfield-Turk suggests heading to Kalaaliaraq Market, where you can try everything from dried fish and whale meat to seal blubber.

When to go: According to Greenfield-Turk, summer (between June and September) is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and exploring ice fjords. However, October to April is ideal for seeing the northern lights or experiencing winter activities like dog sledding.

Kanazawa, Japan

Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa during winter.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

What to do: Start at the renowned Kenroku-en Garden and nearby Kanazawa Castle, a quintessential Japanese feudal fortress, or, if you're an art enthusiast, watch the ancient art of Yuzen silk painting at Kaga Yuzen Kaikan, ending the day with a visit to Nagamachi Samurai District.

Travel experts at Enchanting Travels recommend stopping by the Nomura Samurai House, a historic home that features a traditional Kanazawa-style tea room, courtyard garden, and Edo-period artifacts.

In the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa's geisha quarter, explore cafés and shops, especially those that sell gold leaf products, a specialty of Kanazawa. End the day with green tea at the Shima Teahouse or experience a traditional tea ceremony hosted by a sado expert in a tearoom.

Where to stay: Kanazawa Chaya Ryokan, located five minutes from JR Kanazawa Station, offers a luxurious spin on traditional Japanese-style inns. During your stay, you'll be provided a yukata — a cotton kimono — slippers, access to a relaxing onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki meals made from fresh local ingredients.

Closer to Omicho Market, there's Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, which has a more modern appearance but offers spacious rooms with incredible city views.

Where to eat: Enchanting Travels experts say Tsubajin, which was established in 1752, is a "legend in Kanazawa," most popular for its refined Kaga cuisine. Another top spot they recommended is Kagura, which they said serves excellent ramen.

When to go: To enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom at Kenroku-en Garden and around Ishikawa Gate, a picturesque corner of Kanazawa Castle, mid-April is the best time to visit, per experts at Enchanting Travels. Late December to March is ideal for a visit to Shirakawa-go, a village that's about an hour from Kanazawa and, in winter, is home to several snow-covered gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia

Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express briefly shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now back on track.

Nicolas Quiniou/Belmond

Angela Walker, the vice president of operations at The Society of International Railway Travelers, first experienced Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then, the train began its journey in Bangkok and ended in Singapore. Then, its services were shut down during the pandemic.

But since its reintroduction earlier this year, the luxury train's itinerary has been updated. Its round trips from Singapore travels through Malaysia. Recalling her experience from 2019, Walker told BI that she had an exceptional experience all around.

What to do: During the four-day journey, passengers can participate in excursions, from arts-focused tours to cooking classes, or, if you prefer, relax in the open-air observation car at the back of the train. "Sitting there with a cocktail, watching the scenery go by," was Walker's favorite part of her trip.

The train also features a luxury spa suite in collaboration with Dior, an experience Walker said only a few trains in the world offer.

Where to stay: You can select from three types of cabins, depending on your preferences and budget.

Walker said the state cabins are best for couples. They feature twin beds that convert into sofas during the day, an ensuite bathroom, and ample storage.

If you're celebrating a special occasion or prefer a more upscale experience, the presidential suites offer free-flowing Champagne and caviar and a 24-hour butler service, among other luxury amenities. The rooms and bathrooms are also much more spacious.

The most budget-friendly option is the Pullman cabin, which fits two people in one room on upper and lower berths. While they're cozy, Walker does not recommend them for travelers with mobility restrictions.

Where to eat: Two restaurant cars are on board, serving regionally inspired dishes with a modern twist as part of a menu created by chef André Chiang.

When to go: Walker recommends visiting between November and April, when the weather is more likely to be dry and slightly less humid.

Brasov, Romania

The old town and Tampa mountain in Brasov during winter.

SCStock/Shutterstock

Corina Leslie, a PR manager at email-services company ZeroBounce, is a native of Vulcan, a village 20 minutes from Brasov. Although she lives in the US now, she grew up in Romania and has personal, off-beat recommendations for those planning to visit this European nation.

What to do: Stroll through the streets of Republicii and Mureșenilor to explore the city's local shops and cafés, especially Piața Sfatului, which Leslie described as the "vibrant heart" of the old town.

Next, visit one of Romania's largest Gothic churches, the Black Church. For a scenic, relaxing spot, head to Piața George Enescu.

Vulcan, a quaint village, and Holbav, which is a 10-minute drive away, make for a perfect half-day outing, offering an authentic taste of Transylvania.

Where to eat: Leslie recommends trying the "Deliciu" cake, homemade fudge bars, and cookies at Vatra Ardealului bakery, opposite the Black Church.

For lunch or dinner, she recommends the Domeniul Valea Merilor in Râșnov, which serves local dishes and offers great views of the town.

When to go: For a cozy, snow-covered experience, Leslie recommends planning your trip around wintertime, between December and February. If you prefer milder weather, then May to September is ideal.

Correction — December 19, 2024: An earlier version of this story misstated the route taken by Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express. It starts and ends in Singapore and travels through Malaysia; it does not start in Malaysia and end in Singapore.

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The best thermometers of 2024 for adults and kids

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The best thermometer can help determine if you or your child are running a fever.

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

When body temperature rises, the best thermometer can accurately inform you of how severely the body is in distress. This can help confirm if you or your child are ill enough to see a doctor or if your systems are safe after exposure to dangerous weather. A fever could also indicate respiratory illness, such as COVID-19, influenza, or simply the common cold. 

Our top pick is the iProven Forehead and Ear Thermometer DMT-489. It's accurate, can be used on the forehead or in the ear, and costs less than $30. For a budget pick, we recommend the Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer. It costs around $10, has an easy-to-read digital screen, and is simple enough for both children and adults to use.

Below are the best thermometers to buy, with testing insight from several medical experts, doctors, and parents to narrow down the list. At the end of this guide, there is info on how we tested each thermometer, as well as answers to FAQs.

Top picks for the best thermometer

Best overall: iProven Forehead and Ear Thermometer DMT-489 - See at Amazon

Best infrared non-contact: iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3 - See at Amazon

Best for kids: Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer with Smart Glow - See at Amazon

Best for daily testing: Kinsa Quick Care Smart Thermometer - See at Amazon

Best budget: Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer - See at Walmart

Best overall

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

The iProven DMT-489 is a two-in-one infrared thermometer, as it allows you to switch between reading via an in-ear probe and a forehead setting, the latter of which is safer for infants under 3 months old.

It was the most accurate thermometer in my tests, reading within 0.5-1.0 degrees again and again for forehead readings and within 0.5-0.8 degrees for ear mode. It also displays the temperature within one second.

There are separate buttons for "head" and "ear," and to change from one to the other, you need to snap on or off the thermometer's top cap, which I found a little difficult but still doable.

To get an accurate ear temperature, you have to insert and place the probe top correctly, so be sure to read the instructions thoroughly. It took me a couple of tries to feel confident taking my temperature this way.

I liked that it has a fever alarm and color temperature indication to take the guesswork out of interpreting the readings. The manual also includes a very comprehensive comparison table on how to interpret measurements based on age and method. The thermometer can also store up to 20 past readings for easy comparison.

The devices come with two AA batteries, a soft pouch for storage (great for travel and diaper bags), and cleaning instructions. It also comes with a two-year limited warranty and the option of an extended-year warranty for free.

On Amazon and iProven's website, there appears to be two different versions of the DMT-489. There's no noticeable difference (both share the same model number), but it's possible to pick one up at a cheaper price. The thermometer comes in white or black.

Best infrared non-contact

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Before testing the iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3 myself, I'd already seen it in action for pre-screening at both my dentist's office and my daughter's daycare. It seemed like a good product that offered quick readings.

When I tested it myself, I found that it was the best temporal thermometer of the bunch. Instead of a beeping alarm, the device vibrates once it has a reading, which also lights up the LED display. This is nice if you don't want a loud noise, and upon testing, I found the precision and repeatability varied only by 0.5 degrees. 

At the time of testing, I also had Cindy Mrotek, whose clinic A.C.E Therapies screens people upon entry, try it out. She said the iHealth was a faster read compared to other infrared thermometers. However, she added that it was a bit difficult to use on kids who can't sit still. I found the device wouldn't read if it was too far away from the skin.

The iHealth comes with a user manual in English and Spanish, a quick guide with pictures, two AAA batteries, and cleaning instructions. It also has a one-year limited warranty. 

Best for kids

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Next to rectal thermometers, temporal artery thermometers are the most reliable way to get an accurate reading on children and babies over 3 months of age. (Use a rectal thermometer on infants under 3 months.) 

With the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, a gentle stroke across a child's forehead captures the naturally emitted heat waves coming from the skin over the temporal artery to give a reading in 2 to 3 seconds. It can store up to eight readings. 

When tested repeatedly, the Exergen thermometer delivered the most consistent and precise results of any model tested on myself and my kids — within 0.3 degrees.

However, unlike other models with backlight displays, the Exergen has a relatively small LCD screen with a dim readout. It may be hard to see if you are in a dark room. 

However, unlike others, this thermometer wasn't as intuitive to use, despite having instructions printed directly on the back of the device, I wasn't sure if I was correctly stroking the top of the unit across the forehead. However, the instruction manual had a QR code which led to videos demonstrating how to use it, which was helpful. 

The model comes with a 9V battery already installed, cleaning instructions, and a five-year limited product warranty.

Best for daily testing

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When I had to self-certify that my kids are free of COVID-19 symptoms before sending them off to school, a smart thermometer like the Kinsa — which stores all the readings for each family member on my phone and helps me monitor their baseline temperature — makes that daily routine much easier to manage.

The Kinsa Quick Care Smart Thermometer connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses an app, which I found easy to set up. I then created profiles for each member of my family, which included inputting their birthdays to help the app's algorithm provide appropriate care instructions from person to person. You can also add notes and symptoms, and track medication doses within the app.

After each reading, the thermometer displays not only the temperature but a happy, neutral, or sad-face emoji corresponding with fever status.

You can check the temperature orally, under the armpit, or rectally (they also make a separate model specific for in-ear use). Although the box says the response time is 8 seconds, I found it to read a temperature between 2 to 3 seconds when used orally. The precision varies between 0.8 and 0.5 degrees.

Kinsa sits in a unique space for both thermometers and smart equipment contributing to public health: As Hilary Brueck, Insider's Health corresponden, laid out back in 2020, the smart thermometer has helped forecast outbreaks of both the coronavirus and the flu, including detecting fever spikes weeks before hospitals and clinics start to see an influx of patients.

Best budget

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The Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer is easy to use right out of the box: There's only one button and you have the option to use the device orally, rectally, or under the arm. It runs on an included coin cell button battery.

I found the large digital display to be the easiest to read of all the thermometers I tested. It also beeps the loudest of the group, which is especially helpful for seniors with visual and hearing impairments, but also could be a nuisance for some considering the beeping lasts a full eight seconds.

The LCD screen uses a color temperature indication alongside displaying the actual number, which is generally helpful but fever isn't the same for everyone so this could be alarmist if you run hot.

The precision and repeatability of the thermometer were quite good in my tests and only varied by about 0.5 degrees. Although the box says the Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer takes 10-12 seconds to read your temperature, I found it was much quicker with a response time of 5 to 6 seconds orally and 6 to 7 seconds rectally. 

It's a little annoying you have to turn it off and back on to take a second reading, and it is only able to recall the last reading you took. But I did like that this model comes with 100 disposable probe covers and a protective holder, along with a one-year limited warranty and instructions in English and Spanish.

What else we tested

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Braun Thermoscan 7 Ear Thermometer: This is a fantastic in-ear thermometer with much peer-reviewed research to back it up, and not only do we recommend it but many parents I spoke with already own it. The downsides are it takes 10 seconds to read a temp, and it's the most expensive option I tested — especially when you factor in the disposable lens filters that need replacing for accuracy and hygiene.

Dr. Talbot's Infrared Forehead Thermometer, Non-Contact: This device has comparable precision and speed to the iHealth and is designed for contactless reading of infants over 3 months, including adults. I liked this device and it was easy to operate, but it's more expensive than the iHealth, and was difficult to change the settings using only the trigger. 

Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer: The Kinsa is super sleek and easy to use on yourself, which can be tricky for the ear. I also found the app to be tremendous in terms of content with very helpful instructions. Even though the readings only took a second, the precision tended to vary by 1.5 degrees.

How we tested thermometers

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I reached out to several pediatricians for their expert opinions on thermometers and read journal articles, reviews from reputable publications, and customer reviews. I also spoke with 20 parents about their temperature-taking experiences.

I narrowed down the final list of thermometers by testing each model myself nine times over three days on myself and my two kids, as well as a handful of times on my sister and two of my nieces, one of whom is an infant.

I also handed off two of the infrared thermometers to Cindy Mrotek, owner of A.C.E Behavior Solutions, an essential business screening adults and children with special health care needs upon entry, for testing over one week.

I looked at each product's speed, size of the display, mute options, memory recall, batteries, warranty options, and storage containers. I also looked at:

Accuracy, precision, and readability of thermometer instructions

You have to use a thermometer correctly for an accurate reading, so I evaluated the information on each product's box and inside its user manual from a health literacy perspective, including how helpful and easy to read the instructions were.

Models varied, with some having a quick guide with pictures (great), information in Spanish (big bonus), or a QR code for video instructions, while others had printed so tiny you need a magnifying glass to read it.  

Cost and availability

Since thermometers are an essential part of an at-home health kit, they need to be affordable. Some on our list are the price of two cups of coffee, while others are upwards of $30, but we also lay out how you can save money on a thermometer by using your health savings account or flex spending account. 

Thermometer FAQs

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What are the different types of at-home thermometers?

Your basic digital thermometer options to choose from are: 

• Single-use stick thermometer (marketed for rectal only) 
• Multiuse stick thermometer (rectum, mouth, or armpit)  
• Tympanic thermometer (ear) 
• Temporal artery thermometer (forehead)
• Tympanic and temporal thermometer (ear and forehead) 
• Infrared non-contact thermometer (forehead)  

All thermometers sold in the United States must meet federal standards and are already calibrated for home use at the time of purchase.

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Which type of thermometer is the most accurate?

Only a rectal temperature offers a true outpatient reading, says pediatrician, Dr. John Vann. "Everything else is an estimate," he said.

"Luckily, the exact number is not usually as important as how the patient looks," he adds. This is to say, there are other indicators of how severe someone's illness or condition is other than an optimally accurate temperature reading. There are also reliable methods for checking your temperature even if you don't have access to a thermometer.

No matter if you opt for an infrared thermometer or a strictly ear-based model, it's important to know fever isn't the same for everyone and that it varies by age, gender, and time of day, among other variables. Using a thermometer at various times of the day when you're feeling well gives you an idea of what's normal for you, or your baseline temperature. 

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Which is the best thermometer for home use?

Among at-home thermometers, medical research hasn't determined an exact correlation between oral, rectal, ear, armpit, and forehead temperature measurements. But Kaiser Permanente notes that an ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5 to 1 degree higher than an oral temperature and a forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5 to 1 degree lower than an oral temperature. 

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Can I use my HSA/FSA funds to buy a thermometer?

If you have an HSA or an FSA account, know that over-the-counter digital thermometers are eligible for reimbursement without a prescription. 

Here's how it works: 

• If you pay with cash or credit card in a store or online, you can request a reimbursement from your HSA/FSA account. Different plans have different requirements on what's needed for reimbursement but usually, a copy of your thermometer receipt will be enough.
• There are HSA and FSA-specific retailers, like the HSA Store and the FSA Store that make shopping for items that qualify for reimbursement simple. According to both websites, when shoppers use an HSA or FSA card to pay, they typically don't have to submit receipts. Purchases on these websites automatically substantiate. It is worth noting, however, that the thermometer options available on these websites are limited and cost more than other retailers. 

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What counts as a fever?

To figure out what's a fever for you, you want to find your baseline temperature (i.e., what's normal for you) by checking your temperature at various times of the day when you are feeling well. 

While many Americans think anything over 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is a problem, what constitutes a fever is different from person to person.

Rik Heller, a biomedical engineer, and thermographic expert, told Insider, "Age, gender, and even time of day impact normal body temperatures." 

Some children's temperatures especially run higher than others, points out Dr. Jesse Hackell, a practicing pediatrician with New York-based Pomona Pediatrics. Any reading of 100.4 F or higher in a baby younger than 3 months is a reason to call the pediatrician. "Another reason to call is if the fever persists for more than 24 hours in children younger than two and more than three days in a child 2 years of age or older," he said.

Meanwhile, older adults tend to have lower baseline temperatures than younger adults, and fevers in the elderly are sometimes completely absent.

Our experts

• Jesse Hackell MD, FAAP, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine and a practicing pediatrician with New York-based Pomona Pediatrics, a division of Boston Children's Health Physicians
• John Vann, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Omaha Children's Clinic in Omaha, Nebraska
• Dr. Jenifer Johnson, a family medicine physician and internist at Westmed Medical Group in Westchester, NY
• Rik Heller, a biomedical engineer, and thermographic expert who founded the clinical-grade thermometer company, Wello
• Cindy Mrotek, business owner of ACE Behavior Solutions

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