Skip to main content

Search hotels in Thessaloniki

Enter your dates to see the latest prices and deals for Thessaloniki hotels

Filter by:


Star rating

Review score

Thessaloniki – 1,048 hotels and places to stay
See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.
Mandrino Hotel, hotel in Thessaloniki

Mandrino Hotel is situated in Thessaloniki’s fashionable Egnatia Street, a few minutes’ walk from the city's major sights and points of interest. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Located very conveniently for the main sight seeing and shopping area. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel was clean and basic.
8.2
Scored 8.2
Very good
Rated very good
6,338 reviews
Price from£73.22per night
Plaza Hotel, Philian Hotels and Resorts, hotel in Thessaloniki

Situated in Ladadika Area, Plaza Hotel is just 50 metres from the harbour and close to the city's centre. It features a stylish bar and free WiFi access in all areas.

Plaza Hotel provided an excellent experience. Located in the center of town, it offers easy access to local attractions. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive. Highly recommended for both business and leisure stays.
8.3
Scored 8.3
Very good
Rated very good
4,757 reviews
Price from£88.55per night
Hotel Kastoria, hotel in Thessaloniki

Hotel Kastoria offers simple and affordable rooms a few blocks from Thessaloniki’s commercial district, Egnatia. Free Wi-Fi is available in the entire hotel.

everything we expected
7.2
Scored 7.2
Good
Rated good
2,684 reviews
Price from£36.19per night
Astoria, hotel in Thessaloniki

Situated in the heart of Thessaloniki, Astoria offers modern accommodation and business facilities.

Location
7.8
Scored 7.8
Good
Rated good
3,252 reviews
Price from£60.79per night
Le Palace Hotel, hotel in Thessaloniki

Centrally located on Tsimiski Street, Le Palace Hotel is within walking distance of Aristotelous Square. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, and easy access to the railway station and the port.

The pleasant and kind behavior of the staff. Great location
8.1
Scored 8.1
Very good
Rated very good
2,706 reviews
Price from£78.33per night
Rotonda Hotel, hotel in Thessaloniki

Excellently located next to Thessaloniki's Central Railway Station, Rotonda Hotel offers modern accommodation with complimentary buffet breakfast, free parking facilities and free Wi-Fi internet...

The receptionist at the hotel who was on shift when we checked in was very helpful and nice.
7.7
Scored 7.7
Good
Rated good
2,949 reviews
Price from£66.41per night
Daios Luxury Living, hotel in Thessaloniki

Boasting a unique location on Thessaloniki’s seafront, the urban chic Daios Luxury Living offers a Mediterranean bar - restaurant and stylish rooms, both with splendid panoramas over Thermaikos Gulf...

Location, breakfast, staff.
9.3
Scored 9.3
Superb
Rated superb
2,248 reviews
Price from£161.77per night
Grand Hotel Palace, hotel in Thessaloniki

This 5-star hotel is situated 4 km from the city center of Thessaloniki (Aristotle Square). Free shuttle service from/to the city centre is provided on scheduled hours.

Good breakfast. Parking place (for the covered you need to pay extra tax), walking distance from a supermarket. Room was clean, bed and shower also ok.
8.9
Scored 8.9
Fabulous
Rated fabulous
3,244 reviews
Price from£138.39per night
Hotel Luxembourg, hotel in Thessaloniki

Hotel Luxembourg enjoys a prime location, only 50 metres from Aristotelous Square and Thessaloniki’s promenade. It offers elegantly decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi access.

location
8.4
Scored 8.4
Very good
Rated very good
2,388 reviews
Price from£79.18per night
Hotel El Greco, hotel in Thessaloniki

El Greco is centrally located in Thessaloniki, just a 5-minute walk from Aristotelous Square and a 20-minute walk from the White Tower.

Initially, I didn't have so many expectations, I thought it would only be a 3-star hotel, which is also a bit far from the center, but my expectations were exceeded!!! The size of the room is generous, we had a triple room and we didn't bump into each other at all, the bathroom was large, it had a large balcony, kettle, tea, coffee refilled daily, fridge. The breakfast was the best of the 3 locations where I stayed this vacation and I also stayed at a 4-star hotel in Kalambaka. The one from El Greco was far above the 4-star one! The distance from the center is small, you can find everything nearby, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets. I came from the airport by bus and the station is about 100m away. The internet worked extremely well and was never interrupted during the 5 days I was there!
8.2
Scored 8.2
Very good
Rated very good
4,233 reviews
Price from£77.03per night
See all 606 hotels in Thessaloniki

Most booked hotels in Thessaloniki in the past month

Thessaloniki's best hotels with breakfast

  • The Excelsior Small Luxury Hotels of the World
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,472 reviews

    The Excelsior Small Luxury Hotels of the World is Thessaloniki’s one and only member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, located right at the heart of Thessaloniki.

    Great location, good breakfast, helpful staff and lovely room.

  • Daios Luxury Living
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 2,248 reviews

    Boasting a unique location on Thessaloniki’s seafront, the urban chic Daios Luxury Living offers a Mediterranean bar - restaurant and stylish rooms, both with splendid panoramas over Thermaikos Gulf...

    The staff were exceptionally friendly and accomodating

  • Makedonia Palace
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3,251 reviews

    Makedonia Palace is situated right on the seafront and next to Thessaloniki City Centre and features two restaurants of high taste.

    endless selection of good food - Excellent breakfast

  • Electra Palace Thessaloniki
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 6,045 reviews

    Electra Palace Thessaloniki is a 5-star flagship hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki, in the impressive Aristotelous Square.

    Breakfast is amazing. The food, the view, the staff

  • Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,034 reviews

    Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki.

    The atmosphere of the entire complex breathes relaxation

  • MonAsty, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 644 reviews

    MonAsty, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a garden and shared lounge in Thessaloniki.

    Location and staff friendliness and service were amazing

  • Elisabeth Boutique Hotel
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 427 reviews

    In a prime location in Thessaloniki, Elisabeth Boutique Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant.

    Extremely nice hotel with brilliant and helpful staff.

  • Bahar Boutique Hotel
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 681 reviews

    Centrally located in Thessaloniki, right next to the vibrant Ladadika district, Bahar Boutique Hotel offers stylish rooms with free WiFi.

    Excellent service and staff!! Breakfast great as well.

Budget hotels in Thessaloniki

  • Orestias Kastorias
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,890 reviews

    Centrally located in Thessaloniki City, the neoclassical-style Orestias Kastorias is within walking distance of Aristotelous Square and the White Tower.

    Place is very nice and clean. Staff is superfriendly.

  • Park Hotel
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 2,589 reviews

    Conveniently located in the centre of Thessaloniki, Park Hotel offers modernly designed rooms with city views. Free WiFi is provided throughout.

    Great price, fantastic location and excellent staff.

  • Augustos
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,064 reviews

    Situated in Thessaloniki, within 1.2 km of Church of Agios Dimitrios and 1.5 km of Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, Augustos features accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property.

    It was very centeal, next to a minimarket and a barber.

  • Nea Metropolis
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,470 reviews

    Housed in a neoclassical building in the heart of Thessaloniki, Nea Metropolis offers a 24-hour front desk and features air-conditioned guest rooms with free Wi-Fi.

    You can reach everywhere within a few minutes walk8.

  • Metropolitan
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,120 reviews

    Enjoying a central location in Thessaloniki City, Metropolitan offers meeting facilities and a business centre.

    Perfect location for our group. Big comfy bed, nice breakfast.

  • Byzantio Hotel
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,136 reviews

    Strategically situated only 2 minutes from the Egnatia Motorway, Byzantio Hotel provides modern, spacious rooms with free internet and free private parking, as well as a lush garden.

    It is a clean and nice hotel, the staff is very helpful.

  • Hotel El Greco
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 4,233 reviews

    El Greco is centrally located in Thessaloniki, just a 5-minute walk from Aristotelous Square and a 20-minute walk from the White Tower.

    City center,nice staff,proximity ...nice and clean...

  • Pefka Hotel
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,411 reviews

    Located in the lively Panorama Region next to a pine forest with a panoramic over Thessaloniki City, Pefka Hotel offers luxurious rooms that open to a balcony. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

    Really nice personnel, organized, great breakfast.

Hotels located in the centre of Thessaloniki

  • Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 4,449 reviews

    Featuring free WiFi and rooms with balcony, the boutique Blue Bottle Hotel offers accommodation in the heart of Thessaloníki. The lively Aristotelous Square is 900 metres away.

    It was clean and the staff was very kind and friendly

  • Mediterranean Palace
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,622 reviews

    Strategically positioned in the heart of the commercial and business centre of Thessaloniki, Mediterranean Palace provides 5-star accommodation with magnificent views of the Thermaikos Gulf.

    The warm temperature in room. The staff was very friendly.

  • Grand Hotel Palace
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,245 reviews

    This 5-star hotel is situated 4 km from the city center of Thessaloniki (Aristotle Square). Free shuttle service from/to the city centre is provided on scheduled hours.

    Great place good location close to the city centre

  • Egnatia Palace Hotel & Spa
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,580 reviews

    Egnatia Palace Hotel & Spa is located in a centre of Thessaloniki city, next to Aristotelous Square and right by Thessaloniki Bay.

    Everything was great!! Nice & clean rooms, Great staff

  • Colors Urban Hotel Thessaloniki
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,686 reviews

    Colors Urban Hotel boasts modernly designed rooms in the heart of Thessaloniki. Everything the city has to offer can be found in the surrounding area. Free WiFi is provided.

    Very good location. Perfect for people with dogs .

  • Porto Palace Hotel Thessaloniki
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 596 reviews

    Officially included in the elite of ‘Traditional Deluxe Hotels’ of Thessaloniki, this meticulously restored hotel boasts a 24-hour service-oriented front desk and the largest meeting venue in...

    Excellent and delicious breakfast! Great location!

  • Hotel Panorama
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,093 reviews

    Enjoying breathtaking views over the city and Thermaic Gulf, Hotel Panorama presents you with a family atmosphere, luxurious environment and high standard of service.

    great location, good facilities and friendly staff

  • Capsis Bristol Boutique Hotel
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 733 reviews

    The historic Capsis Bristol Boutique Hotel, part of the chain Historic Hotels of Europe, was originally built in 1860.

    Beautiful spacious room in the heart of everything.

FAQs about hotels in Thessaloniki









Special Beauty and Culture

Situated in the region of Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece and a precious cultural centre. Built near the sea, this modern metropolis used to be the crossroads between east and west, and houses some of the most amazing Byzantine and Ottoman monuments.

This lively city is full of large avenues, green squares, stunning Neo-Classical buildings and stylish shops. The White Tower of Thessaloniki is an imposing landmark on the waterfront and is the symbol of the city - a reminder of old times.

Visit sophisticated Thessaloniki, and you will have the chance to meet some of the most important Greek artists and musicians. The city has also an energetic nightlife featuring a number of clubs, bars or 'bouzoukia'.

Famous for the traditional taverns, restaurants and 'ouzeries', the Ladadika neighbourhood is the old Jewish quarter, filled with picturesque narrow streets. It is an ideal place to try some famous Macedonian specialities like bougatsa, souvlaki, and the delicious 'Panorama triangles'.

Thessaloniki International Airport is located about 15 km away from the city centre, and is the second busiest airport in Greece. Booking.com offers a big selection of hotels, apartments and guest houses throughout the city.

Learn more about visiting Thessaloniki
  • 133 attractions
  • 35 points of interest
  • 10 neighbourhoods
Subscribe to receive premium deals

Prices drop the moment you sign up!

What guests said about Thessaloniki:

  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0

    The waterfront was very windy so I stopped at Aristoteles...

    The waterfront was very windy so I stopped at Aristoteles square. The square was nothing special. The high point for me was discovering a little street by the name of Tositsa where there was a selection of antique shops. I bought a tiny oil painting from a nice Greek antique dealer. The Kapani market which covers city blocks right in the downtown area was interesting. Forget souvenir shops. Buy authentic Greek specialties from local stores for your friends and family back home. And don’t bother trying to find a mailbox. Postage stamps and posting of cards and letters must be done at the post office. Exception: one large yellow post box at the entrance to the security lanes in the airport.
    Alyssa Helena
    Germany
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Vibrant City, so much to do / to see within walking...

    Vibrant City, so much to do / to see within walking distance and so many restaurants and food options. Fantastic night life with many restaurants open until late at night with indoor& outdoor seating areas. Relaxed Atmosphere, nobody hassles you, people in Thessaloniki are really nice & helpful
    Dave
    Ireland
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Beautiful city was excellent, many reasonably-priced,...

    Beautiful city was excellent, many reasonably-priced, restaurants. The many bars and cafes and outdoor seating are among the best of any city. The location on the sea and its many museums and churches provided lots to do. We took a day-long excursion to Meteora that I would highly recommend; with longer stays we could have also gone to Philip's tomb and other historical places easily. The core of the city is small enough you don't have to use public transportation, and access to airport is good. The city seems much more neighborly, friendly and safe than Athens.
    James
    United States
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Thessaloniki is an amazing city.

    Thessaloniki is an amazing city. Our only disappointment was not being able to stay longer. Wonderful restaurants everywhere, plenty of museums, delightful neighborhoods. We hope to return---sooner rather than later. And Sky Studios are first-class, but economical!! When we do come back, we plan to stay at Sky Studios again. Special thanks to Thanos!!
    R
    Randy
    United States
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Busy, buzzing , friendly city with cool waterfront.

    Busy, buzzing , friendly city with cool waterfront. Lots going on, great food options. Good transport links to airport by bus and to Volos/ Athens by train…& into mountains to see waterfalls at Edessa by train. Loved this place, very different from staying on the islands. Nice view of Mount Olympus across bay and easy access to see flamingo lagoon by bus.
    Marie509
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Thessaloniki is an easily accessible city either by foot or...

    Thessaloniki is an easily accessible city either by foot or the 90 cents bus rides. A great vibe from the large student population with cafe or bars on nearly every corner. Meals at any levels are good value for money with both traditional Greek food and modern cuisine available. Plenty to see within the city with museums or locations - easy to venture further a field if desired. Note this is a city break and not a beach holiday. Beaches are at least 35 minutes out of the city via transport. However, it was still easy to find places to relax within the city and you are never too far from the sea. The highlights were definitely the market and the Archaeological Museum but there are plenty of ancient landmarks to find throughout the streets.
    Adrian
    United Kingdom

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Thessaloniki

  • From £130.77 per night
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1,737 reviews
    We've been to Thessaloniki at least 20 times. This is our second time in The Caravan and we simply don't want to change B&B anymore. It's spotlessly clean and so close to the heart of the city. But the main value is their sincere hospitality. It's a bit hipster's place with very good breakfast and cool atmosphere. Some very smart team have designed the whole concept. Just to add that parking place Caravan Sarai is just across the street and always have free space for hotel guests.
    Olivera
    Serbia
  • From £138.39 per night
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,245 reviews
    All good with the hotel but is more a 4 star than a 5 star. Garden and terrace, lobby, reception are 5 star. Room (even if I had deluxe one) is a 4 star. The breakfast is good, but a 4 star. The swimming pool, sauna and gym are 2.5 star. Especially the swimming pool, is very small (5 sq meters, the photo is done to hide the real size). The location is on main street but quite far from the city, 40 mins walking or 10 mins by taxi.
    Balan
    Romania
  • From £55.34 per night
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,136 reviews
    The hotel is clean and the staff is friendly. It was well situated for our purpose which was to get to Lefkada. We spent two nights here a few days apart. On the first night we came after a 12 hour drive and there are some restaurants within 10minutes with the car. The second time we wanted to also visit Thessaloniki so we took a taxi from the hotel(there is a problem with parking spaces in the city) and back( around 12euro per trip).
    Mihai Eugen
    Romania
  • From £51.08 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,890 reviews
    This hotel was very convenient. It's right in the center of the city, and all the main attractions in Thessaloniki are within walking distance. The staff at the hotel is very kind and helpful. The man at the desk called a taxi for us when we checked out. I also felt that the hotel was clean, safe, and a nice place to sleep. There is a small lounge with free coffee, tea, and cookies. It was great to take a break there.
    David
    United States
  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 51 reviews
    Location is perfect. The appartment is perfectly clean. It is equipped with everything you need. Balconies for additional comfort. Hotel stuff helped us get discount for nearby parking at the heart of city center where you can take your car in-and-out during entire stay in Thessaloniki. Finally, the appartment is under three locks, and it feels perfectly safe. Definitely will book it again.
    Branko
    Serbia
  • From £126.01 per night
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 2,474 reviews
    DO NOT book this hotel. It's terribly overpriced for what it is, it's in an ugly, dilapidated area of the city, and is very far from the center or any of the sights. It's VERY noisy. Booking.com advertises it as a 5-star hotel, but it's more like a 3-star hotel. I wish I'd went with my alternative choice, which was priced similarly, but was on the promenade, in the heart of Thessaloniki.
    Anton
    Bulgaria
  • From £71.94 per night
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 854 reviews
    It was one of the best rooms/hotels we have booked through booking.com. The apartment had everything we wanted and was newly renovated. Location is great, quiet neighbourhood yet close to the city centre. The hotel staff was very friendly and accommodating to our requests. We even tried the breakfast for one day of our stays and it was really good, considering the covid circumstances.
    Χ
    Χρήστος
    Greece
  • From £114.51 per night
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,911 reviews
    It is in the center and if you want to stay in center is really nice. The apartment is new,nice, clean, comfortable with a lot amenities. We ussually go in hotels in Thessaloniki, but now with small baby we needed more space and that criteria was met. I liked Netflix account and we have watched series when the baby was sleeping, there is small kitchen and helps with the baby.
    Anatol
    North Macedonia
  • From £51.51 per night
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 205 reviews
    It was quite near the centre. And we found parking quite close. Also you can't expect 5 star premises if you re taking your dog. So to be fair it was quite good. Unfortunately we didn't manage to meet the owner but he tried his best to meet us but we were all the time out and about exploring beautiful Thessaloniki.
    Paula
    Malta
  • From £184.75 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 6,045 reviews
    The staff and every part of our stay was just exceptional. The service gets better and better every time we visit. We became reward members and are looking forward to our next visit with this hotel! We can’t explain how grateful we were for the 5 star service we received. Thank you!
    Tatalias
    United States
  • From £168.66 per night
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 644 reviews
    Beautiful new hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki, walking distance to great restaurants, promenade and shops. Wonderful creative design, exceptionally comfortable. Delicious breakfast, lovely friendly staff, beautiful rooftop terrace. Great quality of every single element.
    dragos
    Romania
  • From £184.75 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 6,045 reviews
    I am traveling for a year and mostly staying in budget hotels. For my birthday I treated myself on a 5 star hotel and a nice room. Absolutely liked it. staff was nice and professional and the bottle of wine (and some treats) were very appreciated.
    Roland
    Netherlands
  • 9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 186 reviews
    Perfect apartment in an excellent location. Also the 4 Travellers team (Caravan hotel) were extremely kind and really helpful! Very well done and looking forward booking the same on my next visit to Thessaloniki. Will definitely recommend.
    Kalli
    Greece
  • From £108.13 per night
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 427 reviews
    This is an amazing hotel. The staff were so helpful and ever willing to help. They upgraded us to the premium suite. The suite was absolutely fantastic. Breakfast was sumptuous. Would highly recommend this hotel. I would give it 5 stars.
    JACOB
    Canada
  • From £78.33 per night
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,706 reviews
    Absolutely perfect. Rooms, location, staff, food - we loved it all. When I come back to Thessaloniki, I would book this hotel again without a doubt. Thank you for the great service you provide to your guests!
    Nikoleta
    Bulgaria
  • From £119.54 per night
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,572 reviews
    Everything was on niveu ..looks like and it is 4 stars hotel ..was some small things..which j will not mean to say for now .. worth for money.special thanks for bell boy Angelo 5 star service thanks Angelo.
    Sasho
    Denmark
  • From £80.88 per night
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,686 reviews
    Very nice, stylish hotel in a great location in the city center. Despite the busy street there was no noise in the room. Very friendly, helpful staff. Absolutely recommended for a visit in Thessaloniki.
    Orestis
    Belgium
  • From £185.60 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,034 reviews
    Professional staff, quick check in, great room with comfortable beds. Very quiet. Excellent breakfast. Easy parking. Top notch hotel in Thessaloniki
    Vasileios
    Greece
  • From £195.82 per night
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3,251 reviews
    The best hotel in Thessaloniki. Everything was perfect. Real 5 stars hotel. We will come again and recommend to everyone.
    Margareta
    Serbia
  • From £105.40 per night
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 2,611 reviews
    I think this hotel is not 5 stars Hotel but 3 stars.
    Andi
    Albania

Research, refine and make plans for your whole trip