As an American considering a move abroad, this is the question I’ve had the most difficulty working through. Health insurance is already a pain point for most Americans – add the thought of leaving the country entirely and I had no idea where to start.

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you already know that my partner has started the process of applying for his Mexican citizenship. We don’t have a move date locked in yet, but we’re weighing our options and figuring out what this actually looks like for us in real life.

I’ve spent 20+ years traveling internationally, but there’s a big difference between a two-week trip and actually relocating your life to another country.

So I did what I always do when I’m trying to make a real decision: I researched it thoroughly, talked to professionals, and spoke with people who have actually made the move.

What I found out surprised me in many ways, and made the decision a lot clearer than I expected. Here’s the reality of what happens to your US health insurance when you leave, and what we’re planning to do instead.

What Happens to Your Health Insurance When You Leave the US?

Does US Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?

This is the part a lot of people don’t understand initially.

Most domestic US health insurance plans are built for the US. Employer plans, marketplace plans, even Medicare – they’re designed around a domestic network, and the moment you step outside of it for an extended period, you’re largely on your own. Some plans technically offer international emergency coverage, but in practice that usually means paying out of pocket upfront and filing for reimbursement later, with no guarantee of what you’ll actually get back.

I talked to a few people who had already made the move abroad, and the one thing that came up over and over was that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for healthcare.

Most expats end up buying annual policies based on their specific situation and where they’re living. Nobody was still trying to make their US plan work from another country. They had all moved on to something that was actually built for the life they were living.

What Happens to Medicare When You Move Abroad?

If you’re on Medicare, the situation is even more straightforward – and not in a good way. Medicare does not cover medical care outside of the United States, with very limited exceptions.

You can keep your Medicare coverage while living abroad, but it won’t pay for care you receive in another country. If you’re approaching 65 and planning a move, it’s still worth enrolling in Medicare Part A since most people qualify for it premium-free, but you’ll need separate international coverage for any actual healthcare you receive abroad.

This is one of the most common questions that comes up in expat communities, and the answer is pretty consistent: Medicare only covers you in the United States.

What We’ve Decided to Do for Our Health Insurance Abroad

What is Expat Health Insurance?

Expat health insurance is coverage designed specifically for people who are living outside their home country for an extended period – not just visiting, but actually relocating. Unlike standard travel insurance, which is built around short trips and emergencies, expat health insurance is designed to function more like the coverage you’d have at home: routine care, ongoing prescriptions, preventive visits, and long-term health management.

The key difference is that it travels with you. Whether you’re based in one country or moving between several, a good expat plan keeps you covered without being tied to a domestic network that doesn’t exist where you’re living.

Travel Insurance vs. International Health Insurance: What’s the Difference?

This is where a lot of people get confused, myself included.

Travel insurance is designed for trips. It covers emergencies, unexpected illness, trip cancellations, lost luggage – the kinds of things that go wrong on a vacation. It’s not built for someone who is living abroad full time, and most travel insurance plans have time limits that make them impractical for long-term relocation.

International health insurance (or expat health insurance) is built for people who have actually made the move. It covers routine care, ongoing health conditions that develop after your policy starts, and preventative visits. It functions more like a regular health insurance plan.

The reason this distinction matters is that the right answer for you depends entirely on where you are in the process. If you’re still in the planning stage and traveling back and forth, travel medical insurance makes sense. Once you’ve committed to a permanent or semi-permanent move, you’ll want to look at proper international health coverage.

Why We’re Using SafetyWing

I’ve been familiar with SafetyWing for years – it gets mentioned constantly in nomad and expat circles, and I’ve used it myself for shorter international trips.

When we started seriously looking at options for a longer-term move, I went back and looked at what they offer. They have two plans: Nomad Insurance Essential and Nomad Insurance Complete. Depending on where you are in your move abroad journey, one is going to make more sense than the other.

Nomad Insurance Essential is travel medical insurance for people living or traveling outside their home country. You can buy it for as little as 5 days or run it as an ongoing subscription up to 364 days. It covers emergency medical treatment, unexpected illness, and travel mishaps – and there’s no deductible.

For families traveling with children: you can add a child under ten years of age per adult for free (up to two children).

As a US citizen, you can purchase it as long as you’re living or traveling outside the US. For us right now, in the planning and transition phase, this is the right fit. It’s flexible enough to cover the in-between period without locking us into a full annual commitment before we’ve actually made the move.

Nomad Insurance Complete is a different category. It’s not travel insurance – it’s closer to actual health insurance for people who have relocated. On top of emergency coverage, it adds routine care, annual check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for conditions that develop after your policy starts. It also covers you in your home country without time restrictions, which matters once you’re living abroad full time and traveling back to visit family.

One important thing to know: the Complete plan is not available to US residents. Once you’ve established your primary residence abroad and are living outside the US for more than six months of the year, you become eligible.

How Much Does Health Insurance Abroad Cost?

This is usually what surprises people the most, because it’s significantly more affordable than what most of us are used to paying in the US.

For SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential, pricing starts at $62.72 per four weeks for travelers aged 10–39. For travelers aged 60–69, you can expect to pay upwards of $218 per month – which is still competitive compared to most alternatives. The Nomad Insurance Complete plan starts at around $177.50 per month, with the cost varying based on age and any add-ons you choose such as dental coverage or electronics theft protection.

To put that in context: the average marketplace health insurance premium in the US runs several hundred dollars a month before you factor in deductibles and copays. The idea that you could have solid international coverage for $60–$177 a month takes some getting used to, but that’s consistently what people who’ve made the move report paying – and it is often one of the reasons Americans actually decide to move abroad.

Pricing varies based on your age and the length of your coverage, so SafetyWing has a quote tool on their site that lets you see exact numbers for your situation before committing to anything.

What I’d Suggest Based on Where You Are

After all the research, the conversations with professionals, and talking to people who’ve been through it – here’s my advice:

If you’re in the planning stage, still figuring out the logistics of a move, or just spending a lot of time internationally without a fixed base yet, start with the Essential plan. It’s flexible, affordable, and you can adjust as your situation evolves.

If you’ve already relocated or are about to make a permanent move and you’re not a US citizen or resident, look at the Complete plan. The difference between travel medical coverage and actual health insurance matters a lot once you’re living somewhere full time.

Either way, sort this out before you go. It may feel like something you can figure out later, but it’s absolutely something that should be factored into any budget plans for your eventual move abroad.

I’ll be documenting our entire move abroad process, starting with my partner’s Mexican citizenship journey. If you want to follow along, subscribe here so you don’t miss any of it.

The post What Happens to Your Health Insurance When You Leave the US? (& What We’re Doing Instead) appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

I’ve been to Catalina Island twice, once camping at Two Harbors on the island’s quieter western side, and once exploring Avalon, which is the main town and where most visitors spend their time. I’ve also spent time on Santa Cruz and Anacapa, two other Channel Islands, so I have a bit of a soft spot for all things island life off the Southern California coast.

This post covers the best things to do in Avalon, Catalina Island for a weekend trip – the activities that are actually worth your time, plus what to eat, budget tips, and everything you need to know before you go. If you want the full deep-dive on getting there, where to stay, and first-timer logistics, I’ve got a complete Catalina Island travel guide for that.

How to Get to Catalina Island

Most people take the Catalina Express ferry, which departs from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. The crossing takes about an hour from Long Beach and San Pedro, and closer to 75 minutes from Dana Point. Round-trip fares run around $90 per adult. Book ahead – these boats sell out, especially in the summer.

If you’re coming from San Diego or South Orange County, Dana Point is by far the closest port and worth the slightly longer crossing time. Coming from LA, Long Beach has the most departure options.

For the full breakdown on ferry tips, parking, and what to expect on the crossing (including the occasional surprise orca sighting), see my complete Catalina Island guide.

Read more: 25 Epic Weekend Trips from San Diego (That Locals Actually Take)

Best Things to Do on Catalina Island

Rent a Golf Cart and Drive the Ridge Roads

Full disclosure: we didn’t rent a golf cart on our Avalon trip. We had four days and walked everywhere, which I loved – until about day three when my knees had other opinions about the hills. If you have a shorter visit, rent a golf cart. It’s one of the best ways to see the island, and the views from the ridge roads above town are spectacular in a way that’s hard to fully appreciate from street level.

Drive up past the Catalina Chimes Tower and along the ridgeline above Avalon. From up there you get the whole picture – the Casino, the harbor, the boats, the colorful hillside houses stacked up around the bay. It’s one of the most photogenic spots on the island and worth taking your time at.

Rental companies operate right near the ferry terminal. Most rent by the hour, with two hours being the sweet spot for a comfortable circuit. Reserve in advance if you’re visiting on a summer weekend – carts go fast. An e-bike is also a great option that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

And if you’d rather take a golf cart tour with a knowledgeable guide, you can book that here.

Walk the Waterfront and Find the Tiles

Once you’ve gotten the big-picture view from above, come back down and slow down on Crescent Avenue. Grab coffee, wander into a few shops, sit on a bench and watch the harbor. Avalon has an unhurried pace that’s hard to find this close to a major city.

One thing I’d specifically look for: the hand-painted tiles. Catalina is famous for them, and once you start noticing them they’re everywhere – on fountain bases, building facades, staircase risers, street signs. They’re beautiful and completely specific to this place. Keep your eyes low and you’ll find them constantly.

The Green Pleasure Pier is also worth a walk. It’s short, it’s free, and the view back toward the Casino from the end of it is a classic Avalon shot.

Read more: 15 Best Weekend Getaways & Staycation Ideas in California

Snorkel at Lover’s Cove and Casino Point

If there’s one thing you absolutely should not skip on Catalina Island, it’s getting in the water. Lover’s Cove and Casino Point are both part of Marine Protected Areas, which means the marine life here is extraordinary compared to most California beaches. Garibaldi – the bright orange fish that are actually the California state marine fish – are so abundant and so orange they look fake at first. You’ll also see sea bass, stingrays, bat rays, and kelp forests within about ten feet of the shore.

Lover’s Cove is the more relaxed of the two and great for a casual float. Casino Point is where the scuba divers go and where the kelp forest is densest – there are also resident seals that hang around and tend to steal the show entirely.

Snorkel gear rentals are easy to find around Avalon, so there’s no need to haul your own. I’d strongly suggest renting a wetsuit too, even in summer. The water peaks around 67°F in August and drops into the high 50s in winter – refreshing by any California standard, and a wetsuit means you’ll actually stay in long enough to enjoy it.

Snorkeling at Lover’s Cove is completely free, which makes it one of the best value activities on the island.

Read more: 12 Best Beach Towns in California + Where to Stay

Kayak Along the Coastline

We did a guided kayak tour with the Catalina Island Company out to Frog Rock and it’s a great way to see the island from the water. The paddle is easy enough for beginners (there were a few on our tour) and the coastal perspective is completely different from anything you get on land.

Roller Skating at the Wrigley Ballroom

Neither of us had roller skated in probably twenty years, but this was absolutely one of the highlights of the trip!

The Wrigley Ballroom is a stunning historic space and the combination of the music, the setting, and the fact that muscle memory for skating apparently never fully disappears made it a really fun evening. Put it on the list even if it sounds like a weird choice – especially if you’re staying more than one night. Reserve a spot here.

Explore the Island Interior on a Guided Tour

This is the one I wish we’d made time for. Nearly 90% of Catalina’s interior is protected conservancy land, and a guided tour is the only way to explore it.

A naturalist takes you out in an open-air vehicle through canyons, ridgelines, and coastline that most visitors never see. The chance of spotting bison, Catalina Island foxes, and bald eagles is real. There’s nothing else like it in Southern California, and it’s easy to forget you’re on an island an hour from the mainland.

Take the Nautilus Semi-Submarine

If you’re traveling with kids this one is obvious, but honestly it’s fun regardless of whether you have kids in tow. You board a yellow semi-submarine at the Green Pleasure Pier and spend 45 minutes cruising six feet underwater through Lover’s Cove without getting wet. Garibaldi, bat rays, kelp forests – all right outside your porthole.

Take the Cyclone Powerboat to Two Harbors

The Cyclone speedboat runs from Avalon over to Two Harbors on the west end of the island – it only operates May through early October, so we missed it on our late April visit, but it’s first on my list for next time.

Two Harbors is a completely different side of Catalina. Quieter, more remote, more like camping than a beach town. I camped there on my first Catalina trip and it left a big impression. If you’ve done Avalon before, or if you want to see more of the island than just the main town, this is worth building your weekend around.

Read more: Channel Islands Camping Guide & Packing Tips

Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Island

Maverick Helicopters runs a 20-minute aerial tour departing from Pebbly Beach in Avalon, and the perspective you get from up there is unlike anything else on the island. You fly over the Avalon harbor, past the Casino, along the rugged coastline, over Two Harbors where the island narrows to a quarter mile wide, and across the protected interior where the bison roam.

Where to Eat on Catalina Island

The Lobster Trap: Everyone who’s been to Avalon more than once will mention this place first. Fresh seafood, no reservations, and lines that move quickly enough. Arrive early or put your name in and explore while you wait.

Nauty Fox: Order the Ahi Poke Nachos! Their outdoor patio also has one of the best views in town.

Katie’s Kitchen: Our go-to for cheap eats. The Korean dishes here were a surprise – not what I expected to find on a small California island, and they completely delivered.

Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co: The best coffee on the island. If I lived here this would be my first stop every morning. The breakfast sandwiches are a must.

Descanso Beach Club: Good for a long, lazy afternoon on the beach. Order the Buffalo Milk cocktail – it originated on the island and you won’t find it anywhere else.

Read more: The 12 Best Places to Camp in California

Catalina Island Budget Tips: How to Save Money

Catalina has a reputation for being expensive, and it’s not entirely undeserved. But with a little planning you can have a great weekend without blowing your budget.

Visit midweek or in the off-season. Ferry tickets, hotels, and tours are all cheaper outside of summer weekends. September and October are the sweet spot – the weather is still warm, the water is still swimmable, and the island is noticeably quieter. Prices can drop significantly compared to peak summer rates.

Take advantage of the free activities. Some of the best things on the island cost nothing. Snorkeling at Lover’s Cove is completely free (just bring or rent gear). Walking Crescent Avenue costs nothing. Hiking some of the exterior trails around Avalon is free. The harbor views from the ridge roads are free. You could fill an entire day without spending anything beyond a meal.

Use the COAST electric shuttle instead of renting a golf cart. Golf cart rentals run $50–$80+ per hour and add up fast. The COAST on-demand electric shuttle covers all of Avalon for $2 per ride – a good option if you’re on a budget and don’t need to cover a lot of ground quickly. Just download the Ride Circuit mobile app or request a ride by calling 562.534.2820.

Eat lunch at the nicer restaurants instead of dinner. Most Avalon restaurants serve the same menu at lunch for noticeably less than dinner. If there’s somewhere you want to try, go at midday and save the cheaper spots for the evening.

Day trip vs. overnight. A day trip cuts your biggest expense – accommodation – entirely. If budget is the priority, the earliest ferry in and the last ferry out gives you a full day. That said, staying overnight means you get the island after the day-trippers leave on the last boat, and it’s a different experience that a day trip can’t replicate.

Read more: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly California Road Trip Guide

Best Time to Visit Catalina Island for a Weekend

The sweet spot is May through early June and September through October. Warm, clear days, smaller crowds than peak summer, and better prices across the board.

July and August are peak season, so expect the most activity, the warmest water for swimming and snorkeling, and the highest prices. Ferries fill up weeks out.

October is one of the best-kept secrets on the island. The summer crowds are gone, the water is still warm from a whole season of sun, and Avalon gets quiet in the best way. Worth specifically targeting if your schedule is flexible.

One thing worth knowing: on most days a cruise ship is docked in the harbor, and the town gets noticeably busier with day visitors. Around 5pm when they leave, Avalon goes quiet in a way that feels like a completely different place. One of the best arguments for visiting in the off-season – or for just staying long enough to see that version of the island.

Read more: 20 Best Places to Visit in California During Winter

Catalina Island FAQ

The post Best Things to Do on Catalina Island for a Weekend Trip appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Here’s the thing: Avalon is one of those places that surprises people. Most visitors expect a touristy island with overpriced fish tacos and a long line for the ferry.

What they actually find is a walkable, Art Deco-laced little beach town with golf carts weaving through narrow streets, bison roaming the interior hills, and water so clear you can see straight to the bottom from the pier. It feels nothing like the mainland.

This was my second visit to Catalina Island and Chris’s first (he’s a San Diego native who somehow never made it to the island). My first trip was camping at Two Harbors, which is a completely different experience from Avalon. I’ve also camped on Santa Cruz Island and explored Anacapa Island, but visiting Avalon had been on my list for a long time.

Whether you’re driving down from Los Angeles, up from San Diego, or flying into LAX before hopping a boat, this guide covers everything a first-timer needs to know.

How to Get to Catalina Island

By Ferry (The Most Popular Way)

The easiest and most popular way to get to Avalon is on Catalina Express, the high-speed ferry service that has been running between the mainland and Catalina Island for decades. It’s an enjoyable part of the trip – not just transportation, but the start of the experience.

Catalina Express departs from three Southern California ports:

• Long Beach: The most departure options of any port, making it the most flexible choice if you’re coming from LA or flying into LAX. The terminal is easy to find and well-organized.
• San Pedro: A great option if you’re coming from the South Bay or want to avoid Long Beach traffic. Multiple daily departures.
• Dana Point: My personal pick coming from San Diego, and so much closer it’s not even a debate. Fewer departure times than Long Beach, so you have less scheduling flexibility, but completely worth it if you’re in south Orange County or San Diego County.

The crossing takes about an hour from Long Beach and San Pedro, and roughly 75 minutes from Dana Point. Round-trip fares run approximately $90 per adult and the best part is you’re skipping airports, TSA, and baggage carousels.

Book in advance. These boats sell out, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Two months out is not too early during peak season. Plan to arrive at the terminal 45–60 minutes before departure. There’s paid parking at all three ports (rates run about $25 per day), and you’ll want time to park and get checked in.

What to expect: Dolphin sightings are common year-round, especially in the channel. On our return trip from Dana Point we spotted a massive pod of orcas, which nobody on the boat expected, not even the captain. As you approach Avalon, the round white Casino building comes into view above the harbor, so have your camera ready.

By Helicopter

If you want to skip the hour-long crossing and make an entrance, Maverick Helicopters runs daily per-seat flights to Avalon from Long Beach (near the Queen Mary terminal) and weekend flights from San Pedro. The flight takes about 15 minutes and costs around $150 one-way. It’s a splurge, but the aerial view of the island is spectacular – and you’ll feel like a rock star walking off a helicopter into Avalon.

Read more: 25 Epic Weekend Trips from San Diego (That Locals Actually Take)

What to Expect When You Arrive in Avalon

Stepping off the ferry in Avalon is one of those travel moments that has a little magic to it – especially if it’s your first time.

You’ll disembark at the Cabrillo Mole, which is a long dock that stretches into the harbor. Give it a few minutes for the crowd to thin out. Walk up the ramp, and just like that, you’re in Avalon.

The first thing you’ll notice: there are almost no cars. The island has a very limited number of registered vehicles – locals wait years on a waitlist just to have a car here – so the streets belong to pedestrians, bicycles, and golf carts.

From the Mole, it’s a short, flat walk along the waterfront into the center of town. The promenade (Crescent Avenue) wraps around the harbor and is lined with restaurants, tour operators, surf shops, and ice cream stands. It’s easy, walkable, and orienting. Within ten minutes of stepping off the boat, you’ll have a solid sense of the place.

One thing to know about getting around: There is no Uber or Lyft in Avalon. Taxis (the yellow Catalina Taxi vans) meet every boat at the terminal and are the go-to for transportation if you’re staying further from the ferry landing. The newer COAST (City of Avalon Seaside Transit) electric shuttle runs on demand throughout Avalon for just $2 per rider. Just download the Ride Circuit mobile app or request a ride by calling 562.534.2820.

Read more: Best Things to Do on Catalina Island for a Weekend Trip

How to Get Around Catalina Island

The most important thing to know: there are almost no private cars in Avalon. Locals wait years on a waitlist to have one registered on the island. The streets are quiet, walkable, and peaceful compared to anywhere on the mainland.

On foot: Downtown Avalon is only about one square mile, and the flat waterfront area (Crescent Avenue) is easily walkable. Most restaurants, the Green Pleasure Pier, tour operators, and the iconic serpentine tile wall are all along this stretch. If you’re not sure where to start, start here.

Golf cart: The hills above town are steep, and this is where a golf cart earns its keep. Several rental companies operate near the ferry terminal. You’ll need a valid driver’s license. Most people rent by the hour (two hours is the sweet spot). Carts sell out on summer weekends, so reserve in advance if you can.

COAST Electric Shuttle: The City of Avalon Seaside Transit runs on-demand electric vehicles throughout Avalon for just $2 per ride.

Taxi: Catalina Taxi vans meet every ferry at the terminal – look for the yellow sign at the top of the dock. Useful if you’re staying further from the waterfront or arriving with heavy bags. There is no Uber or Lyft on the island.

A few landmarks worth knowing before you set out: the Catalina Casino – the big white round building at the end of the bay – is the town’s main compass point and was never actually a gambling casino (it’s a stunning 1929 Art Deco ballroom).

Descanso Beach Club, just past the Casino, is Avalon’s most popular beach and one of the few spots in Southern California where you can legally drink on the sand. And Lover’s Cove, a five-minute walk east of the ferry terminal, is a free marine preserve with some of the best snorkeling in the state.

Read more: 15 Best Weekend Getaways & Staycation Ideas in California

Best Things to Do on Catalina Island

Rent a Golf Cart

I’ll be honest – we didn’t rent a golf cart. We had four full days and we walked everywhere, which I loved, but our knees had some opinions about the hills by day three. If you don’t have that kind of time, rent a golf cart for at least part of your trip. An ebike is another great option that nobody talks about enough. For a shorter visit, a golf cart is definitely recommended – you’ll cover in two hours what took us several days on foot.

Rental companies operate near the ferry terminal and most rent carts by the hour, with two hours being the sweet spot for a comfortable circuit. During busy summer weekends, it’s worth calling ahead to reserve – carts go fast.

I recommend driving up past the Catalina Chimes Tower, along the ridge roads above town, and back down. From the top, you get an overhead view of the entire harbor – the Casino, the boats, the colorful hillside houses – and it’s one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Take your time up here.

Walk the Waterfront

After you’ve gotten the big-picture view from above, come back down and take your time on Crescent Avenue. Grab a coffee, poke your head into a few shops, and just absorb the atmosphere. Avalon has an unhurried energy that’s hard to find an hour from LA.

One stop I particularly love: the tile details throughout town. Catalina is famous for its hand-painted tiles, and they’re everywhere – on fountains, building facades, signage, and staircase risers. Once you start noticing them, you can’t stop.

Head to Lover’s Cove & Casino Point for Snorkeling

If you have any interest at all in snorkeling, make sure you get in the water! Lover’s Cove and Casino Point are part of nine Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), so the fish population here is extraordinary – you’ll see Garibaldi (the bright orange ones), sea bass, stingrays, and kelp forests within about ten feet of shore.

Casino Point is a designated dive park with a stunning kelp forest, and there are resident seals that hang around and will absolutely steal the show. We also snorkeled in front of Descanso Beach, which is more relaxed and great for a casual float. Casino Point is where all the scuba divers go for good reason.

Snorkel gear rentals are available at several spots around Avalon, so no need to haul your own from home. I’d also strongly recommend a wetsuit (a shortie is fine in summer) if you get cold easily. The water peaks around 67°F in August and drops into the high 50s in winter. It’s refreshing (read: cold, if you’re a Southern Californian), and you’ll stay in a lot longer with a wetsuit on.

Kayak to Frog Rock

We did a guided kayak tour with the Catalina Island Company out to Frog Rock, and it’s always great to get out on the water. The paddle is easy enough for beginners (we had a few on our tour) and the coastal views from the water are completely different from anything you see on land.

Roller Skating at the Wrigley Ballroom

I was not expecting this to be a highlight. Neither of us had roller skated in probably 20 years, but it’s amazing how quickly things come back once you put those skates on. The Wrigley Ballroom is this gorgeous historic space and the music made the whole experience. Put it on the list even if it sounds weird, especially if you’re staying multiple nights. Reserve a spot here.

Inside Adventure Tour

I really wish we had time to add this tour to our trip! Nearly 90% of Catalina’s interior is protected conservancy land, and a guided tour (you can book here) is the only way to explore it – you can’t just wander back there on your own.

A naturalist takes you out in an open-air vehicle through canyons, ridgelines, and coastline that most visitors never see, with a real chance of spotting bison, Catalina Island foxes, and bald eagles along the way. There’s nothing else like it in Southern California. Make sure to book ahead!

Nautilus Semi-Submarine

If you’re traveling with kids – or just refuse to fully grow up – this one’s for you. You board a yellow semi-submarine at the Green Pleasure Pier and spend 45 minutes cruising six feet underwater through Lover’s Cove without getting wet. Garibaldi, kelp forests, bat rays – all right outside your personal porthole.

For a few extra dollars in cash you can feed the fish directly from your seat, which based on every account I’ve heard turns into a full-on feeding frenzy. Pure fun, no snorkel required. Book it here.

Cyclone Powerboat to Two Harbors

Our friends make this trip every year and they highly recommend taking a powerboat from Avalon over to Two Harbors on the other side of the island. It only runs May through early October, so we missed it on our late April visit, but it’s first on my list for next time. Two Harbors is a whole different side of Catalina worth experiencing.

Read more: The 12 Best Places to Camp in California

Best Restaurants on Catalina Island

The Lobster Trap: Everyone who’s been to Avalon more than once will mention this place. Fresh seafood, no reservations, and lines that move quickly enough. Get there early or put your name down and explore while you wait.

Nauty Fox: Order the Ahi Poke Nachos. Don’t overthink it, just trust me. Their outdoor patio also has the best view.

Katie’s Kitchen: Our go-to for cheap eats. The Korean dishes especially – this was not what I expected to find on a small California island and it completely delivered.

Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co: Best coffee on the island and the place I’d start every morning if I lived here. The breakfast sandwiches are a must-try as well.

Descanso Beach Club: Great for a long, lazy afternoon on the sand. Order the Buffalo Milk cocktail – this drink originated on the island.

Read more: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly California Road Trip Guide

Where to Stay on Catalina Island

Avalon has limited hotel rooms (remember: only about 4,000 people live here), which means prices are higher than the mainland and things book up fast. If you’re planning an overnight or weekend trip, book early.

For a budget stay: Catalina Island Seacrest Inn is a solid, well-located option in the heart of Avalon within easy walking distance of everything.

For a mid-range stay: We stayed at Snug Harbor Inn and I’d go back in a heartbeat. It’s small, quaint, and everyone is warm and helpful. Breakfast comes to your room every morning, and the afternoon happy hour snacks and drinks were something we looked forward to more than I expected. The location is perfect: right in town, across the street from the beach, restaurants all around, and Vons (the only supermarket on the island) a three-minute walk away. There’s also a little lounge downstairs that saved us on our last day when checkout was at 11 but our ferry didn’t leave until 5.

For a splurge: The Pavilion Hotel is right on Crescent Avenue, fourteen steps from the beach, and recently refreshed with a full renovation. Complimentary breakfast and an evening wine and cheese social are included, and the staff consistently gets called out in reviews as exceptional. It’s the most polished option on the main strip and worth every penny for a special trip.

Read more: 12 Best Beach Towns in California + Where to Stay

Best Time to Visit Catalina Island

The island is open year-round, but the sweet spot is May through early June and September through October. You’ll get warm, clear days, smaller crowds than peak summer, and better hotel rates.

Summer (July–August) is peak season – expect the most activity, the best water temps for swimming and snorkeling, and the highest prices. Ferries fill up weeks in advance.

Winter is quiet and affordable, with occasional stormy crossings, but also no crowds whatsoever. The island’s “second summer” in October is legitimately one of the best-kept secrets – warm, calm, and almost empty compared to July.

One thing I didn’t anticipate: the difference cruise ships make. On most days, a cruise ship is docked in the harbor and the town gets noticeably busier with day visitors. Around 5pm when they leave, Avalon goes quiet in the best way. We had one full day with no cruise ship in port at all, and the island felt completely different – where you start to feel like a local. It’s one of the best arguments for visiting in the off-season.

Read more: 20 Best Places to Visit in California During Winter

Catalina Island Tips for First-Timers

No cars, no Uber. You already know this, but let it sink in fully before you pack. Your options are: walk, golf cart rental or the COAST shuttle.

Cell service is spotty the further you get from downtown. Download offline maps before you go.

Bring a light jacket. Even in summer, the ferry crossing and evenings in Avalon can be cool and breezy. A layer you can throw in a bag is always worth it.

The tap water is fine to drink but doesn’t taste great and the locals don’t really drink it. A reusable filtered bottle is a smart thing to bring.

Book everything in advance for summer visits. Ferry tickets, hotel rooms, and popular tours sell out. Don’t assume you’ll figure it out when you get there.

Day trip or overnight? A day trip to Avalon is absolutely worth doing, but if you have the flexibility, an overnight lets you experience the island after the day-trippers leave on the last ferry. The town gets noticeably quieter and more local-feeling in the evenings, and you get a sunrise over the harbor that most visitors never see.

Catalina Island FAQ

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Car rental prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same vehicle on the exact same dates, depending on which platform you use. This guide is everything I’ve learned about booking a rental car, distilled into one place.

Here’s a rundown of the best car rental comparison websites right now. What they’re good at, where they fall short, and which ones I’d actually recommend to a friend.

What Is a Car Rental Comparison Platform?

There are two main types of car rental websites you’ll encounter:

Aggregators and comparison sites (like EconomyBookings, DiscoverCars, or Kayak) search across multiple rental companies at once and let you compare prices, filter by supplier rating, and often book directly through the platform. You’re getting a bird’s-eye view of the market instead of checking each rental company one by one.

Direct providers (like Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise) are the actual rental companies. Booking direct can sometimes get you loyalty perks, but you’re giving up the ability to compare prices across competitors – which, in my experience, almost always means paying more.

Most travelers are best served by starting with a comparison platform and only going direct if you have a loyalty reason to do so.

The Best Car Rental Comparison Websites in 2026

1. EconomyBookings

What sets EconomyBookings apart from other comparison websites is the combination of competitive pricing, a clean and easy booking experience, and real transparency. A lot of platforms bury the total cost until you’re halfway through checkout; EconomyBookings shows you upfront what you’re actually paying, including taxes and fees. That alone saves a lot of frustration.

The platform works with a carefully vetted network of suppliers — they don’t just list every company with a fleet of cars; they filter for reliability and service quality. Each rental option comes with real user ratings, so you can see at a glance whether previous renters had a good experience with that specific supplier before you commit.

Their coverage is global. Whether you’re renting in Europe, the US, Southeast Asia, or South America, EconomyBookings has you covered. I’ve found it particularly useful for international trips where I’m less familiar with the local rental landscape and want to stick with a trusted name.

One thing I appreciate: free cancellation options are available on many bookings, which I’ve taken advantage of many times. Travel plans change. Having the flexibility to cancel or modify without a penalty is something I now look for as a baseline.

Strengths: Transparent pricing, real user ratings on every car, vetted supplier network, competitive global rates, free cancellation on many bookings.

Considerations: Smaller supplier network than some of the big aggregators, which means occasionally fewer ultra-budget options in some markets.

Best for: Travelers who want the best price and peace of mind – not just the cheapest number on the screen.

2. Expedia

Expedia is one of the most recognizable names in travel, and its car rental platform benefits from that scale. The big draw here is convenience – if you’re already booking your flights and hotel through Expedia, adding a car rental to the same itinerary is seamless, and bundling can sometimes unlock better pricing.

The inventory is broad, drawing from major suppliers like Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, and others. The interface is clean and familiar, and the customer support infrastructure is more robust than a lot of smaller platforms. If something goes wrong, you at least have a well-resourced company behind you.

The trade-off is that Expedia’s car rental offering isn’t as specialized as platforms built specifically around rentals. Pricing is solid but not always the sharpest, and the focus on big-name suppliers means you won’t find the same depth of budget options or smaller regional companies that a dedicated aggregator might surface.

Strengths: Great for bundling with flights and hotels, familiar interface, strong brand support, wide supplier network.

Considerations: Not always the most competitive on car rental pricing alone; best value when combined with other bookings.

Best for: Travelers already booking their full trip through Expedia, or anyone who values having everything – flights, hotel, and car – managed in one place.

3. Rentalcars.com

Rentalcars.com (part of the Booking Holdings family, same parent company as Booking.com) has a massive supplier network and a straightforward interface. It’s one of the larger platforms out there, and that scale means you’ll rarely come up empty-handed, even in less-traveled destinations.

Prices are competitive, though I’d encourage you to read the fine print carefully – some of the cheapest listings come with conditions that aren’t obvious until you dig in, and their insurance upsells at checkout can add up quickly.

Strengths: Huge global inventory, easy to use, brand recognition.

Considerations: Inconsistent customer support; cheaper listings sometimes come with restrictive terms.

Best for: Last-minute bookings in popular destinations, or travelers who prioritize volume of options over a curated experience.

4. Kayak

Kayak is a meta-search engine, which means it searches other sites (including many on this list) and sends you off to book elsewhere. It’s a useful starting point for a price check, but it’s one extra step removed from the actual booking.

That said, Kayak’s interface is excellent for comparison shopping. The filters are intuitive, the price tracking feature is handy, and seeing prices across multiple platforms in one view can help you calibrate what a fair rate looks like.

Strengths: Great for price comparison research, intuitive interface, integrates with flights and hotels.

Considerations: Doesn’t process the booking itself; you’re redirected to third-party sites, which can mean variability in the checkout experience.

Best for: Early-stage research and price benchmarking before committing to a platform.

5. Skyscanner

Similar to Kayak, Skyscanner is a meta-search tool that aggregates results from multiple sources. It’s most known for flights, but the car rental function is solid and easy to use, especially if you’re already using it to book your flights and want to keep everything in one place.

Pricing is often competitive, and the interface is clean. Like Kayak, you’re being sent off-platform to complete the booking, so your mileage may vary depending on where you land.

Strengths: Familiar interface if you use it for flights, good for bundling research, clean design.

Considerations: Meta-search only; no direct booking on the platform itself.

Best for: Travelers already using Skyscanner for flights who want to compare car rental prices in the same workflow.

What to Look For in a Car Rental Platform

Not all booking platforms are equal, and a few key features can make a real difference in your experience – both online and at the rental desk.

Transparent, all-in pricing. The number one frustration travelers have with car rental platforms is showing up at the desk to find the final cost is significantly higher than what they booked. Look for platforms that show taxes, mandatory fees, and insurance options upfront rather than tacking them on at the end of checkout.

Real user reviews. A star rating is only as useful as the data behind it. Platforms that show reviews from verified renters – specifically about the supplier, not just the car – help you avoid companies with a pattern of bad service or hidden charges at pickup.

Free cancellation options. Plans change. A platform that offers free cancellation on a meaningful portion of its inventory is a platform that respects that reality. This is especially important if you’re booking weeks or months in advance.

A vetted supplier network. More options isn’t always better. Platforms that work only with reliable, established rental companies give you fewer nasty surprises at pickup – even if the selection is slightly smaller.

Clear filtering and sorting tools. Being able to filter by car type, supplier rating, price, and cancellation policy saves a lot of scrolling and guesswork, especially when you’re comparing a dozen options in an unfamiliar city.

Read more: Renting a Car in Vancouver: Tips, Costs & What I Wish I’d Known

What to Watch Out For

Even on the best platforms, there are a few things worth keeping in mind before you hand over your credit card.

The platform is not the rental company. When you book through a comparison site, you’re making a reservation with the rental supplier – the platform is the middleman. If something goes wrong at pickup (overbooked fleet, car condition issues), you’ll be dealing with the supplier directly, not the platform. This is why choosing a platform with vetted suppliers matters.

Additional fees at the desk are common. Most platforms let you add extras like GPS or child seats during booking, but some things – particularly insurance – are often pushed heavily at the rental desk. If you already have coverage through your credit card or personal auto insurance, know that before you go so you’re not pressured into buying redundant coverage.

Supplier-specific conditions matter. Fuel policies (full-to-full vs. full-to-empty), young driver surcharges, cross-border restrictions, and vehicle class limitations vary by company. It’s worth a five-minute read of the terms before you confirm.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. A rock-bottom price from an unknown supplier with a two-star rating is rarely actually a deal. Factor in supplier ratings, cancellation flexibility, and the total cost including insurance when you’re comparing options.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Trip

The honest answer is: it depends on what you’re optimizing for.

If you want the best combination of price, transparency, and peace of mind, EconomyBookings is where I’d start. The vetted supplier network and real user ratings give you context that pure price aggregators don’t, and the pricing is genuinely competitive.

If you’re booking your full trip in one place, Expedia is worth considering – the bundle pricing on flights, hotel, and car can add up to real savings, and having everything managed under one login is convenient.

If you’re still in research mode, Kayak or Skyscanner are useful for benchmarking prices before you commit. Just remember they’re sending you elsewhere to actually book.

If flexibility matters to you, prioritize platforms that clearly display free cancellation options. Plans change, especially for international travel, and the peace of mind is worth a modest premium.

Car Rental FAQ

The post The Best Car Rental Comparison Sites in 2026 (Tested & Ranked) appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Most people don’t think they’ll need a car in Vancouver – until they realize some of BC’s most spectacular scenery is a road trip away. Once that rental is on the agenda, the questions pile up fast: Where do you find the best rate? What insurance do you actually need? How do you avoid the fees that sneak up at the counter? This guide answers all of it, so you can book with confidence and spend your energy on the drive.

Do You Actually Need to Rent a Car in Vancouver?

Vancouver itself is one of the most walkable cities in Canada. The SkyTrain connects downtown to the airport, the SeaBus gets you to North Vancouver, and you can easily spend two or three days in the city without ever needing a car.

That said, renting a car makes a lot of sense if you’re planning to:

• Drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler
• Visit Whistler for skiing, hiking, or the gondola
• Explore the Sunshine Coast (which requires a ferry, so you’ll want to plan carefully)
• Day trip to Steveston Village or Fort Langley
• Head east through the Fraser Valley or into the Okanagan

If you’re sticking to Vancouver proper, Stanley Park, and Granville Island, renting a car is not absolutely necessary, unless you want complete freedom. But if your itinerary involves anything on that list above – especially the Sea to Sky Highway – having a car transforms the trip entirely.

How Car Rentals Work in Vancouver

Most travelers fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which has a consolidated rental car facility right on-site. You’ll find all the major companies here – Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and more.

If you want to avoid airport rental surcharges (more on those below), there are also plenty of downtown Vancouver pickup locations near Burrard Street and Robson.

What’s Typically Included

Your base rental price usually covers the car itself and basic third-party liability. What it does not automatically include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – covers damage to the rental car itself
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) – extra protection beyond the basic liability
• Fuel – most rentals use a full-to-full policy, meaning you pick up with a full tank and return it full
• Child seats, GPS, additional drivers – all extra

One important note for international visitors: if you’re coming from the US, your personal auto insurance may extend to Canadian rentals, but you should verify this with your provider before you leave home. Many credit cards also offer rental car coverage – check yours before paying for the rental company’s insurance.

Canada drives on the right side of the road, distances are in kilometers, and gas is sold in liters. An international driving permit isn’t required for most nationalities, but carrying it alongside your home country license is never a bad idea.

How to Find the Best Deals in Vancouver

Most people book directly with the rental company out of habit and only realize later that they have paid more than they needed to. Here’s what I’d do differently:

Book in advance, especially during peak season. Last-minute rentals in Vancouver – especially in summer – can be significantly pricier, and inventory gets thin fast during ski season.

Be flexible with your pickup location. Airport rentals come with an airport concession fee that can add 10–15% to your total. If you’re spending a night in the city before you need the car, picking up from a downtown location the following morning can save you money.

Use a comparison platform. Rather than checking Hertz, then Avis, then Budget one by one, I now start with a platform like EconomyBookings that pulls deals from multiple suppliers at once. You can filter by car type, pickup location, and supplier rating – and the pricing is transparent, so you’re not getting hit with surprise fees at checkout.

Skip the add-ons you don’t need. GPS on your phone works perfectly in Vancouver (although, I do recommended downloading offline maps of the area). A prepaid fuel option sounds convenient but rarely works out in your favor if you return the car more than a quarter full.

Where to Book Your Vancouver Rental Car

You have two main routes: book directly with a rental company, or use a comparison platform.

Booking directly means visiting individual company websites, comparing prices manually across multiple tabs, and cross-referencing terms and conditions. It works, but it’s time-consuming.

A comparison platform simplifies the whole thing. You enter your Vancouver pickup location, dates, and car type, and it shows you available deals from trusted suppliers side by side – complete with user ratings, pricing breakdowns, and rental conditions. This is especially useful in Vancouver because there are multiple pickup points (YVR, downtown, North Vancouver), and rates can vary quite a bit depending on where you grab the car.

For context: when I was planning my Sea to Sky Highway road trip, I used EconomyBookings to compare options and ended up with a compact SUV – the right call for the winding mountain roads – at a rate noticeably lower than what the rental company’s own website was showing me.

Other platforms worth checking:

• Skyscanner (good for comparing across aggregators)
• Rentalcars.com

Costs to Expect When Renting a Car in Vancouver

During Booking

At the Rental Desk (What to Watch For)

This is where things can go sideways. The counter agents are trained to upsell, and some of the offers sound very reasonable in the moment.

Security deposit: Expect the rental company to place a hold of CAD $200–500 on your credit card. Note: most companies require a credit card for this – a debit card often isn’t accepted, or comes with additional restrictions.

Insurance upsells: They may offer you a “super CDW” or “protection package” on top of what you’ve already purchased. If you’re already covered through your credit card or home policy, you don’t need this.

Upgrades: “For just $10 more a day, you could have the SUV!” Sometimes that’s absolutely worth it (the mountain roads near Whistler are not the place to be in an underpowered sedan). But know going in that you don’t have to accept.

What to Watch Out For

Hidden fees from local companies. Major brands at YVR are generally transparent, but smaller local companies sometimes add fees for cross-border travel, young drivers, or one-way rentals that aren’t clearly disclosed upfront. This is one area where using a reputable comparison platform actually protects you – the pricing shown includes mandatory fees so you’re not surprised at pickup.

Insurance confusion. This is the number one source of stress at the rental counter. Know your coverage situation before you get to the desk, and don’t let time pressure push you into buying something you already have.

Reading the fine print. Some rental companies have restrictions on taking the car on certain roads (unpaved forest service roads, for example) or crossing into the US. If you’re planning to combine a Vancouver trip with a Seattle visit, check the cross-border policy when you book.

Choosing the Right Car for Vancouver

The right car really depends on where you’re going:

Compact or economy car: Fine for staying in Vancouver and doing day trips on paved roads. Easy to park downtown.

Compact SUV or midsize SUV: My recommendation if you’re driving the Sea to Sky Highway or venturing into the mountains. You don’t need four-wheel drive in summer, but you’ll appreciate the clearance and confidence on winding roads. In winter, a vehicle with winter tires (required in BC on certain highways) is non-negotiable.

Minivan or large SUV: Worth it for families or groups with a lot of gear. Squamish and Whistler involve a lot of outdoor equipment hauling.

Tips for a Smooth Pickup Experience

A few things I wish I’d known before I walked up to the counter at YVR:

Don’t be late. Rental reservations typically have a grace period of 30–60 minutes, after which the company can give your car away. If your flight is delayed, call ahead.

Bring the right documents. You’ll need your driver’s license (plus an international driving permit if applicable), the credit card used for booking, and a second form of ID. Some companies ask for proof of your return flight if you’re a foreign visitor.

Inspect the car before you drive. I mean really inspect it – all four sides, the roof, the bumpers. Note any existing damage on the condition form, no matter how small. I always take a quick video with my phone before I leave the lot. This has saved me from a dispute more than once.

Confirm the fuel level. Check that the gauge matches what’s listed on your contract. If it doesn’t, flag it immediately.

Local Driving Tips for Vancouver

Drive on the right. Canada follows North American conventions – this surprises a few international visitors who assume it might differ from the US.

Right turns on red are permitted (after a full stop) except where posted. Downtown Vancouver has a number of intersections where this is restricted, so watch for signs.

Speed limits are in kilometers per hour. The Sea to Sky Highway is mostly 90–100 km/h, but pay attention as it changes frequently through towns.

Parking downtown is a challenge. Street parking in the West End and around Granville Island fills up fast. Budget extra time and look for parkades (multi-level parking garages) rather than circling for street spots.

BC requires winter tires or chains on many designated highways from October 1 to March 31 or April 30 depending on route. This includes the Sea to Sky Highway north of Vancouver. Confirm directly with your rental company. Many agencies provide compliant tires seasonally, but don’t assume every vehicle is equipped.

Tolls: There are no longer tolls on the Port Mann or Golden Ears bridges (they were eliminated in 2017), which simplifies things considerably. Some ferry routes (BC Ferries) charge by vehicle size if you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast or Victoria.

Wildlife on mountain roads. Wildlife is possible north of Squamish, especially deer, and occasionally bears, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Best Platforms for Booking a Vancouver Rental Car

EconomyBookings – My go-to for Vancouver specifically because of the range of pickup locations it covers (airport, downtown, North Vancouver) and the transparent pricing. The user ratings for each supplier are genuinely useful, and I’ve found it consistently surfaces deals that direct booking doesn’t show.

Skyscanner – Good for a quick initial comparison and useful if you’re bundling flights.

Direct with rental companies – Worth checking if you have loyalty status with a brand like Hertz Gold or National Emerald, as member pricing can occasionally beat aggregators.

Renting a car in Vancouver is worth it if your itinerary includes any time outside the city. The Sea to Sky Highway alone justifies the rental – it’s one of the most scenic drives in North America and nearly impossible to fully appreciate on a tour. But going in without a plan will cost you, whether that’s overpaying for insurance you already have, booking at the last minute during ski season, or spending 20 minutes looking for downtown parking.

Do your homework before you get to the counter, use a comparison platform to find the best rate, and actually inspect the car before you drive off the lot. Do those three things and you’ll be spending your energy on the views instead of the paperwork.

Planning to drive the Sea to Sky Highway after picking up your rental? Check out The Ultimate Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide for all the best stops from North Vancouver to Whistler.

Read more: Essential Travel Tips for North Vancouver Island, The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary in Nova Scotia and What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Canada

The post Renting a Car in Vancouver: Tips, Costs & What I Wish I’d Known appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.