Travel & Leisure is the best overall in terms of providing info on high quality and/or high value lodging. The articles are well-written and each of the magazine's recommendations has always been right on the money. Frommer's lists places which simply aren't very nice--just cheap!

As a longtime Conde Nast Traveler subscriber, I entirely agree with Lisa. I used to love it for its well-written articles on destinations, even if I knew I'd never go to those places. Now it's all $1,500 travel raincoats and lots of skinny models in thongs. Phooey.

Conversely, National Geographic Traveler, which I used to think of as rather thin, has really improved. It's my favorite right now, especially for what the original poster called "realistic destinations." I also pick up Travel & Leisure at the newsstand when it has articles that interest me, but it's usually more high-end and resort-and-spa oriented than I want.

I think for the family who wants to spend not more than $200 night on accommodations if possible, that "Travel Holiday" is the best mix of attractive photos and good solid info on every aspect of travel. (I spend WAY LESS than $200 if I can!) I think Frommers' budget travel magazine recommends just plain "cheap" at times, and sometimes, "cheap & dangerous!!". Also with T&H, the subscription includes membership in Quest, which can save you half on some excellent hotels!

I like National Geographic Traveler and Travel Holiday. I check both out of the local library so I guess I beat everybody in the cheapness department!

I quit my subscription to CN Traveler once they redesigned the magazine in 1998/99 season. Got sick and tired of trying to make my travel decisions based on photos of teenage models in Versace clothes in the foreground, and the LOCATIONs blurred out in the background.

National Geographic, T&L okee dokee.

I higly recommend Frommer's Budget Travel. They understand that most normal people can't spend several hundred dollars per day on vacation. They also give you lots of resources so that you can discover the vacation that best suits your budget. The articles are well written and insigtful.

I higly recommend Frommer's Budget Travel. They understand that most normal people can't spend several hundred dollars per day on vacation. They also give you lots of resources so that you can discover the vacation that best suits your budget. The articles are well written and insightful.

Some time when y'all are in the drugstore, check out "Country Discoveries" published by Reimer publications - the same company that publishes "Country" "Reminisce" etc. A real down home folksy magazine that features a great deal of off the beaten path, rural and scenic areas of the US and Canada. No advertising at all, lovely pictures, and some neat ideas for festivals, state fairs, etc. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as "THE" travel magazine, but fun to read an occasional issue.

I'm with Aaron, from a few posts up. For really useful travel information, I trust guidebooks and this web site (far more current even than a magazine!) When it comes to travel magazines, the only one I really enjoy is National Geographic Traveler. I appreciate the photos and the types of trips they highlight. I find the specific data (hotels, restaurants, etc.) only marginally useful.

Conde Nast Traveler must be an acquired taste. I subscribed for a year and didn't like it at all-- can't even really tell you why!

I also love International Travel News. I subscribe to Conde Nast but just kind of flip through it because its destinations are a little pricey for me. ITN is a newsprint magazine, no flashy color pictures but is for the most part written by the people who read it. Very informative and helpful . I watch the mailbox when I know it is scheduled to arrive each month. One thing, they do not cover the USA or Mexico or Canada, only more far flung places.

Why do the places mentioned in travel magazines necessarily have to fit into one's budget? We can still dream, can't we? I like Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure because of the wonderful places they feature. Some I can visit now, perhaps some in the future. The "ombudsman" and travel advice columns are worth the subscription prices alone.

US, Canada and Mexico are far flung from somewhere else. Is ITN targeting US travelers?

Travel Holiday is my favorite travel magazine. I am a travel agent and I find myself referring to it alot. It has something in it for every taste and budget.

I assume most subscribers to ITN are from USA, but it is an international magazine and can be ordered from anywhere...just slightly more expensive. Look for their website for the info.