GUIDES
Decision guides for hard-to-get trips
Plain-language answers to the questions that decide whether your trip happens: when windows open, how lotteries work, and what to do when it’s sold out.
Timing 5 min read
When do Machu Picchu tickets open (and how far ahead to book)
Machu Picchu tickets are sold on a rolling basis, not a single drop. Here’s when to buy, which slots go first, and how to plan around peak season.
Jul 10, 2026 Read guide
Planning 6 min read
How to “get a permit” for the Kumano Kodō (you don’t — here’s what to book)
The Kumano Kodō needs no trail permit. The real bottleneck is lodging. Here’s how to lock the beds that make the route possible.
Jun 28, 2026 Read guide
Lotteries 5 min read
The Angels Landing permit lottery, explained
Two lotteries, one permit. Here’s how the seasonal and day-before draws work, which has better odds, and what to hike if you don’t get in.
Jul 14, 2026 Read guide
Alternatives 6 min read
Sold out of The Wave? Five backups that don’t need the lottery
The Wave’s odds are brutal. These nearby sandstone hikes deliver a similar experience with far easier — or no — permits.
Jul 12, 2026 Read guide