Are Five-Star Hotels Worth It? 6 Reasons They Might Not Be

Who doesn’t dream of a five-star escape?

Whether you started your travel career as a humble backpacker or have traditionally stuck to all-inclusive resorts, the allure of the five-star hotel knows no bounds.

But here’s the big question—are five-star hotels worth it?

As someone who has stayed in a wide range of lodgings, from ashram stays with thirty mats in a room to truly opulent five-star stays in the Swiss Alps, I can tell you that there are many comfortable places to rest your head after a long day.

And five-star hotels aren’t always the end-all.

In fact, I might actually prefer a four-star hotel instead.

Five-star hotels vs four-star hotels: what’s the difference?

Let’s kick things off by me giving you a dirty industry secret: there’s no single entity that’s in charge of dispensing hotel star ratings.

Usually, it’s a game of amenities and high-quality products, but there’s no overarching rubric or governing body. Instead, different hospitality organizations across the world have outlined the basics of how a hotel can advance from a one-star stay up to a five-star location. Again, it’s not uniform by any measure; there are even so-called seven-star hotels out there.

The main difference between four and five-star hotels is amenities like the number of pools, spa services, room count, and more. It’s largely about numbers instead of quality. While there is a direct (and reliable) correlation between amenities and quality products at five-star hotels, that’s not always the case.

Before you fork over thousands for a five-star hotel stay, take a look at the considerations below. Again, I don’t want to steer you away from a quality five-star stay—but I want you to know why that five-star status might not equate to a truly next-level vacation.

Are five-star hotels worth it? 6 reasons they might not be

Reason #1: Quality over quantity

Like I just outlined, the difference between hotel star counts comes down to amenities. At a one-star hotel, you might be expected to fork over for basics like Wi-Fi and television.

At a five-star stay, by contrast, you should have access to large rooms, fine dining options, a spa, a fitness center, pools, and plenty more. A ‘true’ five-star hotel also comes with a personal butler.

In other words, it’s a game of quantity—and quantity doesn’t always translate to quality. I’ve noticed this at many five-star resorts compared to hotels. The resorts are bloated with amenities that get them that five-star listing—but don’t actually feel elevated, refined, or luxurious.

Reason #2: It’s a boutique thing

If I could give you one piece of hotel advice, it’s to ignore the star ratings and go for a boutique experience. And most of those fantastic boutique hotels have four stars instead of five.

That’s because they run a tighter and more specialized operation—one that isn’t dependent on large pools or fitness rooms with pricey equipment.

In other words, some four-star hotels actually give staff more freedom to focus on quality because they’re smaller and more specialized. While they might not be as grand as a five-star, you can still find boutique four-star stays that absolutely feel like a five-star experience.

Reason #3: No premium price tag

There’s not much to say here except that when hotels aren’t forced to offer so many amenities, they can keep their room rates lower. Plus, many four-star hotels that do offer elevated amenities let you pay for them a la carte.

Instead, you can scale up toward a more five-star experience if you want. If not, you can enjoy those four-star prices.

Reason #4: Five-star hotels in big cities tend to underdeliver

Again, I’d hate to dissuade you from splurging on that five-star stay—but I don’t usually think a five-star hotel in a city or busy area is worth it. While a five-star resort or a more remote hotel might take you on a wildly luxurious adventure, hotels located in cities have little space to work with.

And while five-star hotels might still cram a bunch of amenities into that hotel, it might not actually feel that much different than a four-star stay. In short, there are times when a five-star hotel will underdeliver—and that’s usually in cities, in my experience.

Reason #5: Unless you’re staying at the hotel, you might not need all those amenities

Let’s stick with this city example. If you’re heading to San Francisco with plans to stay out all day (and all night) to explore the city, then what’s the point of splurging on a five-star hotel room? You need to be hanging around the grounds to take advantage of those amenities and the high-class atmosphere.

After all, what’s the point of having a personal butler at a five-star hotel if you’re going to spend most of your trip skipping around town? (By contrast, if you plan on unwinding on the hotel grounds for a significant portion of your trip, those five-star amenities might be worth it!)

Reason #6: True luxury is invisible—it’s not at five-star locations

Here’s my last piece of advice: while most of us see five-star hotels as the uppermost echelon of luxury, the finest hotels, rooms, and experiences aren’t advertised.

In other words, don’t overspend on a five-star hotel because you want to know what it feels like to live in the lap of luxury—at least, not just any five-star hotel.

If you want to forge into a world of true luxury, you need to do some research to figure out where the elites are hanging out—because it’s not at the average five-star resort in Florida.

World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 8 – The Ujjayi Breath

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / In Darjeeling

When our silent retreat ended, our group packed our bags and left Rumtek Monastery deep in the Himalayan Foothills. The Jeeps were loaded up, then sent back to Gangtok, the capital of India’s Sikkim territory.

From there, we drove south to Darjeeling. The famous tea town is situated amid steep hills, like San Francisco. It would be our group’s final hoorah in India before heading back to Kolkata and flying west to the United States.

And we had one last mission from our group leaders.

Having experienced a Hindu temple in Kolkata (see: Chapters 3 & 4) and learned about Tibetan Buddhism at Rumtek Monastery (see: Chapters 6 & 7), we were now tasked with delving into yoga.

As with many other topics in this world tour of travel stories, I’m deferring to the experts.

Like Hinduism, yoga is a vastly complex belief system. The asanas (body postures) we learn about in the West are only one tiny portion of yogic teachings—and there are dozens of branches, with smaller shoot-offs.

If you want to learn about yoga, please focus on Hindu sources—again, I can’t begin to explain how ancient, intricate, and diverse the yogic schools of thought are. On top of that, there’s also a big push to ‘take back yoga’ from teachers who aren’t qualified to teach the subject.

Now’s a good time to remind you: during this adventure, I was seventeen years old on this trip. Though I was interested in yoga and had heard and seen plenty about it in the United States, I had little to no idea what was in store for me when I signed up for a yoga class in Darjeeling.

Part II / The yoga class

Over the course of this trip, I’d gotten closer to one of my groupmates. In fact, we’re still great friends, and manage to schedule phone calls though we’re separated by a nine-hour time difference.

In Darjeeling, she and I decided to sign up for our yoga class together.

After getting lost a few times in the busy city center, we eventually found the yoga studio. It was a large, modest basement room. Around thirty adults were seated on mats spaced evenly around the room.

Everyone turned and stared when we arrived.

We explained that we didn’t speak Hindi but were interested in joining the yoga class. The seated adults were very patient and welcoming, looking surprised but accepting of our arrival. The teacher sat us at the front of the class, sensing that we’d need a bit of extra help.

In another painfully kind gesture, the teacher taught the class in both Hindi and English. And, as with every yoga class I’ve taken in India, it started off with a philosophical lecture. During this time, we learned about breathwork, which is called pranayama.

When the philosophical lesson ended, it was time to start a series of breathing exercises.

Part III / The Ujjayi breath

The first ten or twenty minutes of class went wonderfully. We learned about the foundational beliefs of pranayama, how they can be applied in daily life, and how it centers the mind and body.

Then we moved on to the breathwork exercises, which were more intense than I’d imagined.

Then came the ujjayi breath.

Ujjayi is an exercise where you breathe using your diaphragm. I remember breathing using my stomach while slightly narrowing my throat to create a slight sound when inhaling and exhaling.

It took a while to get into a rhythm, especially because my friend and I were struggling to breathe in the ujjayi form. It’s a forceful breath that you need to concentrate on during inhalations and exhalations.

Then, seeing us struggling, our instructor snuck up behind me and started doing ujjayi breaths as loudly as possible right into my ear to exemplify what I should sound like. It was one of the most unintentionally hilarious moments of my life; I was then concentrating on not laughing while also trying to do a ujjayi breath.

Eventually, my friend and I got the hang of things and began to sync up with the rest of the group. Though difficult, I was beginning to sense the mind-clearing and mind-centering effects of the intense exercises.

But the class didn’t stop; over the next twenty minutes or so, I kept opening my eyes a sliver to check on the other practitioners, wondering how long the lesson would go on.

I wish I could tell you how long the full yoga class went on—it couldn’t have been more than an hour, though it felt much longer. All I know is that, feeling exhausted and on the brink of quitting those intense ujjayi breaths, I started to transcend.

The instructor ended the ujjayi session and had the group lie on our backs, fully relaxed.

The intensity of the shift was immediately noticeable; my mind was alert but calm, while my body felt like melted butter.

At which point I had a full-on spiritual vision—it was almost like being in a trance. To this day, I remember that vision very specifically. Sometimes, it makes more sense than others.

Again, I don’t know how long I lay on the mat, but it couldn’t have been long. When it ended, my friend and I headed back to our group in a kind of stunned but content silence.

TL;DR my world tour of travel stories: Learn yoga from Hindus.

Family Vacation Rentals in Branson, MO: 12 VRBOs & Airbnbs

Branson, Missouri, is one of the state’s best-kept secrets.

While out-of-towners from nearby Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee regularly head over to enjoy summer in one of the US’s live music capitals, it flies under the radar for thousands more.

It’s got Silver Dollar City, a charming amusement park. There’s also a Titanic Museum and the World’s Largest Toy Museum, if you like funkier side quests. Plus, you have access to unspoiled stretches of Ozark forest and hills, and, the big coup, nearby watering holes like Table Rock Lake.

I’m more than a little biased here because I’m from Missouri. Still, if you’re a fan of summer vacation places like Myrtle Beach or Pigeon Forge, home to Dollywood, then you’ll love Branson. I’ve also made it even easier for you to enjoy the summer fun with my top family vacation rentals in Branson, MO.

From these solid rentals, you can take off to enjoy Branson at your own pace—whether that involves hiking through Marvel Cave, catching Dolly Parton’s Stampede, or exploring artifacts from the Titanic.

12 family vacation rentals in Branson MO

Walking distance to downtown: Roark Creek Retreat

If you want to be within walking distance of Branson’s coolest shops, restaurants, and boutiques, then Roark Creek offers a great location. Aside from the great spot, the retreat also includes access to an indoor and outdoor pool, a play area, and a relaxing gazebo. Consider it your launching pad for all those great Branson adventures.

Pet-friendly condo stay: Fall Creek Resort

Missourians are dog people—so if you want to bring Fido along for your Branson adventure, this spot is ready to roll out the doggy bed for you. It’s located on a quiet, peaceful resort area where you can expect tranquil vibes throughout the day.

Plus, there’s plenty of grassy areas for your dog to go out—and, of course, those resort amenities, including an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and more.

Lovely condo on Lake Taneycomo: Pointe Royale Golf Resort

You’ve got just about everything you could want from any family vacation rentals in Branson, MO, at this Pointe Royale condo. Pointe Royale is one of the better resorts in town, giving you access to indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course, a fantastic playground, and even tennis courts. Plus, if you’re up for it after a long day, the walk into downtown is only around 15 minutes.

Golf course access: Thousand Hills Golf Resort

With three king bedrooms and three separate bathrooms, your family will have plenty of space to unwind. There’s also a covered balcony so you can enjoy meals and downtime in the outdoors. Plus, you’ve got access to the Thousand Hills course—just make sure you reserve this spot and call ahead to book a tee time. It fills up fast, especially during summer.

Free passes to local attractions: Thousand Hills Golf Resort (2)

This rental comes with one huge perk: you get free attraction tickets to participating locations that renew each day. (As in, you can use one free pass per day.) That list is pretty hefty, including Silver Dollar City, White Water, WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum, and more.

On top of that very welcoming offer, expect a fantastic experience at Thousand Hills Golf Resort. As with the other rental property on this resort, listed above, you can call ahead to nab a tee time, too!

Classic log cabin stay with multiple options: Grand Mountain

Grand Mountain offers amazing log cabin rentals around Branson; I’m recommending two on this list, including the option below. With this link, you can explore four different cabin options, including two and four-bedroom picks.

Some also include a jetted tub and gas fireplaces. (Bonus: While this list is focused on the best family vacation rentals in Branson, MO, Grand Mountain also offers small one-bedroom rentals that are great for romantic getaways!)

Classic log cabin stay that sleeps 6: Grand Mountain (2)

This log cabin comfortably sleeps six, though I’m sure smaller kids could share beds for even more bunkspace. This gorgeous cabin comes with a stone fireplace with a gas hookup, plus a screened balcony for added outdoor time. This cabin is also a walk-in, making it great for any families with members who have mobility concerns.

Close to Silver Dollar City: Timber Lake Lodge

You’ve got it all at this lovely, four-bedroom cabin. Silver Dollar City is only a few minutes away by car, letting you take on the old-timey-themed amusement park at a moment’s notice.

But there’s also the Indian Point Marina for any families that want to get out on the water, making this a great jumping-off point for nature excursions. (It also has a fresh, crisp interior that feels cozy.)

Cabin with private jacuzzi & arcade: Stonebridge Golf Community

Get out into the woods with this private cabin. Located in Branson’s western area, it’ll give you a more remote feel than the other rentals on this list. But that doesn’t mean you should expect less.

This rental also offers a private jacuzzi and—the real coup for families—an arcade room. Personally, I’d probably book it for that balcony view, which showcases the surrounding greenery.

20 acres of private land to roam: Serenity House

Let’s assume getting out into nature is high on your priority list—the cabin above would be a great choice, along with this stunning property. The Serenity House is located on 20 private acres, giving your family space to roam.

Plus, there’s a great outdoor barbecue setup. But you might also find yourself spending a lot of time indoors, as this rental is newly renovated and has a professional, modern design.

A mini-cabin for a short stay: Tiny A-Frame

I know, I know—jamming a family of four into a tiny house isn’t how traditional vacations are built. That being said, this is a very cool mini A-Frame that more adventurous families would enjoy during a short stay. Despite its small size, there’s also a great covered porch setup, a fully functional kitchen, and, most importantly, access to Table Rock Lake.

Large cabin with room for the whole fam: Bucksaw Bear Cabin

Forget the tiny A-Frame if you’re going to bring the whole family with you. If that’s the case, head to Bucksaw Bear Cabin. Not only does it have enough space to sleep ten, but it also has the types of outdoor and indoor seating areas that you’ll need to relax with a larger group.

After all, what’s the point of looking into family vacation rentals in Branson, MO if there’s not room for everyone to comfortably hang out? It also has a wood-burning fireplace, a gorgeous set of wood stairs, and other unique bespoke elements.

How to Get Cheap Last-Minute Vacation Packages: 5 Easy Steps

Step one on how to get cheap last-minute vacation packages: have a flexible job and, ideally, some PTO. (Or get fired. I won’t judge.)

Step two on how to get cheap last-minute vacation packages: know the basics of finding last-minute deals, including the platforms that offer them and the types of bundles that will work for you.

Sounds pretty straightforward so far, right?

Unfortunately, the toughest part about getting a cheap last-minute vacation package is the flexibility mentioned in the first sentence.

If you want access to huge savings, you need to be dynamic. And by dynamic, I mean you need to be ready to hit buy on those deals and have your bags packed by morning. Also, you might need a pet sitter on speed dial.

But let’s assume you’re not worried about that flexibility. Maybe you have an unexpected vacation coming up, or maybe you’ve already taken off and plan on going on vacation, but you just haven’t figured out where yet.

You’re in the perfect spot to get a last-minute vacation for pennies on the dollar.

Ready to learn how to get cheap trips at the last second in five easy steps? Assuming you’ve got those vacation dates in mind, here’s what to do next.

How to get cheap last-minute vacation packages in five easy steps

Step 1: Set your parameters

Here’s the thing about planning last-minute trips: you’ll do the planning and booking fast. Lightning fast, depending on prices. To prevent yourself from overspending or getting distracted, write down these three important factors.

First, what’s your budget? Make a little financial plan for your getaway.

Second, what form of transportation are you taking? Planes, trains, buses, and airport transfers are probably in the mix; write it down so you don’t forget a step.

Third, what ‘vibe’ are you going for? Before you start shopping for deals, figure out if you want a lazy/active trip, a beach/winter destination, and so on. Or, at least, figure out what you don’t want beforehand.

Step 2: Know where to find last-minute deals

There are tons of ways that you can find last-minute deals. I suggest digging into my article about planning last-minute escapes, but let me summarize briefly.

You can find cheap last-minute vacation packages directly from resorts, from basic room rental platforms, and from OTAs (online travel agencies) like Priceline and Booking.

You must always read the fine print; cheap and last-minute vacation packages usually come with the most basic tier and offers. To confirm what is and isn’t included, I suggest following up with the resort (not a booking agency) directly via phone.

I recommend looking for slashed room rates at HotelTonight or looking for multiple deals (including flights) from platforms like LastMinuteTravel. However, these usually don’t include vacation packages.

If you want a full package, go to Priceline’s homepage and look at its Quick Escape or Deal of the Day sections. They include both flights and hotels. Another good option is Booking.com’s offers (on the homepage) and their seasonal and holiday deals page, which includes flights and hotel offers.

Step 3: Know what affects those last-minute deals

This isn’t a traditional ‘step’, but it’s a good time to dig into why you’re going to see all these discounted vacation packages.

Just like airlines overbook flights to compensate for no-shows, hotels and resorts really want to fill up their rooms during the low season or following a natural disaster.

But that’s not always the case. For example, many resorts in Turkey are rolling out the red carpet for tourists, as its travel industry is being affected by conflicts in the Middle East. Though the conflicts haven’t touched Turkey, many travelers are turning away out of fear. If you aren’t easily spooked by those topics, then you can find cheap last-minute packages for hotels and resorts around the country.

In short, there are tons of reasons aside from seasonality and weather that you might see great vacation packages from resorts. And it’s never a bad idea to reach out directly to ask if they have any sale periods coming up.

Step 4: Choose your champion

Now that you have fifty tabs open, it’s time to narrow down your favorite deals. Look for offers that include airport transfers—those can be an unexpected expense. And—again—remember to read the fine print. The next step involves booking every other aspect of the trip, so this is your last chance to figure out what’s included and what you need to cover.

Step 5: Hammer out those little details

This is the time to hammer out all those little details, from booking flights to finding a pet-sitter. Depending on how last-minute your trip is, you might also be running out of time to do other important things.

Off the top of my head, I can think of topics like finding an eSIM, refilling any medication prescriptions, alerting your bank that you’re heading abroad, borrowing items (like a Kindle reader), and letting your family know that you’re skipping town for a little bit.

Here’s your five-step summary on how to get cheap last-minute vacation packages:

Set your parameters for the trip in terms of budget, the types of transportation you need to book, and what type of trip you don’t want to go on.
Look through the last-minute vacation package platforms to find an option that works for you.
Don’t be afraid to keep shopping; you could find better options based on season, location, and even recent events.
Pick a winner, then follow up to figure out what is and isn’t included in the fine print; there will probably be a lot.
Plan the rest of the details—don’t forget to book transportation, to pick up any medications, to alert your bank that you’re traveling, and so on.

Most Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica: 10 Lush Mid-Range Picks

There are around 7,000 Caribbean islands spread across the region—and they’re the stuff of vacation dreams.

Americans regularly flock to hotspots like the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and even Cuba.

Jamaica is also a perennial favorite for a few reasons.

First, it’s massive, being the fifth-largest island in the Caribbean. That means you can add on jungle treks and cultural excursions to your trip, making it a lot more than a lazy beach vacation.

Second, Jamaica is renowned for its distinct identity, from its delicious dishes to its Patois accent. There’s no other place like it in the world, making for a one-of-a-kind trip.

Third, the island is endlessly beautiful and lush.

In short, from just about every angle, you’re in for a treat. The big question is—which all-inclusive resort should you focus on? There are picks for families, couples, and more.

This time around, I’m zeroing in on the most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica.

Here’s where to go if you want to drop off the map, soak up the sun, and not spend your life savings.

Most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica: 10 mid-range picks

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
Riu Montego Bay – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle
Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach
Deja Resort
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
Sunset At The Palms
Adults Only, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet By Karisma

Most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

You can keep it as simple as you like at Jewel Grande Montego Bay—or scale up, if you want. For example, their all-inclusive package includes access to most of the seven on-site restaurants, along with the option to nab a private in-room chef.

That being said, if you want to lounge by the pools, purchase a simple spa service, and unwind in the sand, it’s got all the basics you need at a reasonable price.

Riu Montego Bay – Adults Only – All Inclusive (Montego Bay)

Riu is one of my go-to brands for mid-range options. (You might remember it from my piece on Spanish hotel chains.) This Riu property is an adults-only resort with a long stretch of private, white-sand beach. Just know that there can be a bit of a party vibe when the hotel fills up—but that’s usually par for the course at similar adults-only resorts.

Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

This affordable all-inclusive resort comes with two amazing twists. First, it’s set inside an 18^th-century historic village. Second, it’s located on close to 400 acres of private, tropical grounds, meaning it’s quieter than most other spots listed here. There’s also an optional Unlimited-Luxury tier, in case you want to get a little bougie for a day or two.

Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle (Falmouth)

Though slightly further from the airport, this Riu selection is larger than life, making it perfect for families that want to maximize the fun. There’s a small waterpark on the grounds, absolutely massive pools, and plenty of white-sand beach to take on. Plus, Riu makes it easy to plan off-site excursions, from hiking the Jamaican Alps to joining reggae parties.

Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach (Rose Hall)

Families and couples rave about Iberostar Waves, partly thanks to its lively atmosphere and its excellent service. Just keep in mind that this is a five-star hotel, meaning you might need to schedule a visit during the off-season to take advantage of those slashed prices. That being said, this property is a five-star thanks to its long list of amenities—not its exorbitant prices or opulent offers.

Deja Resort (Montego Bay)

If you’ve got a shoestring budget but all-inclusive dreams, Deja Resort is a perfect compromise. Though smaller than other hotels on this list and built more like a motel, Deja has all the basics you could need for a sublime Jamaican escape.

There’s beach access nearby, while you’ll also have the coolest spots in Montego Bay available right outside the resort grounds. If you’re interested in culture along with beach days, Deja Resort is a great pick.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa (Lucea)

This longstanding favorite has been around for years and is a place that many families return to. There’s a gorgeous stretch of beach on the grounds, along with tons of entertainment programming. The catch is that the all-inclusive tiers can be a little restrictive, so make sure to research what is and isn’t included before making your purchase.

Sunset At The Palms (Negril)

Tiny, intimate, and off the radar for many travelers, this all-inclusive gem is built in a unique ‘tree-house style’. The goal is to immerse guests in a jungle setting with all those resort favorites, like the swim-up bar. Think: outdoor immersion at your own pace.

Adults Only, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters (Falmouth)

This Autograph Collection adults-only property is designed to feel remote, letting you unwind while getting off the tourist track. There’s a gourmet restaurant, lovely outdoor pool and gardens, and a private beach area.

Plus, you can expect nightly entertainment for a little extra fun. And plenty of electronic music. Just beware that it’s one of the pricier all-inclusive resorts on this list.

Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet By Karisma (Negril)

Expect a premium service and experience at Azul Beach—for a reasonable price. This mid-range option is designed to immerse you in the luscious surroundings, similar to Sunset at the Palms.

There are also adults-only areas sprinkled throughout the grounds, letting you disappear for a little downtime whenever you need. Once again, live entertainment is offered nightly.

Why is the US Pulling Out of UNESCO?

I’m a big fan of UNESCO, one of the world’s most prolific and powerful cultural agencies. It stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—meaning it’s part of the UN.

Most travelers know a thing or two about UNESCO being that we love to visit its most famous sites. Personally, I’m also fascinated with UNESCO’s ‘intangible cultural heritage’ list, which includes art forms that are ancient, unique, and fascinating.

Zooming out, you might be familiar with more well-known UNESCO sites, like the US’s Smoky Mountains National Park or sites across the pond that relate to a specific era, like WWII.

You may have also heard of UNESCO recently because the organization just inscribed 26 new properties after its 47COM meeting. It ‘canonized’ a range of sites from around the world, including megaliths in France, paleolandscapes in the UAE, and ancient capital cities in Turkey. Oh, and that one ultra-famous German castle, Neuschwanstein.

However, shortly after the news of the 47COM’s latest inscriptions, news hit the airwaves that United States had decided to leave UNESCO. (Again.)

So, why would the US pull out of UNESCO, a specialized agency with the goal of promoting world peace through cooperation and intercultural exchange? Especially when the US is one of only five members on the UN Security Council?

A closer look—what is UNESCO? And how does it relate to the UN?

First, let’s dig into UNESCO a little bit more. The UN is a global organization with the goal of promoting international cooperation. The US is a founding member of the UN and a member of the five-state Security Council.

UNESCO is a branch of the UN. The US’s decision to leave UNESCO has no impact on its standing in the UN as a whole.

In fact, US isn’t beholden to join any UN agencies—and it has famously opted out of a few different UN clubs, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). I’m not going to get into that, but I highly encourage you to research why the US might not want to be involved in a human rights agency from the world’s largest and most respected international body.

Back to UNESCO. Its goal, aside from simply promoting world peace through intercultural exchange, is also to provide protection, documentation, and education about important sites around the world. They might be natural, manmade, or both.

UNESCO has 194 member states, spanning the globe, and has partners that are governmental, non-governmental, private, and intergovernmental. In other words, there are many entities vested with the power to promote, maintain, and discover the world’s greatest shared heritage sites.

Why is the US leaving UNESCO?

The US, and any other UN member state, can willingly join and/or depart UN agencies. The US first left UNESCO in 2017, during which time President Donald Trump cited ‘anti-Israel bias’.

That decision was later reversed, but it took time to enact the switch. The US official rejoined UNESCO in 2023. Now, the US Department of State has announced plans to withdraw again. According to reports, the US will formally withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026.

According to the US State Department, UNESCO’s globalist agenda is also at odds with the current administration’s ‘America First’ policies. Plus, it looks like UNESCO’s ‘woke, divisive cultural and social causes’ could be viewed as a threat. Additionally, it looks like anti-Israel rhetoric was another issue for the administration.