Traveling comes with its fair share of risks, though knowledge can offer peace of mind during your travels. In view of this, personal finance site WalletHub analyzed 182 U.S. cities to determine the safest ones to visit (and live in). The study looked at 41 metrics across three categories: home and community safety (such as the number of assaults or traffic fatalities per capita), risk of natural disaster (earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes), and financial safety (poverty rate, fraud complaints per capita). Take a look at the 10 safest U.S. cities for travelers in 2026.

10. Salem, Oregon

Oregon’s capital ranks as the 10th-safest U.S. city in the WalletHub report. Salem has a low risk of any natural disasters (13th-lowest of the 182 cities in the report), and it also scored highly in the financial safety and home and community categories.

When visiting Salem, be sure to pop by the Oregon State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 1938. The surrounding Willamette Valley is also home to a thriving wine region and craft brewery scene.

9. Lewiston, Maine

After Portland, Lewiston is the second-most-populous city in Maine. While Lewiston ranks No. 63 in terms of home and community safety, it was the fourth-best city in the study for natural disaster risk and the second-best for financial safety.

Birders will love Lewiston’s Throncrag Bird Sanctuary, a 450-acre preserve located in the heart of the city. You’ll also find Bates College, which is known for its art museum displaying modern and contemporary art.

8. Columbia, Maryland

Columbia, Maryland, may not be as popular with tourists as nearby Baltimore or Washington, D.C., but it’s one of the safest places in the U.S. to visit. Ranking No. 8 in the study overall, Columbia had the second-highest score in the community category and ranked 11th in terms of natural disaster risk.

While Columbia is only a 30-minute drive to Baltimore and an hour from D.C., it’s worth a visit in its own right. Wander the scenic lakefront trails along the shores of Lake Kittamaqundi and pop into popular eateries such as the Blackwell Barn & Lodge to try some delicious Maryland crab.

7. South Burlington, Vermont

South Burlington is another Northeastern city with a low risk of natural disaster, but the city also earned high marks for financial safety in the WalletHub study.

Hiking trails are a highlight in South Burlington. Red Rocks Park offers paths that take you to the shores of Lake Champlain (the 13th-largest freshwater lake in the country), while Overlook Park lives up to its name with majestic views of the lake from above.

6. Casper, Wyoming

Casper is hours from the nearest major city, making this quite the remote destination. But if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with a safe, comfortable city to visit. While Casper ranks a modest 51st in terms of home and community safety, it scored seventh for financial safety and fifth for its low risk of natural disasters.

No visit to Casper is complete without checking out the Tate Geological Museum, which has over 6,000 fossil and mineral specimens. The star of the show is Dee, an 11,600-year-old Columbian mammoth skeleton that’s considered one of the largest and most complete fossils of its kind in North America.

5. Yonkers, New York

Yonkers is located due north of New York City in Westchester County. While it may lack the famous attractions that are just a stone’s throw away in the Big Apple, it holds appeal as a safe, family-friendly place to visit. Yonkers ranks third in the nation in the study’s home and community safety category.

While Yonkers is just a quick 40-minute train ride to midtown Manhattan via the Metro North train, before heading into the city, consider visiting the Untermyer Park and Gardens to gaze upon stunning foliage, testing your luck at Empire City Casino, or having a blast with the kids at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

4. Juneau, Alaska

Alaska’s capital city ranks as the fourth-safest city in the nation, led by its low risk of natural disasters. (Nearby Anchorage also shines in this particular category.)

Attractions worth seeing in Juneau include the 377-foot Nugget Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the state, and the Mendenhall Glacier, the only glacier in southeast Alaska accessible by road. Also be sure to book a whale-watching tour, as the region offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the country.

3. Burlington, Vermont

No, it’s not déjà vu — while Burlington borders South Burlington, it’s a separate city. The O.G. Burlington not only scores top marks for community safety, but also has a low risk of natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding.

While in Burlington, be sure to stop by ECHO, the state’s science and nature museum on the stunning shores of Lake Champlain. After visiting the museum, take a ride down the 7.5-mile-long Burlington Bike Path or stop into the Church Street Marketplace for local finds.

2. Overland Park, Kansas

Pedestrians and motorists alike can feel at ease in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City. Overland Park has the 21st-lowest rate of uninsured motorists in the country, as well as the 15th-lowest rate of traffic fatalities and the fifth-lowest pedestrian fatality rate, all of which make it highly safe to visit.

If you’re a foodie, you can indulge in some of the delicious barbecue that the Kansas City area is known for. (There’s arguably no better place to grab some ribs than at Q39 South.) Other must-visit sites include the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Johnson County Museum, where you’ll find the 1950s All-Electric House — a restored midcentury home meant to showcase the “house of the future,” according to those who lived in the 1950s.

1. Warwick, Rhode Island

The safest city in the U.S., according to the WalletHub report, is Warwick, Rhode Island. Located south of Providence, the state’s largest city, Warwick has the nation’s seventh-lowest number of thefts per capita and third-lowest assaults per capita, making it a relatively safe bet when it comes to crime. Warwick also has a low risk of any natural disasters occurring.

One of the most enjoyable local experiences in Warwick occurs every June. The Gaspee Day Parade has been around since 1965 and honors Rhode Island’s revolutionary history. If you’re visiting during another time, a trip to either one of the city’s two historic lighthouses — the Conimicut Lighthouse, built in 1868, and the Warwick Neck Lighthouse, built in 1827 — is a good bet.

Along with all of the airline regulations, boarding a flight comes with plenty of unspoken etiquette, too. For example, wait until it’s your row’s turn to exit the plane, think twice before reclining your seat, and make sure you’re using headphones. Another common in-flight issue? Who, exactly, gets to use the armrests. As airlines’ economy cabins have become increasingly cramped, armrests have become valuable — and often contested — personal space. To settle the debate, we asked some etiquette experts about the unwritten rules you should know about the armrests when traveling on an airplane.

The Middle Seat Gets Both Armrests

Many etiquette experts agree that the passenger in the middle seat gets first dibs on both shared armrests. The reasoning is simple: The middle seat gets the short end of the stick, comfort-wise. “The middle seat gets both inner armrests,” says Nick Leighton, host of the modern etiquette advice podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?. “Given the unique benefits that window and aisle passengers get, I think giving the middle seat the armrests is really the least we can do for this poor person.”

He has a point: Window-seat passengers have a wall to lean against (not to mention the best view out the window), while aisle-seat passengers have easier access to get in and out of their seat as needed (plus a little extra room to stretch their legs). The middle-seat passenger gets neither, so that’s where the armrest comes in. 

Think of Them as Elbow Rests

Jo Hayes, founder of EtiquetteExpert.org, suggests thinking of them less as full armrests and more as elbow rests, making room for more than just one person to use them. Rather than spreading your entire forearm across the shared space, each passenger can often comfortably rest an elbow on opposite sides of the armrest. Hayes reminds us that a little awareness goes a long way: “That means not hogging the arm rest,” she says, but instead “being charitable and courteous and nonverbally agreeing to share.”

What if Someone Takes Your Armrest?

Sometimes, your seatmate may not even realize they’ve claimed both armrests. According to Leighton, most armrest disputes aren’t deliberate — they’re simply the result of someone not paying attention. Instead of immediately getting frustrated, “a light request with a small gesture often does the trick,” he says. Gently resting your elbow on the armrest or even politely asking if you can use a bit of the armrest may be all it takes. 

If the other passenger refuses to share and the situation becomes genuinely uncomfortable, quietly mentioning the issue to a flight attendant is reasonable, Leighton says. There’s no need to turn a few inches of plastic into an in-flight argument.

When Flexibility Is the Better Choice

As with most etiquette rules, there are exceptions. Hayes notes that if you’re seated beside someone with circumstances that would make it physically difficult to share, insisting on your right to the armrest will only make the situation more uncomfortable for everyone. “I would encourage the middle-seat passenger to posture themselves as comfortably as possible,” she says. “If it’s particularly unpleasant, simply hail the [flight attendant] to see if they can possibly help, or perhaps move you to another seat, if one is available.” 

With tight airplane cabins, it’s important to practice patience with our fellow passengers. “Shrinking seats haven’t changed any etiquette rules,” Leighton says. “It’s actually made all of us more aware of just how important etiquette is and how very real and relevant it is to all our lives. The general idea is that the closer we all are, the more mindful we need to be of those around us.”

The Bottom Line

There may not be an official airline rulebook covering elbow placement, but courtesy, above all, is what matters. A little awareness of your neighbors, a willingness to share when possible, and a polite conversation when necessary can help prevent in-flight discomfort or tension. 

And you never know when you may be pleasantly surprised. “The middle-seat passenger can certainly offer the armrests to other passengers as a courtesy,” Leighton says. “Just because the middle passenger gets first dibs doesn’t mean they’re obligated to use them throughout the flight.”

From France to Italy to Spain, Europe’s tourism heavyweights continue to lure millions of visitors every year. But beyond the continent’s headline acts are places where historic towns, quiet countryside villages, and uncrowded beaches still feel like hidden gems. Using figures collected by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, we’ve identified the 10 countries that receive the fewest overnight tourist stays (as of the latest 2024 data). So, if you’re searching for somewhere that’s still off the beaten path, check out these 10 European countries where you can escape the crowds.

10. Serbia

Number of tourist nights in 2024: 12.66 million

Landlocked in the Balkans, Serbia is one of the world’s newest countries, having separated from Montenegro in 2006. It boasts stunning landscapes, but it often gets overlooked in favor of nearby Croatia and Greece. 

Set along the Danube River, Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, offers vibrant nightlife and cafê culture alongside Austro-Hungarian heritage and Ottoman landmarks such as the Bajrakli Mosque and Belgrade Fortress. Elsewhere, Novi Stad is famous for the Petrovaradin Fortress, while crystalline rivers cut through the gorges and forests of Tara National Park, and superb hiking awaits at Djerdap National Park. 

9. Malta

Number of tourist nights: 11.32 million

Spread across three inhabited and two uninhabited islands between Sicily and the northern African coast, Malta is one of the world’s smallest countries. This Mediterranean nation boasts 300 days of sunshine and an abundant swimmable coastline. And with English as one of its two official languages (alongside Maltese), the country has also become a favorite among American retirees. 

Malta’s capital, Valletta, offers everything from Baroque landmarks and waterfront bastions to British pubs and Italian trattorias. Beyond the capital, find coastal solace along the towering Dingli Cliffs, enjoy the rural landscapes of Gozo, or swim in the turquoise coves of Comino.  

8. Lithuania

Number of tourist nights: 8.64 million

Stretching east from the Baltic Sea, Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic nations. This underrated destination rewards visitors with medieval towns, sprawling forests, and a fascinating Baltic heritage. 

The capital, Vilnius, is known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, its well-preserved Baroque architecture, and January’s spectacular Vilnius Light Festival. Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is filled with art deco wonders and the Gothic-style Kaunas Castle. For nature lovers, the Curonian Spit is dotted with dune and forest-backed beaches, while history buffs can check out the fascinating Soviet history at Grūto Parkas sculpture park. 

7. Albania

Number of tourist nights: 7.45 million

Thanks to ancient port towns like Durrës and affordable beach resorts scattered along the Ionian Sea, Albania has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. However, according to EU data, it still ranks among the 10 least-visited European nations — for now. 

Situated 22 miles from the coastline, Tirana, Albania’s capital, offers a unique mix of Ottoman and Soviet-era architecture. Head to the National History Museum for a deep dive into Albania’s story before making your way to Theth, a gateway to hiking in the Albanian Alps, and Lake Ohrid, which offers swimming, snorkeling, and paragliding adventures.  

6. Estonia

Number of tourist nights: 6.65 million

From island-hopping and cycling around the West Estonian Archipelago to hiking the Baltic Trails, Estonia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, over half of the country is covered in forests. 

Culture-wise, Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a highlight: Its cobblestoned lanes, church spires, and medieval walls stand in interesting contrast with the capital’s forward-thinking Smart City model — which encourages innovations around urban planning, public transportation, renewable energy sources, waste management, and more.

5. Montenegro

Number of tourist nights: 5.20 million

First-time visitors to Montenegro are often surprised by how much variety is packed into such a small country. Along the Adriatic coastline, medieval towns like Budva and secluded beaches give way to dramatic inland landscapes dominated by rugged mountains. 

The interior’s jewel is the UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park, where limestone peaks, glacial lakes, and river canyons set a dramatic scene for hiking and camping. Back on the coast, the Bay of Kotor offers postcard-perfect views, with historic settlements perched around its scenic shoreline. 

4. Latvia

Number of tourist nights: 4.69 million

Latvia is a former Soviet republic located between Estonia and Lithuania. It offers visitors a mix of storybook towns, Art Nouveau architecture, and wild landscapes — all without the crowds of Western Europe. 

In the coastal capital of Riga, the Old Town is littered with curious sculptures and several Art Nouveau masterpieces. Dense forests cover much of Latvia’s interior, while beach resorts like Jūrmala dot its Baltic shores. For nature lovers, Gauja National Park and Slītere National Park deliver year-round outdoor adventures, and the nation’s sauna culture provides the ideal opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

3. Luxembourg

Number of tourist nights: 3.68 million

Landlocked in Western Europe, Luxembourg is one of the happiest and wealthiest countries in the world. However, comparatively few tourists make it here. Those who do will discover a compact destination where ancient castles, vineyard-covered valleys, and world-class hiking are never far away. 

Luxembourg City, a pint-sized capital that grew around a hilltop fortress established to fend off attacks from the French and Spanish, is a great starting point. Stroll through its peaceful gardens and elegant promenades as you admire the historic fortifications and flashy residences. From there, it’s easy to reach Éislek’s fairy-tale castles, the rocky landscapes of the Mullerthal region, and wineries along the Moselle river.

2. North Macedonia

Number of tourist nights: 2.18 million

Back in the Balkans, North Macedonia became an independent nation following the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. The country, then known as Macedonia, adopted its present-day name in 2018 after a long-running dispute with Greece was resolved. A landlocked country, North Macedonia delivers a captivating blend of Balkan, Byzantine, and Ottoman history. In the capital, Skopje, the Old Bazaar is filled with artisan workshops, cafés, and historic mosques. 

Nearby, the Matka Canyon attracts visitors with its emerald-green waters and centuries-old monasteries. To the southwest, the onetime Greek colony of Ohrid sits on the shores of Lake Ohrid, shared with Albania. Head to the clifftop Church of St. Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo for the best lake views. 

1. Liechtenstein

Number of tourist nights: 228,579

Liechtenstein might welcome fewer visitors in a year than France and Spain receive in a day, but don’t let those stats deter you from planning a trip. One of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, alongside Uzbekistan, Liechtenstein is packed with alpine scenery and medieval architecture. 

The 12th-century Vaduz Castle looms over the capital city of Vaduz, one of the world’s smallest capitals, while Burg Gutenberg is straight out of a fairy tale. Liechtenstein is located in the heart of the Alps, where unrivaled biking, hiking, and skiing await. And adding to its quirkiness (and its low visitor count), Liechtenstein is one of just five countries without an airport. 

Whether you’re avoiding pickpockets or riding in a taxi, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and exercise caution while traveling. Finding your way in an unfamiliar place can leave you vulnerable, and now, a new scam has emerged to be wary of: so-called “evil twin” Wi-Fi networks. Many international travelers leave their phones on airplane mode and rely exclusively on Wi-Fi rather than pay roaming fees, which unscrupulous ne’er-do-wells have begun to take advantage of. Here’s everything you need to know about this new Wi-Fi scam — and how to avoid it.

How They Get You

The scam works like this: In places where it’s routine to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, such as an airport, hotel, or coffee shop, hackers will set up a free wireless network that mimics the name of a legitimate one. These access points typically have unassuming names — for example, the name of the airport or the cafe — that look safe but actually allow the network’s creator to see what you’re doing on your phone or laptop and gain access to your personal information. 

This can create all kinds of problems, especially if you’re logging in to your email or bank account. Because the networks don’t require a password, many unsuspecting victims assume the venue is simply providing free internet access out of kindness. Spoiler alert: It isn’t. 

“Evil twin” networks are more common than you might think, in part because they’re so easy to set up; they require little more than a laptop and some basic software. What makes the scam so easy to fall prey to is a habit most of us share: the desire for fast, free Wi-Fi while out and about, particularly when it’s expensive or impractical to connect to a cellular network. This sometimes causes us to overlook our need to protect our data.

Safety First

There are a number of best practices to keep in mind in order to avoid the “evil twin” network scam, and thankfully, most of them are rooted in common sense. First, don’t join a free network (be it in a hotel, airport, or coffee shop) unless it’s password-protected. Next, turn off the “auto-connect” and file sharing options on your device so you can actively choose which networks to connect to. And, if possible when using a public network, avoid logging in to sensitive accounts altogether, especially any that have your financial information saved.

You can also go one step further by using a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts your data and makes hacking it considerably more difficult. And if you’d like to avoid public Wi-Fi altogether, another option is bring a personal hotspot with you so you’re always on your own private network. (However, you will need to have cellular service for this.) In addition to being safer, this option is also more convenient — you won’t have to worry about constantly logging in and out of different access points.

Featured image credit: © Asia-Pacific Images Studio—E+/Getty Images 

When you’re flying internationally, losing your passport can derail your entire trip. That’s why it’s important to keep your passport in a safe place at all times, whether you’re in the airport, on the plane, or out exploring your destination. While there are many obvious spots where you should never stash your passport, there’s one risky location during a flight that travelers may overlook.

Carry Your Passport (But Not in Your Carry-On)

When flying, you might think that placing your passport in your carry-on suitcase is safe and secure, given that the bag will be relatively close to you inside the cabin. But while in-flight theft is rare, reports suggest that cases are on the rise.

Adding to the problem is the fact that more and more passengers choose to carry on their luggage to avoid baggage fees, which means that you may find that the overhead bin directly above your head is full by the time you board. Having to store your luggage several rows away heightens the risk of theft, as you may not realize that someone else is rummaging through your bag if it’s located five rows back and you’re distracted watching a movie.

Plus, after a long flight, you may find yourself in a foggy state — and it’s entirely possible to walk off the plane having forgotten your bag in the overhead compartment with your passport inside. Once you’ve deplaned, it can be tricky and time-consuming to get back on to retrieve your luggage.

What Should You Do Instead?

The solution is simple: Always keep your passport on your person, either securely in a secure pocket or in a personal bag — such as a fanny pack or crossbody bag — that will remain with you at all times during the flight. That way, you can rest easy knowing your passport will never be more than a few inches away from you.

According to AAA travel adviser Cacki Jones, the best place to keep your passport is “tucked away at the bottom of your bag or pocket where it’s not visible or where it can’t be grabbed easily.” In other words, never keep your passport in your back pants pocket or in an unzippered bag where someone can easily snatch it.

It may also be worth purchasing a passport holder, particularly one with a built-in AirTag holder. Apple AirTags are tiny location-tracking devices that are compatible with Apple devices; they can come in handy if you misplace your passport. By using an AirTag, you’ll be able to track its location in real time, which may help the airport staff find it and return it to you.

What To Do if Your Passport Gets Misplaced

If your passport gets lost or stolen while in transit, the first thing you should do is report it to the U.S. State Department, which you can do using this online form. The government will cancel the passport within one business day, which can help prevent potential identity theft.

If you’re already abroad, you should also visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency passport. There are several requirements for your application, including a passport photo and proof of citizenship, which is why it’s always a good idea to keep a virtual copy of your passport on your phone, along with a printed photocopy. You should also carry your driver’s license with you as a second form of identification. Consider storing these documents in a separate place from your passport.

Featured image credit:  © Home-stock/stock.adobe.com

I’m an av geek, which means I’ll always look up the information of the plane I’m flying before any given flight. I remember boarding a Delta 767 from New York to Los Angeles a few years back and looking into when it was delivered to the airline. I was in my early 30s at the time, and to my surprise, the airplane flying me coast to coast was even older than I was. While the aircraft was obviously perfectly safe to fly, it got me thinking: How long do airlines typically fly their planes before they’re retired and sent to the great aviation boneyard in the desert? And how do the average fleet ages of the major U.S. airlines compare? Let’s find out.

How Long Do Planes Fly Before They’re Retired?

An aircraft’s absolute age matters less than two factors: flight hours and pressurization cycles. To enable planes to fly at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower, aircraft cabins are pressurized to allow passengers and crew to breathe comfortably. However, the process of pressurization places stress on the fuselage of an aircraft, leading to metal fatigue over time. More hours spent in the sky exposed to environmental conditions at high altitudes can also lead to fatigue issues.

This is why aircraft manufacturers set a limit on the number of pressurization cycles (essentially, the number of takeoffs and landings) and the total number of flight hours an aircraft can endure. For example, a Boeing 747 maxes out at approximately 35,000 pressurization cycles or 135,000 to 165,000 flight hours, whichever comes first.

A long-range wide-body airliner like the 747 may have more flight hours, but it will have fewer pressurization cycles than smaller planes like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. Because the latter types fly multiple short hops a day, they rack up more pressurization cycles and often age out sooner.

Typically, passenger planes are retired after flying for around 25 to 30 years. Even if they don’t reach their cycle limits, airlines may choose to retire them sooner than they reach their limits because older planes are less fuel-efficient (particularly as fuel costs rise). Older planes also require more maintenance over time, and spare parts can be hard to source.

“It really doesn’t matter how old the aircraft is,” Bill Thompson, director of aviation firm EirTrade, told CNN. It “really comes down to the economics and whether it justifies doing it.”

In rare cases, planes stick around for much longer than the average if they aren’t flown as much throughout their lifetimes. Take the example of Canadian charter airline Nolinor Aviation, which currently operates a Boeing 737-200 that entered service in 1974 — over 50 years ago. 

Average Fleet Ages of U.S. Airlines

To find the average ages of the planes flown by the major U.S. carriers, we turned to aviation website Airfleets, a database of active civil aircraft around the world. The ages listed below represent the planes flown in the “mainline” fleets of these airlines, meaning they exclude the smaller regional planes operated by partner airlines, under brands such as Delta Connection or United Express. The numbers are accurate as of July 2026. 

Alaska Airlines: 10.2 years

Until recently, Alaska Airlines operated an all-Boeing 737 fleet. But after its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska added the long-range Boeing 787 to begin flights to Asia and Europe from its Seattle hub. The latter aircraft are just 2.1 years old on average, while the Boeing 737s are around 10 years old. 

Southwest Airlines: 11.4 years

Since its first flight in 1971, Southwest has famously operated only one fleet type: the Boeing 737. The Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 are the older models in service; they are being replaced by the Boeing 737-8 MAX and, when it enters service, the 737-7 MAX.

JetBlue: 12.4 years

JetBlue’s fleet consists of Airbus A220s and Airbus A320 family aircraft. The A320s are 20.8 years old on average, while the A220s are the newest members of the fleet, averaging 2.2 years of age.

American Airlines: 14.6 years

Overall, American’s average fleet age is similar to that of its biggest competitors, Delta and United, but the airline’s single oldest aircraft hasn’t been in service quite as long as those two airlines. American’s oldest Airbus A320 was delivered in 1998 to America West Airlines, which later merged with American. The airline’s newest type is the wide-body Boeing 787 (7.2 years old on average). 

Delta Air Lines: 15 years

Delta’s oldest single plane in service is a Boeing 757-200 with the registration code N649DL. It entered service 37 years ago on March 25, 1989. When looking at average age by fleet type, the airline’s oldest aircraft family is the Airbus A320 (29.4 years), while the youngest is the Airbus A220 (4.7 years). 

United Airlines: 15.1 years

United edges out Delta for flying the oldest planes on average. The Chicago-based carrier’s oldest type is the Boeing 767; there are 53 of them flying at an average age of 28.7 years. The oldest individual 767 entered service in 1991. Meanwhile, United’s newest type, the Airbus A321NEOs, averages only 1.2 years old.

Do Passengers Even Notice?

Unless you’re a bit obsessed with planes (like I am), you may have recently boarded an aircraft that’s been flying for decades without thinking twice. It all comes down to how airlines maintain the frames and invest in their cabins. 

Air Canada, for example, has a 35-year-old Airbus A320 that’s still chugging along (though it’s set to be retired soon). The passenger seats haven’t been replaced since the 2000s, its outdated entertainment screens have been deactivated, and there isn’t any Wi-Fi to be found. If you board that particular aircraft, there’s a good chance you’d clock its age — or at least that it’s older than average.

However, step onto one of Delta’s oldest Airbus A320s, and you could easily mistake it for a much newer plane. Passengers are greeted by sleek mood lighting, updated seats, free high-speed Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment screens, modern overhead consoles, and bigger luggage bins that can fit more carry-ons. 

As CNN reports, more airlines are investing in updating their older planes to keep them flying longer — and making sure passengers can’t tell the difference. “If you’re on the airplane, it’s what you visually see,” Nathaniel Pieper, chief commercial officer for American Airlines, told the outlet. “You’re looking at bins, you’re looking at lighting, you’re looking at window shades, you’re looking at your seat. Those are the kinds of things that, again, you can invest in that are completely independent of how old that hull is.”

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You’ve probably heard countless stories of travelers being forced to throw out their toothpaste or lotion for being an ounce above the limit. But toiletries are far from the only problem. While another everyday household item is less common in luggage, it still might cause kerfuffles in the TSA line. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with plants.

A Potentially Thorny Situation

Good news for plant lovers: The TSA typically permits plants and seeds in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, there are exceptions, whether because of the airline or your destination — more on that in a minute.

As far as the TSA is concerned, the organization recently confirmed its stance on houseplants in response to a traveler’s question on X (formerly Twitter). The AskTSA account stated, “On domestic flights within the U.S. Mainland and Alaska, plants are generally allowed through the security checkpoint and in checked bags.” 

Just keep in mind that plants are still subject to security checks like any other item. This means the TSA may flag one as a security risk for any reason that an agent deems necessary. Should this happen, you may have to dispose of the plant.

Airline Policies May Differ

The TSA also advises travelers to contact their airline when traveling with plants. Even if the plant is allowed past the security checkpoint, each airline has its own policy regarding what’s allowed aboard the aircraft. Usually, if you can stow the plant under your seat or in the overhead bin, you’ll be allowed to travel with it, but it’s a good idea to contact the airline anyway to confirm.

States With Stricter Rules

You may have noticed that Hawaii was omitted from the TSA’s X post. The Aloha State has a fragile ecosystem, and it strictly forbids importing potentially invasive vegetation that could wreak havoc on native plant life. All plants imported to Hawaii are subject to being thoroughly examined, undergoing a potential quarantine, and other strict measures.

If you’re attempting to bring a plant into Hawaii, expect to fill out a Plants and Animals Declaration Form (or the new digital alternative called Akamai Arrival). You must declare your plants and confirm that they are free of soil, insects, and disease. After arrival, you’ll need to have the plant examined at the Agricultural Inspection Counter. Any violation of these rules may result in penalties of up to $200,000 and five years in prison.

California also has strict environmental laws when it comes to importing plants. Even if the TSA lets you through security, be aware that bringing live plants into California can have serious consequences. For further information, check the California Department of Food and Agriculture website or contact the state’s Pest Exclusion Branch at (916) 654-0312.

Lastly, when traveling internationally, be aware that some countries may prohibit or restrict visitors from bringing certain vegetation. (Similar rules may apply when returning to the U.S.) If you’re traveling abroad with plants in your luggage, make sure to check ahead of time what rules and regulations apply to the country you’re visiting. 

How To Fly With Plants

Now that you know when it’s OK to fly with plants, it may be useful to know the best way to pack them. Putting a potted plant in your checked bag could be risky due to temperature fluctuations in the luggage hold and baggage handling that could result in damage, so you’ll most likely want to carry the plant on the plane with you. 

This Instagram video from the popular plant influencer account @theplantandthepour describes a few of the most common pitfalls people encounter when flying with plants, and how to handle them. To streamline the security screening, it’s important to make your plant easy to inspect. This means packing it so the officer can easily remove it from its container, examine the roots, and make sure that you’re not hiding anything inside.

It’s also worth noting that some plants are flagged because of excessive moisture, which may not come as much of a surprise given the TSA’s strict liquid rules. Avoid watering the plant on your day of travel — or at least until you’re beyond TSA and can do so at a water fountain. 

Once you’re in the cabin, it’s a good idea to stash the plant at your feet. Placing it inside the overhead bin may result in the plant bumping around, which could damage the plant or cause leakage onto other people’s bags.

Traveling through a country where you don’t speak the local language can pose its fair share of challenges. You may struggle to navigate street signs, understand menus, and communicate with locals. But you might be surprised to discover that there’s a feature preprogrammed on your iPhone that makes it easier than ever to overcome language gaps — and you don’t even need to download an app to use it. Take a look at just how simple it is for iPhones to translate foreign languages on your next trip abroad.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Translations

You likely use your iPhone’s camera app to take photos and videos all the time, particularly on vacation. But did you know the camera app also comes with a built-in live translation feature? This can be used to translate text written in an unfamiliar language into English or another language that’s easier for you to understand. 

Say you’re dining out at a Parisian restaurant, but the only menus they have are written in French. Instead of panicking, just take out your iPhone and follow these steps:

• Open the camera app.
• Point the camera lens at the text that you need to translate until a yellow box appears around it.
• Once the yellow box appears, click the icon with three horizontal lines that should pop up in tandem. This icon will be located in the lower right corner of the image.
• Once you click that, several options will appear above the text, including “copy” and “select all.” Swipe right until you see “translate,” and click on this option.
• The phone should now automatically detect the language it’s reading and translate it into your preferred language.

If the feature doesn’t work as intended, check for these two common problems:

• The feature may be toggled off. In this case, open your phone’s settings, click on the camera app, and toggle on “show detected text.” 
• You’re using an old operating system. Apple unveiled camera-based text recognition in 2021 in conjunction with iOS 15, so make sure you’re using iOS 15 or a more recent operating system.

Other iPhone Translate Features

In addition to this hidden camera feature, iPhones come preprogrammed with a dedicated Translate app. This app features a built-in camera mechanism, allowing users to snap an image and instantly translate the text. 

While this is effectively the same as using the camera app, one useful perk of the Translate app is the conversation feature, which facilitates full conversations across two distinct languages with live translation. 

To use this feature, select the two languages you’d like to translate, click on the microphone icon, and speak aloud. The phone will translate your speech into written text for the other person. Then, hand the phone over to the other person and have them take the same steps. This is a great tool for carrying on a conversation without needing to type every sentence into a translation app.

What About Android Devices?

Don’t own an iPhone? Good news: Android devices have a similar translation service called Google Translate. This app offers a point-and-shoot camera translation feature similar to what’s on the iPhone. Some Androids come preinstalled with this app, but if not, it’s free and easy to download.

You can also use Google Translate to hold conversations with people speaking another language. As with the iPhone app, you can even predownload languages to Google Translate, allowing you to translate when you don’t have an internet connection.

Some Android phones — specifically many Samsung phones and tablets — also have a built-in “Live Translate” feature, which uses Galaxy AI to instantly translate foreign text. If you own a Samsung device, search for the “Interpreter” feature, which can be used to translate live conversations. It also has a “Call Assist” translation feature that allows you to interpret phone conversations. This might come in handy when calling an international hotel to confirm your booking, for instance.

Last but not least, there’s Google Lens, which translates over 100 languages in real time. To use Google Lens, open up the Google app on your phone, click the camera icon next to the microphone, and point your camera at the text you’d like to translate. Click the “translate” button at the bottom of the screen, and it should automatically detect foreign text and translate it into your preferred language.

Featured image credit: © Alexander Spatari—Moment/Getty Images 

If you’re looking to spend your golden years in a quiet community that’s walking distance to the beach or in a walkable residential neighborhood, you don’t need to secure a visa and retire abroad. The U.S. may not be known for its walkability, but there are many coastal hamlets, historical districts, and bustling cities where residents of all ages can live car-free — if you know where to look. To find them, we turned to a new study from the personal finance website Go Banking Rates, which analyzed walkability scores according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Walkability Index, along with cost of living, to determine America’s best places to retire without a car. Check out the top five cities for car-free retirement below.

5. Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Located 2 miles from Biloxi, Ocean Springs is a quiet Mississippi Gulf Coast town with a population of about 19,000 people. Nicknamed the “City of Discovery” — it was the site of the first permanent French settlement in the region in 1699 — Ocean Springs boasts a 17.3 walkability score (out of 20) and a low annual cost of living at $41,399. 

With old oak-lined streets, art galleries, and bakeries aplenty, Ocean Springs appeals to those seeking a leisurely place to spend their retirement. Instead of driving, residents can explore the Mississippi Blueways via paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to be immersed in the beauty of the bayou, or they can take a bus or trolley around town — or even straight to the beach.

4. Rockville Centre, New York

Commonly referred to as “RVC,” the unincorporated community of Rockville Centre on Long Island’s south shore scores 16.7 out of 20 for walkability and has an annual cost of living of $99,127. Rockville Centre also offers reliable train service via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which can transport passengers to Penn Station in midtown Manhattan in 35 minutes. 

For residents 60 and older, there’s a door-to-door bus service that can take you to the local recreation center, medical appointments, and the grocery store for weekly shopping. Further boosting its appeal for retirees, RVC’s Sandel Senior Center is praised for its variety of offerings, such as water taxi rides, riverboat cruises, guest lectures, day trips, weekly luncheons, and fitness classes. 

3. Metairie, Louisiana

Part of the New Orleans metro area, the unincorporated community of Metairie earned a 17.7 walkability score. Better yet, it costs residents roughly $46,719 annually to live here. Lafreniere Park — arguably the star attraction of the community — features 155 acres of paved trails, a lagoon, a splash pad, and a carousel. Residents can also enjoy the Bucktown Marsh Boardwalk on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain to spot wildlife and watch the sunset. 

Elsewhere, Old Metairie is a bustling walkable district filled with antique shops and iconic seafood haunts serving gumbo, po’boys, and charbroiled oysters. With a local bus system to transport riders across the city, as well as the “Move Metairie” program that provides curb-to-curb service, Metairie is enabling senior citizens to comfortably retire car-free. 

2. Lexington, Massachusetts

The first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired in Lexington, Massachusetts, and these days, this city northwest of Boston is renowned as much for its walkability as for its ties to America’s founding. While Lexington boasts a walkability score of 15.7, affordable transportation options, and high overall livability, its annual cost of living is the highest on this list, at $135,228. For those who can afford to retire here, Lexington is hailed for its many historical sites and monuments, such as Lexington Battle Green, the iconic Minuteman Statue, Buckman Tavern, and the Hancock-Clarke House. 

As for transportation, residents rely heavily on affordable bus services, with an annual pass providing unlimited rides for just $20. Some riders may also be eligible for door-to-door paratransit services and free nonemergency medical transportation. Additionally, the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway and Minute Man National Historical Park offer paved, accessible paths for walking and biking, providing residents easy access to nature. 

1. Wilton Manors, Florida

With a walkability score of 17 (out of 20) and the annual cost of living at $73,020, this vibrant suburb of Fort Lauderdale earns first place for car-free retirement in the Go Banking Rates study. Bordered by the Middle River, Wilton Manors is home to approximately 11,500 residents, who take advantage of the city’s walkability by exploring the 8.5-acre Colohatchee Park mangrove preserve, featuring a boardwalk, a dog park, and a boat ramp for water access. 

When it comes time to eat, the lively Wilton Drive is home to trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Residents have multiple options for public transportation, including an electric golf-cart-style shuttle service operating for just $2 a ride, discounted rideshares, and local buses.