Hotel rooms are full of amenities that are meant to make your stay more convenient. But for all of the helpful items that you’re likely to find, there’s one hotel room amenity that you should probably never use. While it may seem to be a convenient option, this common appliance is likely one of the dirtiest things you’ll find in any hotel room. Here’s why you should think twice about using the hotel room coffee maker — and how to safely get your caffeine fix on your next getaway.

Coffee Makers Are Full of Germs

Even if the coffee machine in your hotel room looks clean to the naked eye, microscopic germs and bacteria are likely lurking inside. That’s because bacteria thrives in dark, moist environments, making the coffee machine a hospitable environment for it to grow. And it’s unlikely that each coffee machine in a hotel filled with hundreds of rooms is cleaned as thoroughly and often as it should be. 

Research has shown that communal coffee machines can contain dozens of individual strains of potentially harmful bacteria, some of which have been linked to medical conditions such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. They can also contain mold, yeast, and staph, none of which should be going into your body. Some studies have shown that the average coffee maker may even be dirtier than a toilet seat. Plus, you never know what other hotel guests might have used the machine for previously. 

The Machines Don’t Get Hot Enough

You may think that boiling water would kill off all of the germs and make the coffee safe to drink. That would be true… if the typical hotel coffee maker got hot enough. Unfortunately, single-use coffee machines usually fall short of the temperature necessary (212 degrees Fahrenheit) to make water boil — they cap out at about 20 degrees cooler. While this is high enough to kill most bacteria, it isn’t quite enough to kill all the germs you may find in there, especially some particularly harmful strains. And if you like your morning joe to be piping hot, this lower temperature also means your cup of coffee will get colder quicker.

How To Clean the Coffee Machine

If you do want to use the coffee machine in your room, the good news is that there are ways to clean it to kill off most, if not all of the bacteria. Before using the machine to brew any coffee, run a few cycles with tap water to flush out old coffee grounds and some of the bacteria that may have formed. You can also purchase individual coffee cleaning tablets and pack them with you. If you don’t have those on hand, it might be worth heading over to a local convenience store to buy some distilled white vinegar. Run the vinegar through the machine two or three times, and the machine should be clean enough to safely brew coffee. For more tips on how to clean the coffee maker and other dirty areas in your hotel room, check out this helpful article.

What To Drink Instead

Can’t go without your morning cup of joe? The simplest work-around is to venture out into the lobby and pour yourself some coffee from the communal urn (if your hotel has one), order room service, or head to the nearest coffee shop. Hotels clean the urns used for room service and complimentary lobby coffee far more regularly and thoroughly than the ones in each individual room. That being said, the one thing to be mindful of is how dirty the handle gets. The more people who touch the urn, the more likely those germs will spread onto your hands. 

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On an average day, more than 100,000 flights take to the skies around the globe. That fact is even more remarkable when you consider the complex nature of air travel — it takes careful coordination among pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, aircraft cleaners, baggage handlers, flight dispatchers, air traffic controllers, and many other people to get each flight off the ground. Perhaps that’s one reason why many people find airplanes so fascinating. If you count yourself among them, you’ll be interested to know that modern airlines contain many subtle features that often go unnoticed and are designed to keep passengers and crew comfortable and safe during a flight. Have you ever spotted these eight hidden features of airplane cabins?

Secret Crew Bunks

Commercial airliners these days can fly farther than ever before — currently, the world’s longest flight is in the sky for more than 19 hours between New York and Singapore. Just like passengers who are likely to doze off during the flight, pilots and flight attendants also need to rest during long-haul journeys. But where exactly do they take breaks? On many planes, what looks like a lavatory door toward the back galley actually conceals an entrance to a staircase up to a hidden crew rest bunk.

As Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific explains, flight crews are required to rest for a minimum of three hours when the duration of the flight is 14 hours or longer (and longer for ultra-long-haul flights). These crew bunks are typically tight quarters, with a low ceiling and a narrow aisle separating up to 10 bunks arranged closely together. Crews take turns sleeping during the flight, and noise is strictly off-limits — they’ll usually have to set a phone alarm on vibrate mode when it’s time to return to cabin service. 

Aisle Armrest Levers

It isn’t just the crew bunk that’s a tight squeeze — the typical economy class seat measures just 17 to 18 inches wide. If you’re traveling in the window seat, you can create a little extra room for yourself by leaning against the window, and if you’re in the middle seat you can raise the armrest between seats (assuming you’re traveling with someone you know). Most passengers in the aisle seat, however, think those armrests along the aisle are fixed in place, but that’s not actually the case. 

Located under the armrest closest to the aisle is a small, secret button that allows you to lift the armrest up to the back of your seat. This feature is particularly useful for getting in and out of your seat, but it was actually designed with safety in mind — it allows passengers to reach the exits more quickly in the event of an emergency.

Triangles Above Certain Windows 

If you’re particularly detail-oriented, you might have noticed that there are tiny triangle stickers on the cabin wall above certain windows. According to Captain Joe, an airline pilot with his own YouTube channel, these stickers indicate which windows provide the best view of the wings. If the crew needs to see outside for safety reasons, they know which windows to look for.

Tiny Holes in the Windows

You also may have noticed that airplane windows contain tiny holes near the bottom. There’s no need to panic, though, as they, too, exist for a specific safety purpose. Airplane windows have three layers, and these small holes are only in the middle layer, so they don’t go all the way through to the outside. They are designed to help regulate the difference in pressure between the air outside at 30,000 feet and the air inside the cabin, which is pressurized more than the air outside to create a comfortable environment. These holes are typically called breather holes or bleed holes. 

Lavatory Locks on the Outside

​​Everyone’s familiar with the lock inside cabin bathrooms, but did you know they also unlock from the outside? This hidden feature exists for flight attendants to unlock the lavatory door during an emergency, when the crew might need to be able to quickly access the bathroom. It also may be necessary if a passenger needs assistance while in the bathroom, or it can be used for children who might be unable to unlock the door themselves. To find the lock, flip up the “lavatory” sign on the outside of the door. 

A Secret Built-In Handrail

Though you should be seated with your seatbelt fastened, if you’ve ever found yourself up in the aisle during turbulence, you’ll appreciate this hidden airplane feature. Instead of grabbing other seats and disturbing fellow passengers to get back to your own seat, reach up to the ceiling. You’ll find a built-in handle rail along the bottom edge of the storage compartment, which you can use to steady yourself. Flight attendants often use it while they walk through the cabin, so next time follow their lead.

Special Tray Tables

You might not think there’s much to your aircraft tray table. When it’s locked in its upright position, you swing the latch in either direction to release it, and voilà — you have a surface to eat that bland in-flight meal or work away on your laptop. But not all tray tables are the same. As Swiss International Airlines points out, in the emergency exit rows, the tray table latches open in only one direction. This is to prevent passengers from unintentionally releasing the tray table during an emergency when a quick evacuation through the window exits may be necessary. 

Windows That Actually Open

Finally, there’s one more feature to note about airplane windows, which is that some of them actually open to the outside. Fortunately, none of these are accessible to passengers — the only windows that open are located in the flight deck. This is again designed for safety reasons (to allow pilots to quickly exit in case of an emergency) but can also be useful in other situations. As one pilot explained, pilots might reach out the window to wave to get the attention of ground staff if they aren’t connected to their headset, or just pop it open for some fresh air at the gate between flights. The windows open wide enough for some pilots to crawl out of the cockpit. 

The rise of vacation home rentals is one of the most significant changes to the travel industry in recent decades. If you’ve ever stayed in one, you know the fun of finding a one-of-a-kind stay on your favorite lake, ski resort, or beach — but booking a vacation home isn’t always as simple as booking a hotel room. These are the top mistakes to avoid when booking a vacation rental home.

Losing Out on Location

In the case of vacation homes, the old adage “location, location, location” rings true. Picture this: You pull into the driveway of a beautiful beach rental, but between the property and the beach is a noisy, six-lane highway. You won’t be able to walk right across the street to the beach — instead, you’ll have to walk out of your way to find a crossing. That’s just one example of how not carefully researching the location can make or break your vacation rental experience.

For security reasons, a specific address for the house might not be provided until after booking, so do your best to pinpoint the home’s exact location before being locked in. A listing could be priced lower than others because of a less-than-ideal location. Whether you ask the host, read reviews, or use a map on the booking site, ensure the activities you’re interested in and the services you need are nearby. This is especially important if you are using public transportation or taxis.

Not Using a Trusted Platform

There are dozens of vacation rental websites, so knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never booked one before. For first-timers, Airbnb boasts the most extensive online inventory of short-term rental homes and is highly user-friendly. Vrbo is another rental mainstay. As the acronym in its name (vacation rental by owner) suggests, the platform only offers vacation rental homes — the owners don’t actively live there. 

Third-party travel sites such as Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Expedia, and Hotels.com also feature vacation rentals (along with hotels) and are generally reliable. However, there are a few places you should avoid using to book a vacation rental. This includes online forums such as Craigslist or Reddit, as well as social media sites such as Facebook, where scams are abundant. Play it safe and use a platform that offers pictures, reviews, a clear cancellation policy, and easy communication with the host.

Getting Your Group Size Wrong

Vacation home rentals are particularly popular among large groups because they are usually more cost-effective than reserving multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you get to spend a lot more time together. However, just because a vacation home advertises that it can sleep a certain number of people doesn’t guarantee it will be comfortable. Faulty pull-out beds, kid-sized bunk beds, thin futons, and other cramped sleeping arrangements have duped many travelers. Make sure you know beforehand how many real beds the property has.

Also, look into how many parking spaces, seats at the dining room table, and bathrooms there are in the home. Adjust your rental choice accordingly based on your group size. Remember, it won’t be as much fun if there isn’t enough space for everyone.

Ignoring the Fine Print

Renting a vacation home is often more complicated than booking a hotel room. Many extra rules and regulations exist because you’re renting someone’s private home. One of the biggest differences is the cancellation policy. Some rentals are nonrefundable, and even some of the best cancellation policies might not offer refunds within 30 days of arrival. 

There are also usually extra fees for rentals that can catch some vacationers off guard. Cleaning fees, additional local taxes, and service fees for booking platforms are a few of the most common charges. For instance, the median cleaning fee for a one-night stay through Airbnb is $75, and there are also state taxes for guests. Some are over 9% in addition to the base nightly cost, which can add up quickly.

Typically, the few standard rules the homeowner or the HOA sets forth include renter age minimums, number of guests, pet policies, smoking policies, and event hosting restrictions. Be aware of these policies, which can incur hefty added charges if violated. Finally, there are often checkout guidelines, such as taking out the trash or resetting the thermostat. When in doubt, be a good houseguest and adhere to the rules, or the host might give you a bad review or charge you an added fee.

Not Reading Reviews

Vacation rental platforms almost always allow prior guests to leave reviews. This is one of the best and fastest ways to answer your questions about the property. Travelers can read feedback about the property’s host, location, and amenities. The reviews will also give you a sense of what groups have been happiest there. Is it more of a family vacation area or a location for young partygoers? Most platforms allow you to sort reviews by “most recent” to get a good idea of how the rental is currently operating. This is helpful if there aren’t sufficient images on the listing or the location seems unclear. 

Overlooking International Regulations

With their widespread availability, vacation home rentals allow travelers to immerse themselves in many different local cultures. A cottage in Norway, an earth dome in Mexico, or a coastal retreat in South Africa is just a few clicks away. But to make your international escape stress-free, know the rules and regulations for short-term rentals in the country you’re visiting. 

For example, in places such as Italy, the host is required to make copies of your passport. As one traveler on TikTok explained, “It’s also required by law for them to register every guest with the city. So don’t worry, they’re not trying to steal your identity.” This is why open communication with the host is essential when traveling internationally. They’ll inform you of any extra fees, paperwork, and regulations you might not be familiar with.

Being Unaware of Amenities

There are a few pitfalls to vacation rentals when it comes to amenities. There is no hotel staff to make you freshly brewed coffee or a breakfast buffet in the mornings, no one to provide clean towels and linens, or park your car — it’s typically up to you. Carefully read through the amenities list on the booking platform so you know what to bring. 

For example, does the rental have a traditional coffee maker or a Keurig? This small question determines what type of coffee you must buy at a local store or bring with you. Another consideration is that some rentals don’t offer complimentary toiletries or may charge extra for towel and linen rentals. Sort out all these things beforehand to enjoy your vacation — and not spend it at the local convenience store buying forgotten items.

If you’ve ever found yourself craving tomato juice at 30,000 feet — despite not particularly enjoying it at sea level — you’re in good company. German flag carrier Lufthansa alone serves nearly 450,000 gallons of the beverage per year, which is even more remarkable considering Germany’s national love of beer. As it turns out, there’s a good reason why so many people have a hankering for V8 on flights: It actually tastes better. This might sound odd, given airplane food’s reputation for blandness, but there’s a scientific explanation for tomato juice being the exception to the rule.

How Altitude Affects Taste

From the pressurized cabins to the constant background noise, nearly everything about flying works against your taste buds to make eating and drinking on a plane a less enjoyable experience than it is on the ground. The low humidity (typically between 5% and 20%) and air pressure in aircraft cabins make both sweet and salty flavors as much as 30% less pronounced, which is why catering chefs typically add much more salt and seasoning to in-flight meals. 

But not all flavors are impacted to the same extent. Chief among them is umami, which means “delicious savory taste” in Japanese and includes foods like meat, cheese, and —you guessed it — tomatoes. If anything, the unique conditions of being on a commercial airliner make the taste of tomato juice more pronounced, which may help explain why it’s such a popular choice from the beverage cart. 

In-Flight Rituals

Major airlines have devoted a lot of time, money, and effort to understanding exactly how our taste buds work at cruising altitude and adjusting their menus accordingly. Tomato juice is unique insofar as it doesn’t require any fine-tuning. It’s inherently well suited to be consumed in an airplane, whether on its own or as part of a bloody mary. And because the effect that flying has on your taste buds becomes more pronounced the longer a flight is, the glass of tomato juice you get on an hour-long puddle jumper might be even more refreshing than one you have at the end of an international flight.

Habits tend to become self-enforcing after a while, meaning that eventually some people order tomato juice every time they fly. It’s the same reason you might get popcorn every time you go to the movies — it becomes part of the experience, a ritual associated with flying that makes the journey more enjoyable. For other travelers, that ritual might be ordering a ginger ale, as many consider the calming effects of ginger and the carbonation to be soothing on the stomach. But whatever your preference, a note of caution — there’s one drink you (probably) should never order on a plane: coffee. 

The average American usually takes a train if they’re traveling a short distance or commuting to work. In fact, less than 15% of Amtrak’s riders travel on its long-distance routes. But trains are an excellent means of exploring the vastness of this country and all the spectacular scenery it has to offer. Amtrak offers service along 15 long-distance train routes that span thousands of miles from coast to coast. So, instead of dealing with airport security or worrying about driving for hours on end, here’s why your next vacation should be a long-distance train journey.

Incredible Sightseeing Opportunities

While flying across the country may be the quickest way to get from point A to point B, you miss out on seeing so much of the beautiful natural scenery down below. If you’re the driver on a long road trip, you have to keep your eyes on the road rather than stare out the window. But when you’re on a long-distance train, you can sit back and watch the country go by while someone else takes the reins.

Amtrak’s long-distance routes pass through some of the country’s most beautiful regions, including the Southwest, Appalachia, and the Pacific coastline. These leisurely trips are made for sightseeing, especially if you spend time in one of Amtrak’s dedicated observation cars. The cars are accessible to everyone on the train, whether you’re seated in coach class or a private room, and each one has outward-facing seats and floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal viewing.

Small Town Inspiration

No matter which long-distance route you take, each one passes through dozens of small towns that you’d probably never think to visit otherwise. These off-the-beaten path locations offer a fascinating glimpse into American history and culture. They tend to feature delicious restaurants and interesting landmarks that make them well worth the visit. Often, you’ll only have a few minutes to step off the train and stretch your legs in these towns, but you can soak them in and make a mental note to return in the future.

New Friends

One of the unique aspects of long-distance train journeys is that you’ll have plenty of time to chat with strangers and make new friends, unlike flying on an airplane, where people usually keep to themselves. Amtrak trains feature several communal spaces such as the observation car, dining car, and cafe car. Other passengers taking a long-distance journey are probably happy to chat and bond over a nice meal or while gazing out the window. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and get to know your fellow riders.

Easier Boarding Process

Flying by airplane usually means arriving at the airport hours early to deal with airport security, and driving might involve playing a game of Tetris to fit all your luggage in the trunk. But on long-distance train trips, Amtrak recommends arriving just 30 minutes before departure (slightly earlier if you need to check your bags). Once they call your train, just head to the track, check in with an attendant, and get right on — it’s that simple.

Comfortable Accommodations

The seating accommodations on long-distance Amtrak trains are a definite step up from airplane travel. Most Amtrak train cars feature a two-by-two seating configuration, which means that you’re never squished in the middle seat. Even the average coach seat on an Amtrak long-distance car measures 23 inches wide, compared with 17 to 18 inches in economy class on an airplane. Or, you can upgrade to business class or book one of the private rooms, which have seats that convert to beds for extra comfort on those overnight journeys. While the price may be high, you’ll often get more bang for your buck than paying for first class on an airplane.

Long-distance trains are also great alternatives for people who may face health complications in the air. This includes people who suffer from poor circulation, pregnant individuals, and other conditions. If you fall into one of those categories, then a long train trip may be the best and most comfortable option for traveling across the country.

Featured image credit: Jorg Greuel/ Photodisc via Getty Images