For most of us, staying in a hotel while on vacation feels like an escape from real life — with hotel staff attending to your every need, it’s easy to feel downright spoiled. Although staffers are there to keep everything in check, many travelers still do their part by following good hotel etiquette: Be polite, put your trash in the bin, turn off the lights, and so forth. Although being courteous and not trashing your room should go unsaid, hotel guests do plenty of other things that annoy staffers, and they might not even realize they’re doing it. Here are some of the most hated habits of hotel guests, according to hospitality workers.

Covert Check-Outs

Of course, you have every right to stay in your hotel room until check-out time, but if you decide to check out early, it’s a good idea to let the hotel staff know. This allows housekeepers to enter the room earlier to turn it around for the next guests. The average hotel worker cleans between 12 and 20 rooms per eight-hour shift, resulting in about 20 to 30 minutes of cleaning time per room. If you leave the hotel without checking out, your room can sit vacant, sometimes for hours, which some hotel staff say is a waste of housekeepers’ time. 

Remember, there are faster ways to check out than physically going to the front desk and waiting in line. Instead, check for a key drop-off box in the front lobby or call the front desk to let them know you’re leaving. If you’re staying in a major hotel chain, you can often use the mobile app to check out within seconds.

Damage Disguisers

If something is damaged or not working in your room, inform hotel staff immediately, regardless of whose fault it was. In the experience of some hotel employees, if a guest is upfront and honest about damage, they probably won’t be charged for minor issues, or they might be charged a lower price for significant damages. However, if a guest doesn’t disclose damage during the trip or at check-out, they’ll most certainly be charged the total cost of the damage.

Pet-Friendly Fails

Always inform hotel staff if you have your furry friend in tow. While the hotel you booked might be pet-friendly, every single room probably isn’t. Usually, only particular floors or wings are set aside for pets. If there isn’t an option to select a pet-friendly room during booking, add it to the booking notes section of your reservation or give the hotel a call. 

Also, don’t be surprised if you have to pay an additional pet fee at check-in. Hotel maintenance explains that this fee compensates the hotel for the additional supplies and cleaning required in pet-friendly rooms to remove stains, pet hair, and damaged furniture. Also, remember to always pick up after your pet in your room and on hotel grounds.

Redecorators

Some housekeepers have this request: If you move heavy furniture during your stay, move it back to where it was when you checked in. Whether you were baby-proofing a room or just making it more comfortable, make sure to place beds, couches, lamps, and chairs back in their original place. Your housekeeper might be unable to move the furniture as easily as you did, and you’ll save them a lot of effort. The same goes for unplugging lamps and alarms or moving phones or television remotes — rule of thumb: leave everything as you found it.

The Early Check-in Blues

You can always hope for the best, but unless explicitly guaranteed (and in some cases, paid for) ahead of time, most early check-in requests are just that — requests. Some hotel staffers have noticed an uptick in customers being disgruntled that their early check-in requests weren’t accommodated. 

Here is the advice of one employee: If you know you have a dinner, event, or appointment around the same time as check-in, don’t count on your room to be available. Instead, book the hotel for the night before and arrive whenever is most convenient for you. If that isn’t possible, arrive at your hotel ready for the event and ask hotel staff to hold your bags in a secure area until you can check in after the event.

Third-Party Predicaments

Be aware of the risks of third-party travel sites. Online travel agencies like Booking.com and Expedia are valuable tools for travelers to compare and find the best rates. However, many guests don’t understand that the hotel staff usually cannot move or change your reservation if you booked through a third-party site. Any changes must be made through the third-party’s website or customer service center instead. This creates a headache for front desk workers when disgruntled travelers can’t modify their stay.

Luggage Cart Bandits

Luggage carts are essential if you’re traveling with many bags, just don’t hold one hostage in your room. According to frustrated bellhops, some guests attempt to keep the cart to themselves for the duration of their stay so they can easily load their bags at the end of their trip. Remember, hotels don’t have a cart for every room — they might only have a dozen for hundreds of rooms — so this isn’t considerate of other hotel guests or the staffers trying to do their jobs.  

Bed-Making Blunders

Of course, housekeepers greatly appreciate leaving a hotel room clean and tidy, but hotel staffers say remaking a dirty bed is pointless. You’re making more work for yourself and housekeeping. Instead, leave the bed unmade, or better yet, strip the bed to make it easier on staff. If a room has more than one bed, don’t worry about making an unused bed look tidy; it will also be stripped and washed.

Things Hotel Staff Love: Tips and Reviews

Hospitality workers say that tips for housekeepers and positive online reviews for friendly front desk workers often go a long way. A positive online review can earn workers praise from management and drive more business to the hotel. As for tipping, less than one-quarter of American hotel guests tip their housekeepers. According to international etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, a tip of $3 to $5 per day is a great way to show appreciation for housekeepers’ hard work. Remember to break up the tip into daily increments, as housekeepers change shifts frequently.

Headed across the pond soon? A number of changes could affect those travelers planning a European vacation. While these proposed changes are mostly procedural and shouldn’t affect a traveler’s eligibility to visit, it’s always wise to remain abreast of new rules to be sure you’ve made the correct preparations for your trip. Here are a few of the major differences that look likely to impact U.S. travelers over the coming months.

Get Ready for Electronic Entry and Exit Checks

Some countries, such as the United States, already collect biometric data from incoming travelers to help with the process of border security. The European Union plans to follow suit, though as of May 2024, an exact timeframe for implementation has yet to be announced. Recent reports suggest that it could be introduced at some point in 2024.

The system, called the Entry/Exit System (EES), will be an automated electronic system for registering non-EU nationals. It’s hoped that the streamlined procedures will speed up the processing of passengers and reduce wait times at border checkpoints. There are certain exemptions and variations, so be sure to read the FAQs before you travel to find out if they apply to you. 

Currently, 29 countries have signed up to join the program — including most of the EU nations and also countries such as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, though members of the EU, have said they intend to continue stamping passports manually. The United Kingdom, no longer a member of the EU, will also remain with its current system. 

If you travel to Europe frequently or for extended periods, be sure to keep count of your stays so that you don’t exceed the 90-day maximum stay during any 180-day period. The total is calculated for all EES countries and is not tallied separately, so if you overstay for one, you’ve overstayed for all. 

Bulgaria and Romania Join the Schengen Zone (With a Caveat)

The Schengen Agreement was a 1995 treaty signed by five countries: France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. They agreed to form an area without internal border controls. Over time, other nations have signed up, and now around 400 million people live within the so-called Schengen Zone. 

Broadly speaking, it means once travelers have been allowed into one of the Schengen countries, they can move freely from country to country without encountering additional checks. As a response to temporary issues of national security, however, countries are permitted to reintroduce border checks and, there are currently a number of these in place.

In April 2024, Bulgaria and Romania were welcomed into the Schengen club — with one significant caveat. The two countries will operate in the same way as other Schengen members for those arriving by air or by sea. However, if you cross into these countries via a land border, passport checks will continue as before. 

The ETIAS Visa-Waiver Program Looks Set for a 2025 Launch

Since 2009, the U.S. has required eligible travelers visiting from visa-waiver countries to fill out an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The EU looks likely to follow suit at some point in 2025. For short-term visitors intending to stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will work in a similar way. 

Applicants will fill out an online form ahead of travel, and most will get their documentation almost immediately. It is expected that the ETIAS will cost 7 euros and that the fee will be waived for those under 18 years of age and those over 70 years old. When approved, the ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. 

Upon arrival, border officials will still check your travel documents to make sure they are valid and may ask certain questions before you’re permitted entry — including the purpose of your visit, details of your accommodation, and whether you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your trip. Largely, such information is gathered so that the border official can be satisfied you are not intending to enter the country to stay and work.

When it comes into effect, visa-exempt travelers from qualifying countries like the U.S. will need one ETIAS to visit all European countries covered by the scheme. These include the Schengen Zone countries, which are largely EU members, plus nations such as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Notable ETIAS exceptions include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Montenegro, Serbia, Gibraltar, and Albania. 

Liquids Rules Have Changed at Some Airports

A policy restricting the size of liquids travelers can carry through airport security has been in effect worldwide since 2006. However, the need to enforce this rule can be time-consuming and lead to lengthy queues which, of course, are unpopular with passengers.

Good news: Thanks to 3-D scanners and improved X-ray screening equipment, some European airports have ditched this requirement. These include Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Ireland’s Shannon Airport, Helsinki Airport in Finland, Fiumicino Airport in Rome, and London City Airport (though the rollout is delayed at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted).

More airports are scheduled to do the same. Among those trialing the new technology or planning to implement it by the end of 2024 are Madrid’s Barajas Airport, Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, Geneva Airport, and Paris Orly Airport. If you intend to fly soon, make sure that you check the current situation for the airport you’ll be transiting.

Tourism Taxes Are Ramping Up in Some Locations

Following some high-profile campaigns to combat overtourism, a number of European cities have implemented charges in the form of tourist “taxes” in an attempt to tackle the issue. For instance, in Venice, Italy, the city authorities will impose a daily charge of five euros on certain dates from April to July 2024. The move aims to minimize the negative impacts of day trippers to the historic city core. For anyone staying overnight, a tourist tax is already levied as part of the cost of their stay.   

In other cities, such as Dubrovnik, Croatia, the focus of tourists tends to center on one popular attraction — in this case, the ancient walls that enclose its old city. In a bid to reduce the number of tourists, visitors will now pay a staggering 35 euros to walk them, a five-fold increase since 2007. Meanwhile, since September 2023, there has been a strictly enforced cap on visitor numbers to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece — advance purchase tickets for a specific time are now required. Expect more of the same across Europe as tourism numbers continue to grow. 

How far would you travel for a good night’s rest? For sleep tourists, the answer is a no-brainer: They’ll go anywhere to catch some z’s — and that’s part of the appeal. “Sleep tourism” is a relatively new facet of the travel industry, but its market value is already estimated at over $640 billion. Hotels in every price range are offering sleep-oriented amenities and services — from handmade Swedish beds to infrared spa treatments, sleep-inducing meals, and even sessions with sleep scientists. Curious about “sleep tourism” and how to partake in this growing trend? Find out more below.

The Rise of Sleep Tourism

More travelers are opting for restorative travel, and it could be because many of us are simply exhausted. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults in the U.S. do not get enough sleep (which constitutes at least seven hours per night). There has also been a noticeable shift in the health and wellness movement since the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, travelers are looking to slow down. 

As a result, more travelers are interested in the growing trend of “slow travel.” This means focusing on immersive and meaningful experiences rather than running down a busy checklist of tourist attractions. Slow travel goes hand in hand with sleep tourism, which work together to put your mental and physical well-being at the forefront of the trip. 

The State of Sleep Tourism Today

Despite its slow-travel themes, this travel trend is ramping up quickly — the sleep tourism market is expected to increase by over $400 billion by 2028. Furthering the movement, a recent global survey conducted by Hilton found that participants’ number one reason for travel in 2024 is to “rest and recharge.” Sleep tourism can be as luxurious or simple as you make it — just as getting good sleep varies by individual, so does sleep tourism. For some, it might mean more lavish experiences, from A.I.-powered beds to spa treatments under the stars, while others only need a comfortable room away from the hustle and bustle of their normal, everyday lives.

How and Where to Become a Sleep Tourist

There is more to sleep tourism than eye masks and blackout curtains. Customized pillows, eating plans, sleep schedules, fitness programs, and even sessions with sleep experts are among this industry’s long list of amenities. 

For example, some Hilton hotels offer “power down” rooms with plush Serta mattresses and sound-absorbing walls. The hospitality chain also recently launched its first installment of Sleep Retreats at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, Hawaii — where guests can partake in an immersive experience under the guidance of sleep science expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins. Billed as an “all-encompassing journey,” the program features activities, meditations, and meals to promote sleep. Guests also have access to the resort’s open-air Kilolani Spa, which offers services to mitigate jet lag, optimize circadian rhythms, and release hormones to promote healthy sleep.

Hilton isn’t the only big name in hospitality taking notice of this trend. Six Senses — which has luxury wellness resorts in the Mediterranean, Maldives, Swiss Alps, and beyond — offers sleep programs developed by “Sleep Doctor” Michael J. Breus. Not only does the brand emphasize comfortable rooms and bedding, but staff can also assist you in setting up a sleep tracker to monitor your sleep stages. Sound therapy machines, sleep-inducing drinks and snacks, and aromatherapy items are also readily available.

And then there’s the Lotte New York Palace, which puts New York’s “City That Never Sleeps” reputation to the test. The hotel partnered with Swedish luxury mattress brand Hästens to create the Hästens Ultimate Sleep Suite. The suite is outfitted with three handmade beds — the king-sized bed in the primary room retails for over $300,000 — deep soaking tubs, private check-in, and custom pajamas. 

On the other hand, those who prefer to snooze in the sun should head to the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. This hotel has a Touchless Wellness Sleep Circuit, which uses vibroacoustic, electromagnetic, and infrared technology to reset your circadian rhythm as you relax in an ergonomic lounger. Also included in the circuit is a salt float bath with 800 pounds of Epsom salt (touted for its pain- and anxiety-relieving qualities) and a futuristic meditation pod. Head back to your suite after the circuit to sleep in an A.I.-assisted Bryte Balance Smart Bed, which makes targeted adjustments to ease pressure points throughout your body.

Sleep tourism has undoubtedly gone global. The five-star Pan Pacific Melbourne offers a Happy Sleeper program with a pillow menu, “slumber supper,” turndown service, and a collection of in-room bedtime stories. Singapore’s Shangri-La also offers a pillow menu as part of their Better Sleep package, which also includes a tension-relieving back and neck massage for two, a wellness dinner, pillow spray, and bath soak. And if you’d rather relax in a natural environment, look no further than the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Here, guests can take a “sacred nap” in a pure silk hammock suspended in an open-air terrace overlooking the Sayan Valley or enjoy a night spa ritual beside the Ayung River underneath the stars.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Planning the perfect road trip can be an overwhelming task — after all, there are so many potential routes that you can take. But what if you just let the weather dictate where you traveled to? According to Brian Brettschneider, a climate scientist in Anchorage, Alaska, it’s possible to plan a road trip where the average temperature hovers around a balmy 70 degrees Fahrenheit the entire time. So forget about stuffing your suitcase with both bulky winter jackets and flip-flops to prepare for every kind of weather — all you’ll need is a light, comfortable outfit if you follow this guide. Discover the U.S. road trips that you can take to almost guarantee perfect weather the entire route. (Just be sure to follow these road trip safety tips along the way.)

The Coastal Route

In 2015, Brettschneider calculated a series of perfect road trip routes based on daily normal high temperatures across the country. In 2023, he released updated routes based on new climate data provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Brettschneider plotted out three, year-long road trip routes. Though they begin in January and go all the way through December, there’s no requirement to commit to the entire year — you can hop along the route for as long as you like, depending on where you are in the country and what time of year it is. 

First up is the Coastal Route, which takes travelers all the way from Florida, up along the Eastern Seaboard, and then counterclockwise over to the Pacific Northwest, before finally heading south toward San Diego. This entire route covers a total driving distance of 7,468 miles. 

The journey begins in January with a brief 151-mile-long excursion from Tampa, Florida, to nearby Orlando. In February, you’ll drive just 81 miles to Jacksonville, staying in Florida the entire time. March is where the road trip picks up, as you’ll drive 341 miles north through Georgia and South Carolina before crossing over the border into North Carolina.

As springtime blossoms, the route continues for 447 miles up to Philadelphia in April, followed by a 300-mile trek up to Boston, Massachusetts, in May. June is when things accelerate fast: Start by heading to Buffalo, New York, drop down along the Great Lakes to Cleveland, Ohio, then make your way to Detroit, Michigan. Once in Michigan, head up toward the Upper Peninsula and then cut across several states over to north-central Montana, for a total of 2,388 miles.

Amid the sweltering heat of July, you’ll continue toward the cooler Pacific Northwest for 965 miles, taking you through the remainder of Montana, through Idaho, and then to Seattle, Washington. In August, you’ll head down the Pacific coast toward Newport, Oregon, spanning a distance of 289 miles. September’s total road trip distance is 962 miles — during which you’ll cut back across Oregon, through southern Idaho, and down to southern Utah.

In October, drive 546 miles down through Utah, briefly cut into Arizona, then head over to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In November, begin your 467-mile trek by cutting back westward on Interstate 40 toward Flagstaff, Arizona, before heading to Phoenix to end the month. Finally, spend December driving 531 miles from Phoenix over to Los Angeles, before driving down the coast to end your journey in San Diego.

The Interior Route

The Interior Route may not offer the same scenic ocean views as the Coastal Route, but the weather should be just as pleasant along the 7,064-mile trek. Your road trip will begin in Bronxville, Texas, as you spend January driving 140 miles over to Corpus Christi. In February, head 197 miles northeast toward Houston. In March, continue toward Dallas and then catch Interstate 35 up to Oklahoma City, where you’ll finish 408 miles of driving.

As the weather begins to warm in the spring, spend April driving 343 miles across Kansas before ending up in Kansas City. Then, in May, you’ll drive 765 miles through Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, before ending the month in Minneapolis. As June comes around, you’ll drive north from Minneapolis to Duluth before cutting east toward central Montana — 923 of these miles will be identical to the Coastal Route.

As you’ve reached July, you’ll beat the heat during your 1,255-mile trip during the month. Begin by heading toward Butte, Montana, then pass through the stunning Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Continue on toward northwestern Colorado, before heading back up to south-central Wyoming where the temperatures aren’t so hot. You’ll end the summer by driving 384 miles in August through Wyoming and back into southern Montana. 

In September, make your way out of Montana toward the southwestern corner of North Dakota before dipping down to northwestern Nebraska, covering a total driving distance of 533 miles. In October, your journey begins with a 1,047-mile drive toward northern Texas, where temperatures have finally begun to wane, before cutting over to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Then, you’ll travel an additional 399 miles in November over to Phoenix, Arizona. Come December, you’ll end your trip with a 531-mile journey down to San Diego, just like the Coastal Route.

The Combined Route

If you’d like to do a little bit of both of the aforementioned routes, then consider embarking upon the Combined Route, an 8,466-mile-long route across the country. January and February will be identical to the Interior Route, taking you through various parts of Texas. Come March, you’ll head toward Little Rock, Arkansas, instead of toward Oklahoma City. In April, drive 1,128 miles through Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, before finishing the month in Washington, D.C. From this point on, your journey will follow the same path as the Coastal Route.

The Route That Includes Canada and Alaska

Feeling really ambitious? Then this 13,909-mile-long journey through Canada, Alaska, and back is the route for you. 

Interestingly, this road trip begins where the others end: San Diego. Start off January by heading 357 miles along Interstate 8 from San Diego to Phoenix, Arizona, where you’ll finish off the month. In February, follow I-10 for 384 miles down to El Paso, Texas. Come March, you’ll cover 991 miles toward Wichita Falls, Texas, before ending up in western Oklahoma. 

In April, drive 1,328 miles through Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, before ending the month in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Then, in May, drive 1,440 miles toward central Pennsylvania, then back west through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and finally Minnesota.

June is where this route becomes particularly ambitious — you’ll drive 3,424 across the Canadian border and into Alaska. Begin by crossing the border at International Falls, Minnesota, then head up toward Longbow Lake, Ontario. Once in Canada, cut over through Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Edmonton, Alberta, before heading north toward the town of Dawson in the Yukon. To end June, cross over into Alaska before finishing the month in Fairbanks.

In July, you’ll begin a 1,735-mile trek by heading toward Anchorage before cutting back into Canada and ending the month in Prince George, British Columbia. You’ll finally return to the lower 48 in August, driving 643 miles over to Calgary, Alberta, before crossing the border back into Glacier National Park in Montana. 

The final leg of your road trip will begin in September, as you drive 1,056 miles through Montana, Idaho, and Utah, before crossing just over the Utah-Colorado border. Then, in October, drive 1,632 miles through Colorado, into northern New Mexico, then back north through Kansas, before winding up back in Little Rock Arkansas. 

Come November, you’ll drive 732 miles through Jackson, Mississippi, and Birmingham, Alabama, before ending up in Lake City, Florida. For the final leg of your epic road trip in December, you’ll finish the journey off with a 187-mile-long drive down to the sunny town of Daytona, Florida.

Looking for summer travel inspiration? We followed the trends to see where U.S. travelers are flocking to this summer. Based on data compiled from internet search activity, Google Flights has just released its list of the most popular vacation spots for 2024. The list takes into account the most frequently searched for destinations among U.S. residents for travel between June 1 and August 31. So, if you’re thinking about visiting one of these trending summer vacation hot spots, make sure to book your ticket ASAP — and discover the best things to do when you get there below.

5. New York, New York

The Big Apple is a popular vacation spot any time of year, and this summer is no exception, as it ranks fifth on the list of most popular vacation spots this summer. No matter if it’s your first or tenth visit, there are plenty of iconic landmarks worth checking out during your time in NYC, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Broadway. But the city is always evolving, and you’ll find surprises around every corner — including a few secret spots most tourists don’t know about. 

Plus, New York’s summer event calendar is stacked. The Governor’s Ball music festival, which returns to Queens from June 7 to 9, showcases over 60 artists from a variety of popular genres, with headliners including Post Malone and the Killers. In July, New York City’s Independence Day celebrations include the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show along the East River. Show up early to get yourself a spot and witness one of the more spectacular fireworks performances anywhere in the world. In August, book a reservation at one of the city’s top eateries during Restaurant Week, which offers decadent prix fixe menus at affordable prices.

4. Rome, Italy

The “Eternal City” is magical any time of year, particularly if you know where to get off the beaten path. But for a particularly memorable dose of culture and history, consider visiting Rome in early June to participate in the Festa della Repubblica. This annual June 2 celebration commemorates when Italians voted upon a new government in the wake of World War II, establishing the Italian Republic. The event features an impressive military parade through the city streets, plus a flyover from the Frecce Tricolori — an acrobatic team of nine military aircraft which will leave a stream of red, white, and green smoke (for the colors of the Italian flag) across the skies above.

June is packed with other major events in Rome, such as the 30th anniversary of Roma Pride on June 15. There’s also the Caracalla Festival, which runs from June 3 to August 10, and features a variety of concerts and performances staged in front of 2,000-year-old ancient Roman walls. From July 26 to 28, check out the Rally di Roma Capitale — a stock car race that winds through the city streets past monuments such as the Coliseum. 

Then, on August 5, it’s the Madonna of the Snow event at Basilica di Santa Maria delle Never. This unique event pays tribute to a local legend of snowfall covering the city back in the summer of 358 CE. Since 1983, organizers have manufactured snowfall that’s released into the air at midnight, covering the area around the basilica in a majestic sheet of pristine white snow.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is normally one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but as of 2024, the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar continues to be historically weak, making this summer a great time for U.S. travelers to visit. And if you’re a foodie, that also means great deals at the city’s 200 Michelin-starred restaurants — the most of any city in the world. 

If it’s your first time in Tokyo, make sure to stop by the observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views from nearly 1,500 feet high or explore the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods, such as Harajuku, and serene parks filled with historic temples. . 

But those are things you can do year-round, so what about summer-specific events? Consider a day trip to Fussa, a suburb west of Tokyo, to witness the Fussa Firefly Festival. This stunning light show occurs in mid-June, as organizers release 500 fireflies into the air to light up their skies with their natural beauty. Summertime also features two important religious festivals in the Shinto tradition — the Sanno Festival from June 7 to 17 and the Fukagawa Festival in mid-August, where people parade through Tokyo’s streets wearing traditional dress accompanied by music, floats, and performances.

2. Paris, France

It’s no wonder that Paris makes this list, given that the city is hosting perhaps the biggest event of the summer, the 2024 Olympics. The Parisian games mark the first time in exactly a century that Paris will play host to the Olympics, which are set to begin on July 26 and run through August 11. Many of the planned arenas are being built in the shadow of some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including a volleyball court located at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The legendary clay courts of Roland-Garros will not only play host to Olympic tennis, but also the French Open tournament, which is set to culminate on June 9.

Paris is expected to be packed with visitors during the Olympics, so perhaps you’d rather plan your trip during a less crowded time in the summer. Luckily, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path landmarks to check out — from the striking abstract Louis Vuitton Foundation museum to the city’s quirky “Street Art Alley.” Paris’ iconic museums are also touting new exhibitions this summer. The Louvre takes a look at the works of Renaissance master Jan van Eyck (until June 17), and there’s a planned exhibit featuring antiquities from the ancient Olympics that runs for the duration of the summer.

1. London, England

Like Paris, sporting events take center stage in London, England, this summer. The season starts off in a major way across the pond with the UEFA Champions League final — one of the most prestigious events in professional football — at Wembley Stadium on June 1. A few days later, Major League Baseball makes its way to England for the 2024 London Series, marking the third year in a row that MLB games will be played at London Stadium. This year, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will compete on June 8 and 9 for international glory. There’s also the Wimbledon Tennis championship, which is set to take place on those iconic grass courts from July 1 to July 14.

But if sports aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of other fascinating events and landmarks to explore — from iconic ones like Big Ben and the London Eye to many lesser-known gems. On June 8 and 9, the London Open Gardens festival celebrates its 25th year, opening up over 100 private green spaces throughout the city that are usually closed to the public. On July 15, Buckingham Palace will officially open for the summer, allowing guests to walk its hallowed halls and tour the palatial structure. Then, from August 25 to 26, the Notting Hill Carnival celebrates London’s rich Caribbean culture. The popular event often sees 50,000 performers take to the streets for dancing, steel drum music, and more memorable revelry.

Top Destination for Couples and Families – Turks and Caicos

Google also analyzed search data to determine the top vacation spots for couples, families, and solo travelers. The site determined that one destination was especially popular among couples and families alike: the Caribbean archipelago of Turks and Caicos. This tropical British territory is known for its crystalline waters and sandy beaches, making it ideal for everything from romantic excursions to family vacations. 

One of the most popular local activities involves taking a snorkeling cruise out to some of the colorful reefs located along the shore. If you’re lucky, you may also encounter a famous local resident named JoJo, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who loves to interact with humans. To learn more about the territory’s history, visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which is home to artifacts from the oldest European shipwreck anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, dating to the 1500s.

Top Destination for Solo Travelers – Bali, Indonesia

Backpackers have long traveled to this Indonesian island, and summer 2024 looks to continue that trend. If you visit, be sure to take a trip to the waterside village of Canggu, known for its epic surf culture off the coast of Echo Beach. Then venture over to nearby Ubud, where you can get up close and personal with 1,200 long-tailed macaques at the famed Monkey Forest, which acts as a sanctuary for these incredible creatures. 

It’s also worth visiting Munduk for its series of stunning waterfalls that you can bathe under. Munduk is home to a Hindu water temple located in the middle of Tamblingan Lake, where water levels rise and fall depending on rainfall. This temple is known as Ulun Danu Bratan, and is one of the most sacred and picturesque structures on the island.

Flight attendants aren’t just there to serve food and beverages — their comprehensive safety training and many hours of experience help to ensure that we all reach our destination safely. For the vast majority of flights, the journey passes without incident, but still, you may have noticed a few of the procedures and precautions that form part of their working routine — like when flight attendants sometimes sit on their hands during takeoff. Below, discover the reason why that happens and some of the other steps flight attendants take to keep passengers safe.

Why Do Flight Attendants Sit on Their Hands During Takeoff?

Flight attendants take their seats only after they’ve completed their final checks on passengers and secured the cabin. They pull down a jump seat and buckle up — and then they often sit on their hands. It is part of the brace position, which also includes ensuring feet are placed flat on the floor and the head is positioned so that it remains as steady as possible. These actions are designed to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, a flight attendant’s body would remain relatively rigid. (While this type of brace position is used at many airlines, other airlines have different procedures, such as placing hands on knees or crossing and folding the arms over the chest.)

This also means, should turbulence occur, there’s much less likelihood of the kind of injury that could be caused if their arm was suddenly flung into a bulkhead or seat. It’s good practice, as flight attendants need to be fully mobile to look after their passengers most effectively during an emergency. 

The Cabin Crew Must Know Specific Details About Each Aircraft Type

There are myriad types of aircraft passengers fly on, and they are all configured differently inside. So, it’s vital that flight attendants know each different cabin inside and out. (For the same reason, passengers should also read the safety card even if they fly frequently.) 

As well as undergoing extensive training, members of the cabin crew meet onboard as a team well before passengers join them for a briefing. This covers any points of note about the aircraft itself, such as the location of emergency exits (and how they open) as well as the seating configuration. The lead flight attendant or cabin manager will also pass on other relevant information, such as the expected weather during the flight which could potentially influence the amount of turbulence. 

Pre-Flight Checks of Emergency Equipment Are Also Carried Out

While the pilots are going through their pre-flight checks in the cockpit, each member of the cabin crew is tasked with their own checklist. This happens before every flight and includes completing an inventory of the emergency equipment on board to make sure it is stowed correctly, hasn’t been tampered with, and is in full working order. Some of this gear forms part of the aircraft itself — such as emergency exit signs and smoke detectors — while other equipment is portable.

Flight attendants will also test the public address system to make sure that it is operational and take a look through the plane to confirm items such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, defibrillators, and oxygen cylinders are located where they should be. It’s an important safety step, because if such equipment was needed during the flight, wasting even a small amount of time could have serious consequences. 

More Checks as Flight Attendants Welcome Passengers on Board

Even as members of the cabin crew welcome passengers on board, they perform other silent checks designed to keep us safe. Each flight attendant has been trained to look out for tiny details that might seem a little off. For example, are any passengers behaving in an unusual manner, or carrying hand luggage that looks suspicious? In addition, they will be looking at body language. Is someone noticeably scared to be on board? A nervous flier might need a little extra reassurance during takeoff, landing, or times when the flight might get a little bumpy. 

Even more importantly, flight attendants will scrutinize passengers’ behaviors to figure out if anyone trying to board has overdone it at the airport bar, as this could make them aggressive or unpredictable during the flight. Because of the implications for safety of all those on board, any passenger disturbances associated with alcohol during a flight are considered serious and must be reported to the FAA, but allowing an intoxicated person on the plane in the first place is also an offense. For flight attendants, it’s all part of the job to ensure each flight safely reaches its final destination. 

Before stepping on a plane, have you ever stopped to ponder why we always board from the left side? Perhaps if you’re a frequent flier, it’s become so instinctive that you rarely give it a second thought. But if we’ve piqued your curiosity, fasten your seatbelt and settle back in your chair while we take a look at the fascinating history behind airplane boarding.

Safety First

The primary driver behind the procedures and processes that underpin commercial flying is passenger safety. The aprons of airports are busy places, full of workers donning high-visibility uniforms, official lanyards, and headsets. To avoid unexpected collisions and potential injuries, this part of the airport remains mostly off-limits to those passing through, except at smaller airports where passengers board the plane from air stairs on the tarmac. At most larger airports, though, the use of jetways (also called air bridges) prevents the need for passengers to walk across the tarmac.

An Exercise in Logistics

Plenty has to happen to prepare a commercial plane for departure. A crew of cleaners has to ensure the cabin is tidy and sanitized, baggage handlers are tasked with taking care of suitcases, and the aircraft needs to be refueled for its onward journey. Scissor-lift trucks ensure meals provided by catering companies can be loaded through the service doors. To enable such operations to take place as quickly and smoothly as possible, it makes sense for everything to be kept separate from the passenger-facing side of the plane. So while cabin crew normally greet you on the left side of the aircraft, the logistical side of things is almost always taken care of from the right. 

Different Aircraft Configurations

On a number of commercial aircraft, such as on Boeing 737s or the Embraer E-jet family, the doors on opposite sides of the plane are actually different sizes. For instance, on an Embraer E-175 jet, the front passenger door measures 5 feet, 11.6 inches tall, while the service door on the opposite side is considerably shorter, at 4 feet, 5.1 inches. Their widths also differ: Passengers pass through an opening that’s 2 feet, 5.5 inches wide, while the other door measures 3 feet, 1 inch across. Each has been designed for a different purpose, and they aren’t interchangeable except in an emergency.

Taking a Cue From Sailing Traditions

Planes arrived long after boats were sailing people around the world. It’s no surprise then to find that they borrowed some of the seafaring terminology — words such as cockpit, bulkhead, rudder, and so on. Like airplanes, ships also have a port side and a starboard side. The port side was usually beside the dock from which passengers boarded because the starboard side traditionally held the steering oars used to control boats. Naturally, planes followed that convention. 

The Historical Precedent for Boarding on the Left

In the early days of commercial aviation, aircraft would typically taxi alongside the terminal, parking parallel to the building. The captain, who was seated in the left side of the cockpit, would have found it easier to judge the gap if it was on his side of the aircraft. This would ensure that there would always be sufficient wing clearance and that the doors would line up. As the number of flights handled by each airport grew, it became more efficient to reposition the jetways so that the planes parked perpendicular to the terminal instead. With space often at a premium, it was also logical to streamline operations so that each plane parked the same way.

Some Small Planes Are the Exception

Even in the 21st century, a standardized procedure for boarding on the left still hasn’t been fully achieved. On short hops between small, sometimes remote airfields, you might board on the right-hand side of the small aircraft that service these routes, as alternative forms of transport aren’t available or demand isn’t enough to make flying a larger plane financially viable. If you find yourself on one of these planes, be sure to take note, as it’s an exceedingly rare occurrence.