Thanks to advances in aircraft technology, it’s now possible to board a plane and fly nearly 19 hours from one end of the globe to the other. But for all the adventure that jetting off to faraway destinations provides, many travelers dread the thought of being stuck in a metal tube for hours on end. If you count yourself among them, you might be interested to know that it’s possible to hop on a plane and arrive at a new destination in less than 10 minutes. Check out five of the world’s shortest commercial flights. 

5. Karpathos to Kasos, Greece

Karpathos and Kasos are both part of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea between the larger islands of Rhodes and Crete. With craggy mountains towering over turquoise waters and postcard-perfect villages that are free of the hordes of tourists you’ll find on other Greek isles, these islands are a dream for travelers looking for an off-the-radar getaway. 

To journey between Karpathos and Kasos, you can take an hour-and-a-half ferry ride across the Aegean Sea. But that would take far more effort than boarding Olympic Air’s regularly scheduled flight between the two islands. Covering a distance of just 13 miles, the flight on an ATR 72 turboprop aircraft is blocked at just 20 minutes from pushback to gate arrival; however, the time in the air typically takes only around 10 minutes. It operates up to six times a week during peak summer season.

4. St. Maarten to Anguilla 

Aviation lovers will probably already be familiar with the island of St. Maarten, a dual French-Dutch territory in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles. That’s because of Maho Beach, a stretch of sand that sits right at the end of the runway of the island’s main airport, Princess Juliana International Airport. Beachgoers here will find themselves within a stone’s throw of massive jets coming in to land at the airport, a thrilling juxtaposition of modern technology and the Caribbean’s famously beautiful beaches.

St. Maarten serves as a regional hub for other nearby islands, many of which are located only a dozen or so miles away. Among the closest are Saba, St. Barth’s, and Anguilla — the latter of which can be reached on a turboprop plane in around seven to 10 minutes. After making the 12-mile hop, visitors can explore one of the Caribbean’s most underrated gems, with miles of sugar-sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to truly unplug. 

3. Connemara to Inisheer, Ireland

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands off the coast of Galway in western Ireland. With only a handful of residents, rugged windswept landscapes, and fascinating ruins dating back to the Iron Age, these islands make for a popular day trip from Galway. Many tourists choose to board the ferry, which takes between 45 and 90 minutes each way depending on the island they choose to visit — but travelers in a hurry can opt for one of the world’s shortest commercial flights, from Connemara Regional Airport on the mainland to Inisheer island. 

The flights on Aer Arann are scheduled year-round (dependent on weather) and take around six to 10 minutes, covering a distance of just 11 miles. It operates on a plane that seats just eight passengers, so small that each passenger has to be weighed before the flight to ensure that the weight is distributed equally. 

2. Minami-Daito to Kita-Daito, Japan

Japan’s shortest commercial flight carries passengers between the island villages of Minami-Daito and Kita-Daito, which are located only 7.5 miles apart. The islands are part of Japan’s subtropical Okinawa Prefecture, located nearly 400 miles south of the rest of the country, closer to Taiwan. One of the main tourist attractions here are the hundreds of caves that dot the islands, the largest of which is Hoshino Cave.

Ryukyu Air Commuter (part of the Japan Airlines group) has a scheduled flight between the two islands that takes only about three minutes. Sadly, the route is scheduled to be discontinued in summer 2024, and there’s no word yet if it will return. In the meantime, you can find other quick hops in Japan from Kikaijima to Amamioshima (16 miles) and Okinoerabu to Tokunoshima (30 miles).

1. Westray to Papa Westray, Scotland

Topping the list of the world’s shortest commercial flights is a 1.7-mile hop between two of the Orkney Islands — a group of 70 islands and islets scattered off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. Humans have lived on the islands since prehistoric times, but today only about 20 of the islands are inhabited. Mainland is the most populous, home to about 17,000 people. 

Just how short is this flight? The Loganair service between Westray and Papa Westray typically takes less than two minutes from takeoff to touchdown — or as little as 53 seconds when winds are favorable. Passengers squeeze into a plane that has room for just eight passengers, with the pilot sitting in an open cockpit just inches away. The flight operates two to three times today, providing a crucial connection to the 80 people who call the remote island of Papa Westray home.

The cost of airfare is a major concern for many travelers when they’re planning a trip. From the hotel room to daily meals and tourist attractions, the price of even a well-planned vacation can add up fast, leading many people to spend hours combing airline and travel comparison sites to save significant dollars on the journey there and back. Fares rise and drop daily, which doesn’t make the process of scouring any easier, but even more frustratingly, the price you see at first glance will often increase significantly by the time you finish booking. These are six of the sneakiest airline fees you’ll come across — but they can be avoided altogether if you know what to look for. 

Baggage

Packing light is the golden rule for frequent travelers — particularly because airlines can be especially unforgiving when it comes to overweight or bulky baggage. Many tickets booked with low-cost carriers or even some basic economy class fares on legacy airlines do not include a carry-on bag, so double-check that your ticket includes a bag before you buy that option. Some fares that do include a carry-on might be a better deal in the end. 

If you decide to book via a budget airline, be sure to pay for your bag online, as the cost to add a bag at the airport is almost always higher. Also check the carry-on size and weight requirements. They vary drastically from airline to airline — from as little as 15 pounds to as much as 50 pounds — and if you accidentally go a few ounces over, you may be asked to pay as much as $100 at the check-in desk. 

If you’re concerned about your carry-on size, consider checking your bag instead. Oftentimes, checking a bag is actually cheaper than bringing a carry-on, as the weight and size requirements are more generous (though you’ll still want to carefully check those). Plus, if the cabins are tight and you’re in the last boarding group, gate agents or flight attendants may insist you put your carry-on under the plane anyway.

And don’t forget about personal items. Some airlines will allow backpacks to qualify, while others only consider small handbags, briefcases, and purses to be personal items. And if you don’t read your airline’s guidelines for packing, you also may be forced to pay at the gate for your large personal item. But on the bright side, if your airline allows a backpack as a personal item, you may not even need that carry-on at all.

Seat Selection

Many airlines will assign your seat automatically with the cheapest fares, so if you’re picky about sitting by the window, you’ll have to pay an additional fee to choose your seat beforehand. These seat selection fees can cost anywhere from $5 to well upwards of $50 per flight. 

So, how can you avoid paying just to avoid the middle seat? One easy way is to choose an airline with lower seat selection fees or none altogether. Southwest Airlines allows all passengers to choose their own seat when they board the plane, based on boarding numbers assigned by time of check-in. Other airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines have lower seat selection fees (averaging less than $10). And if you don’t mind your seat preference, another alternative is to simply skip seat selection altogether. If the flight is half empty, chances are good that you may be assigned the window seat after all. 

Boarding Passes

Gone are the days when every passenger received a complimentary paper ticket detailing their flight info. If you want something physical in your hands to help navigate the terminal, you may have to pay extra for that — depending on which airline you choose. Breeze Airways charges customers $3 to print a boarding pass, while Allegiant Air charges $5. Even worse, carriers such as Spirit and Frontier Airlines can charge travelers up to $25 for this piece of paper. Avoid this sneaky airline fee by simply printing your boarding pass when you check in at home or downloading airline apps to get a digital boarding pass with a QR code. 

Convenience Booking Fee

You may have seen a convenience fee tacked on if you’ve ever bought tickets to a concert through an online ticketing platform, but did you know that this same fee might appear if you purchase a flight? Some airlines — particularly budget carriers — charge travelers convenience fees for using a credit card upon checkout or for the simple “convenience” of purchasing a ticket online. If you’re really devoted to avoiding unnecessary fees, you can book your ticket at the airline counter or pay in cash. It might be worth it if your local airport is close by.

In-Flight Amenities

Even if you’ve already paid for a little extra legroom and that window seat, it’s easy to be tempted to pay for in-flight amenities — such as blankets, earphones, entertainment, Wi-Fi, and other add-ons. Many budget carriers don’t even offer complimentary snacks and beverages, so be sure to research your airline’s onboard services before you ask for that cup of water or bag of pretzels. When packing, try to bring lots of snacks, a reusable water bottle to fill up before you board, your own headphones, and lots of reading materials. The onboard Wi-Fi probably won’t be worth it if it’s a short flight.

Travel Insurance

Another option you’ll be prompted to add during checkout is travel insurance. It’ll be one of the last questions you have to answer when purchasing a flight, and many airlines set the default answer to yes, unless you decide otherwise. You’ll want to carefully consider your individual circumstances, but in many cases travel insurance booked through the airline likely isn’t worth it — especially if you book the flight using a travel rewards credit card. Cards such as the CapitalOne Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and others offer travel insurance as part of their benefits for cardholders, so in the event your flight is canceled or delayed or something else interferes with your travel plans, you will still be protected.

There are few travel experiences more liberating than hopping in the car and hitting the open road. But as adventurous as road trips may be, they come with their own risks that are different from what you may encounter while traveling by boat, train, or plane. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or simply heading a few hours away, it’s important to take extra caution on these journeys. Here are seven essential road trip safety tips that could end up saving your life.

Pack the Right Items in an Emergency Kit

According to a survey from Liberty Mutual, nearly half of Americans planning road trips don’t check their cars for emergency items before departing. But there’s always a chance you’ll run into a tricky situation — perhaps a flat tire or a dead battery — where you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road. In these cases, help may be hours away, which is why packing an emergency survival kit is an absolute necessity for any road trip. 

There’s no one correct way to pack these kits, but you’ll want to think about hydration, sustenance, first aid materials, and tools that can help get your car back on the road. This includes equipment such as tire gauges, air pumps, road flares, jumper cables, cell phone chargers, a flashlight, and windshield de-icing fluid — basically anything that might be useful in an emergency that you can conceivably toss in the trunk in a backpack or crate you already have at home. And if you’re planning on traveling in a particularly remote area of the country, then it may also be worth investing in a radio communication device that allows you to contact others if there’s no cell service. 

For sustenance, you should pack enough bottled water to last you and everyone else in the car in case you’re stranded for several hours or days. It’s also worth bringing non-perishable food like granola bars and other snacks packed with energizing protein. Keep in mind that temperatures can also dip overnight, so consider adding several wool blankets to stay warm. Last but not least, pack everyday first aid supplies such as band-aids, medications, and antiseptic lotion.

Have Your Vehicle Inspected Well Before You Depart

Road trippers also often forget to check how long it’s been since their vehicle had a tune-up. If it’s been months — or even years — since your vehicle was last inspected by a professional, then it’s crucial to make an appointment to get the car checked — before hitting the road. Even if your car handles your normal daily driving, it may not keep up with the demands of a weeks-long road trip. 

It’s important to have a technician check components such as the battery, brakes, and (especially) tires to ensure that they’ve still got plenty of traction. Don’t assume that the car is good to go until a trained mechanic signs off on the vehicle. You might also want to learn a few basic maintenance skills yourself (if you don’t know them already) — things like checking tire pressure and adding windshield wiper fluid. And consider signing up for a service like AAA if you’re not already a member, which can provide you with roadside aid in the event that things go awry.

Abide by the Nine-Hour Rule

One of the biggest perils that travelers encounter on road trips is trying to push their bodies too far. In some circumstances, drowsy driving can be similar to drunk driving — studies have shown that 24 hours without sleep equates to a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, which would be higher than the legal limit. A good rule of thumb is to cap your drives at a maximum of nine hours per day, taking 30 to 45-minute breaks on occasion in order to stretch your legs. Pushing yourself past nine hours puts you and all the other passengers in the vehicle at risk, so plan your hotel stays accordingly.

Add Saved Places to Your Itinerary Beforehand

Hitting the open road without a plan may seem idyllic to some, but it’s far from the most practical way to go about your road trip. Allow yourself enough time to research all of the nearby attractions you might want to see, adding them to your saved places in Google Maps or your GPS. Crucially, make sure your navigation device is easy to reach or, better yet, plugged into your car’s bluetooth system so you don’t get distracted on the road.

You can always add in a new stop along the way, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what you might want to see — and how long visiting each attraction will take — so you can reach your stopping point safely each night. Knowing where you’re going can also save you money, allowing you to book hotels in advance that are within your budget. If you don’t figure out where you’re staying beforehand, you may end up paying a premium for an overpriced roadside hotel that may be your only option in the area.

Fill Up on Gas While You Can

Breaking down on the side of the road with an empty gas tank is a peril that far too many drivers unexpectedly encounter, and it’s one that’s easily avoidable. If you’re a city dweller, you might take for granted having a 24-hour gas station every few miles. But in less populated stretches of the country like the Southwest or Great Plains, there are isolated stretches of road where you can travel for over 100 miles before hitting a gas station. Even when you get to that gas station, it may be closed down for the night. So, stock up on gas while you still can, even if your tank is nowhere near empty.

Check the Weather Report Every Morning

Extreme weather conditions can not only pose incredible danger to drivers, but they also may add hours of delays to any road trip. You’ll probably check the forecast when planning and packing for your road trip, but it’s easy to forget to do so when you wake up each morning on the road. 

Look at the forecast of the areas that you’ll be traveling through — if you notice heavy rains or blizzard conditions, you have a few available options. One is to plan a different route, which may actually end up saving you time. Another option is to stay where you are until the weather improves, even if that means switching around some hotel reservations. Whatever you do, don’t try to travel through hazardous conditions, especially in areas of the country that you’re unfamiliar with.

Be Mindful of Local Driving Laws

While driving laws are largely the same no matter where you are in the United States, certain states have regulations that you may not be familiar with. For example, while most of the country mandates hands-free cell phone use while driving, places like Alabama and Mississippi have no such law. Even if this doesn’t affect you, it’s worth keeping an eye on the road for other distracted drivers who may be preoccupied using their phones. Other states also have rules and regulations about changing lanes, turning right on red, and rules about driving with a crack in your windshield. Do a little online research about the laws in each state you’ll be visiting so that you’re not caught flat-footed when it’s too late.

Staying at a hotel can be a perfunctory part of traveling, serving as little more than a place to rest your head at night after a day of adventuring. But on the flip side, splurging on a luxurious suite can also be the true highlight of a trip. At the most expensive hotels in the U.S., the stunning architecture, extensive amenities, and breathtaking natural surroundings all make for unforgettable experiences that might just inspire you to splurge on your next getaway. Check out the 10 most expensive hotels in the U.S. and decide if they’re worth the price tag.

10. Amangani, Wyoming – $1,250+ per Night

Perched atop East Gros Ventre Butte in Jackson, Wyoming, this renowned resort is part of the Aman line of luxury hotels. The serenity and seclusion of Amangani is felt in its elegant sandstone and redwood interiors, as well as its vast panoramic vistas of the Grand Tetons and the Snake River Range. Most of the 40 exclusive suites — which start at around $1,250 per night — have balconies or terraces for taking in the scenery, plus there’s a year-round hot tub in the infinity pool. 

One of the most popular activities here is skiing — in fact, Amangani has its own ski lodge in the heart of Teton Village, just a short drive away. Guests can also enjoy spectacular wildlife spotting, as herds of bison and elk, as well as wolves and bears, call the surrounding forests and mountains home.

9. Post Ranch Inn, California – $1,825+

Big Sur’s famous rugged cliffs provide one of the most spectacular backdrops in the U.S., and a night at the Post Ranch Inn is your front-row seat to this wonder of the California coast. The resort features 40 unique guest rooms and suites, starting at around $1,825 per night, that are perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and feature innovative architecture that seamlessly blends into the beautiful surroundings. 

The inn also boasts eco-friendly design and sustainable practices. Furniture is handmade, rugs are woven by local artisans, and reclaimed wood — some of it sourced from old-growth redwood from wine casks — takes center stage as wood wall panels. The earthy textures aren’t just a beacon of luxury — along with the resort’s serene spa, complimentary morning yoga, and forest meditations, they’re a balm to an overbooked and overstimulated life.

8. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, Florida – $1,900+

Four Seasons is one of the more recognizable hotel brands on this list, and their Orlando resort stands as one of America’s premier luxury hotels — with a price tag to prove it. Located within the larger Walt Disney World resort, this lakeside Spanish Revival retreat is a haven for devoted Disney enthusiasts, who may just encounter beloved Disney characters during their stay. 

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the main park, guests can enjoy the iconic fireworks displays from the hotel’s Michelin-starred 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse. The resort also features a five-acre water park called Explorer Island with expansive pools and a 242-foot water slide that will entertain the young ones for hours. (Grown-ups, meanwhile, can seek some serenity at the Oasis adults-only pool.) When you’re ready for more Disney magic, the resort provides complimentary transportation to and from Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

7. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana – $2,100+

With over 6,000 acres to its name, the Ranch at Rock Creek is more than just a hotel stay — it’s an immersive natural experience in the wild beauty of Philipsburg, Montana. Hiking, horseback riding, sapphire mining, skiing, fishing, and archery are just a few of the many activities available here year-round. After a day enjoying the great outdoors, the luxurious accommodations will be a welcome sight. History enthusiasts will especially appreciate the rooms housed in a converted 19th-century barn, further evidence of the resort’s motto of “more heritage than hotel.” 

Stays at the Ranch at Rock Creek start at a whopping $2,100 a night, but the experience is truly all-inclusive. Every farm-to-table meal, all beverages, all activities and entertainment, housekeeping, and airport transportation are covered in the nightly rate. Spa services cost extra, but the nature-inspired treatments might be worth the additional splurge.

6. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana – $2,400+

The Resort at Paws Up is surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of Greenough, Montana, on a 37,000-acre ranch that’s home to hundreds of elk and Black Angus cows. The grounds exemplify refined ruggedness — guests can choose from full-sized, upscale homes or safari-style glamping tents (or a combo of the two). Tents are equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning and spacious ensuite bathrooms, and dining ranges from chef-prepared campside delights to gourmet meals at the resort’s restaurant. 

The resort’s location alongside the Blackfoot River allows guests to wake up to the soothing sounds of rushing water each morning. Despite its feeling of seclusion, the Resort at Paws Up is located just 35 miles from the Missoula International Airport. Many direct daily flights are available, and round-trip transportation between the airport and the resort is included in the room rate, which starts at about $2,400 per night.

5. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming – $2,400+

Sensing a theme? The untamed beauty of the western U.S. is also at the heart of this all-inclusive resort spanning 30,000 acres in Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley. But Brush Creek Ranch doesn’t just offer secluded and luxurious accommodations —  it’s also a working cattle ranch that also offers a host of family-friendly activities, from hiking to rock climbing, fly fishing, and horseback riding. 

The centerpiece of the three distinct resorts on the ranch grounds is the Lodge and Spa, with accommodations that blend Old West design elements with modern luxuries — paying homage to the original 1884 homestead while keeping things ultra-cozy. The 25 private luxury log cabins and 19 lodge rooms come with a variety of elevated amenities such as cozy wood stoves, wraparound decks, and floor-to-ceiling windows that will ensure you’re feeling as spoiled as the $2,400 all-inclusive starting rate suggests.

4. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida – $2,590+

Nothing says luxury like a private island resort. This adults-only paradise is located in the lower Florida Keys — specifically, Little Torch Key — and is only accessible by boat or seaplane, adding an element of exclusivity off the top. 

The charming thatched-roof bungalow suites come with a $2,500-plus price tag, but what they don’t come equipped with are phones, TVs, or alarm clocks. However, the suites are all oceanfront, encouraging guests to truly unplug and tap into the area’s natural serenity and sparkling sea views. Be sure to dip your toes in the pool or into the sand of the private beach before indulging in a Madrugada massage — which takes place on a table set up with a view of the turquoise waters.

3. Twin Farms, Vermont – $2,600+

Twin Farms Resort is a hidden gem nestled into the picturesque New England countryside of Barnard, Vermont, located about 80 miles from Burlington. Originally a 1795 farmhouse once owned by Nobel-prize-winning writer Sinclair Lewis, the stunning property has evolved into an exclusive retreat spanning 300 acres of pristine wilderness. 

Each of its meticulously designed 28 cottages, suites, and luxury treehouses serves as a private sanctuary, adorned with bespoke furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and tasteful artistic touches. For the starting price tag of $2,600 per night (inclusive of most amenities), guests at this adults-only getaway get to indulge in farm-to-table meals, crafted from ingredients sourced right from Twin Farms’ gardens and nearby farms, as well as enjoy the natural surroundings with a hike or fly fishing in the private pond. Twin Farms’ on-site spa is its own serene sanctuary, complete with deep Japanese furo baths.

2. The Point, New York – $2,650+

Situated on the shores of a pristine mountain lake in New York’s Adirondacks, the Point was originally built in the 1930s as a Rockefeller family getaway. Now, the historic property welcomes guests to experience Gilded Age Great Camp glamor in its peaceful, woodsy surroundings, as well as the priceless art and antiques adorning this upscale log mansion. 

The entire 75-acre property is at guests’ disposal no matter the season — crunch through the leaves and cozy up by the fire in the fall, witness the blossoming trees and flowers in spring, go skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, or sail the lazy summer days away on a boat. The experience starts at around $2,650 a night, but with only 11 guest rooms — each boasting stunning lake views, hand-crafted furniture, and wood-burning fireplaces — an exclusive experience is all but guaranteed. Of note, the resort is only for guests 21 years of age and older, and disconnecting from electronic devices to bask in the natural surroundings is encouraged — Wi-Fi is limited to the main office.

1. Amangiri, Utah – $3,050+

Built across over 900 acres of otherworldly desert land in Canyon Point, Utah, Amangiri’s minimal and elegant architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The resort’s main swimming pool, for instance, encircles a 160-million-year-old rock escarpment. Each of the suites offers views of the region’s iconic mesas, red-rock canyons, and expansive desert vistas, while the resort’s world-class dining options showcase locally sourced ingredients and dishes inspired by Native American culinary traditions. 

As if the environment wasn’t serene enough, Amangiri also offers on-site spa services, drawing largely on holistic Navajo healing traditions that aim to restore hozho, a Navajo word meaning beauty, harmony, balance, and health. Rooms may be the priciest on this list at over $3,000 a night, but for those who can afford it, there’s little question that the star-studded Amangiri resort is worth the splurge. 

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.