Air travel often comes with an invisible stowaway: germs. From crowded aisles to shared surfaces, planes can be awfully efficient at spreading illness. No one wants a long-awaited vacation ruined by a cold or the flu, so we gathered a few practical, science-backed tips from doctors for staying healthy on airplanes. From preflight prevention to smart choices after boarding, these strategies can help you feel your best during — and after — your next trip.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Where you sit on a plane may influence how likely you are to contract an illness. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, chief physician for the U.S. Olympic team, recommended booking a window seat. Window seats are farthest from high-traffic areas such as aisles, restrooms, and main entry doors, so fewer passengers and crew interact with you as they pass by.

If possible, choose a window seat near the middle of the cabin. Research suggests that illness typically spreads on planes in a small perimeter: one row ahead, one row behind, and two seats on either side. By sitting even a few seats farther away from high-traffic areas such as the doors and lavatories, you may lower your risk of exposure.

Clean Your Space

After stowing your carry-on, your first order of business after taking a seat is to clean your surroundings. Studies show that high-touch areas such as the seatback, tray table, bathroom door handle, and bathroom sink tap handle are the dirtiest parts of a plane, harboring bacteria such as E. coli and staph. Be sure to use disinfecting wipes, as these are intended to kill both bacteria and viruses — “sanitizing” wipes only kill bacteria. 

Use wipes to clean the seat belt buckle and latch, armrests, screens, tray table, and any other areas you may touch during the flight. If you get up to use the restroom, Dr. Finnoff recommended taking a wipe with you to clean the door handle and any other surfaces you may touch. And don’t forget to use hand sanitizer before eating in-flight snacks or meals.  

Point Your Air Nozzle Strategically

Many passengers have likely never considered using their overhead air nozzle to ward off illness, but experts recommend it as one way to prevent the spread of illness. In the Wall Street Journal interview, Dr. Finnoff advised directing the air nozzle between you and the person next to you. This strong airflow may create a barrier to protect you from airborne germs, such as those spread through coughs and sneezes.

This tip also works if you prefer the airflow on you. On TikTok, board-certified physician Dr. Frank Contacessa recommended turning the air nozzle on full power and pointing it straight down at you. He explained that studies have shown this can keep bacteria and viruses away from your face. Since airplanes use HEPA-filtered air that reduces the spread of airborne illnesses, blowing this clean air at your face poses little risk.

Practice Healthy Sleep Habits

Travel disrupts your routine, especially when it comes to eating, sleeping, and exercising. All of these changes can weaken your immune system. This, combined with the germs that come with air travel, can make it easier for passengers to get sick shortly after their trips.

So, it’s important to take steps to boost your immune system before stepping on the plane. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get more sleep. In general, the CDC recommends seven or more hours of sleep for adults to maintain a healthy immune system. Do this before, during, and after air travel to avoid illness on your trip.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is another easy way to boost your health, which is why Dr. Ladan Pourmasiha, medical director of Baptist Health Urgent Care, lists hydration as one of her top air travel tips. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a daily water intake of 11.5 cups (92 ounces) per day for women and 15.5 cups (124 ounces) for men. This amount may vary based on age, weight, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altman agrees, mentioning water intake as her first tip for airplane wellness in an interview with Inside Edition. She always travels with water bottles and electrolyte packets. While filled water bottles (even factory-sealed) are not allowed through TSA checkpoints, empty, reusable water bottles are, and refill stations are typically available near restrooms post-security.

Use a Saline Spray

The air that circulates on planes has very low humidity, which dries out the nasal passages and can cause throat irritation, making you feel sick even without bacteria or viruses. While staying hydrated can help, Dr. Altman recommended using a nasal spray to support the body’s natural defenses.

Over-the-counter, unmedicated saline sprays keep the nostrils moisturized and may even help flush out airborne pathogens that cause illness. Many brands offer TSA-friendly options under 3.4 ounces. Always consult your doctor before using.

Wear a Mask

If you’re flying during peak travel seasons, such as spring break or around holidays, wearing a mask remains one of the most effective protective measures. Dr. Pourmasiha notes that masks can reduce exposure to airborne viruses that other passengers may be carrying. This includes respiratory illnesses such as the flu, RSV, the common cold, and COVID-19.

On TikTok, board-certified surgeon Dr. Alberico Sessa said that, if you’re going to wear a mask, make it a well-fitting N95, which has the proper filtration system to ward off illnesses. Regular masks, such as cotton or surgical, may be less effective. Consider keeping a few clean masks in your carry-on as a simple precaution.

In some parts of the world, if you’re on time, you’re late. In others, the opposite is true. The way we think of time can be broadly divided into two categories: monochronic (strict) and polychronic (flexible). Anyone who’s been to countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands knows they belong to the former camp, whereas other corners of the globe prefer the latter. Here are three regions where it’s culturally acceptable — or even preferable — to be late. 

Southern Europe

There’s a good deal of overlap between countries that eat dinner late at night and countries that take a more laid-back approach to time in general. If you spent a semester abroad or met with locals while vacationing in this region, you’ve already experienced this firsthand. Showing up late is neither uncommon nor impolite in a country like Spain, where the midafternoon is reserved for siestas and anyone running late could theoretically still be waking up from a nap. It’s similar in Italy, where you can show up for social events well after the listed start time and still be considered on time.

Greece takes this even further, with some joking that GMT stands not for Greenwich Mean Time but for Greek Maybe Time. Though punctuality is still expected in a professional setting, locals are much more relaxed when it comes to just about everything else.

The Middle East

In Egypt, being late isn’t just expected — it’s a sign of how Egyptian you truly are. If you show up an hour “late” to a party, you might still be the first person there. It’s simply how “Egyptian time” works, and it can be quite an adjustment for travelers. The same can be said of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Jordan, where listed appointment times are sometimes seen as suggestions rather than strict guidelines.

Parts of Africa

There’s a reason why “African time” has its own Wikipedia page. It’s even the title of a 2014 documentary exploring the effects, both positive and negative, of tardiness in African culture. “There are consequences whenever you are late,” one interviewee says in the film, acknowledging that she herself just arrived late. The movie also explores the divide between African immigrants and their children born in America, whose differing attitudes toward punctuality can create something of a generation gap.

Unlike in other parts of the world where tardiness is a mere cultural quirk, the concept of African time has been written about in academic papers and newspaper articles examining its implications. “One of the main reasons for the continuing underdevelopment of our country is our nonchalant attitude to time and the need for punctuality in all aspects of life,” begins one such editorial in the Ghanaian newspaper The Chronicle, which argues that the problem “afflicts all members of our society.”

In 2007, Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo even endorsed an event called “Punctuality Night,” whose slogan was “‘African time’ is killing Africa — let’s fight it.” A $60,000 villa was awarded to a legal adviser described as “unusually good at being punctual,” which sounds like good motivation for anyone to start arriving on time.

Featured image credit: © vadim.nefedov/stock.adobe.com

The placement of minibars in hotel rooms dates back to 1974, when the Hilton Hong Kong first installed fridges stocked with liquor in each of its rooms. The move proved so popular (and profitable) that it was soon rolled out across other properties in the chain. It wasn’t long before minibars became standard in high-end hotel rooms across the world. These days, however, you’ll often open the door of your minibar — if there is one at all — to find the shelves completely empty. So, what’s changed? Discover why hotel minibars have fallen out of favor over the years.

Changing Conveniences

To be a hit with guests, hotel minibars need to stock the items that they want — and therein lies the problem. We’ve become used to having precisely what we want, when we want it. Convenience stores close to the hotel can offer a much wider range and have longer opening hours than they once did. Simply put, minibars just can’t compete on choice. 

But what about convenience? The ease of using a minibar has also become less of a factor in the age of ubiquitous convenience stores, increasingly popular hotel lobby grab-and-go shops, and the presence of delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, which hotel chains have partnered with to provide convenient food delivery options to guests’ rooms. 

According to PKF Hospitality Research, more guests are also opting to socialize at the hotel bar instead. And in 2013, guests surveyed by TripAdvisor ranked the minibar as the least important amenity in a hotel. As you’d expect, it has become even less of a consideration in the years since.

Why Minibars Are So Expensive

You’re paying, in part, for convenience, but there are also costs associated with stocking and restocking items, potential theft, and replacing expired items. 

It all adds up. Stay at the Four Seasons in Istanbul, for instance, and a snack of pistachio nuts will set you back almost $20 USD, while washing it down with a Coke adds a further $14. Of course, those who can afford the hotel (rooms start at around $650 a night) won’t concern themselves with a few extra dollars in charges, but for the average traveler, the cost is a big reason to steer clear of the minibar. 

With many of today’s savvy travelers expecting value for money, it becomes even more costly to stock the minibar if guests aren’t buying the items inside. Restocking is a relatively labor-intensive task: Housekeeping teams need to keep track of what’s been used and report back so that invoices are up-to-date and accurate. 

Theft from hotel minibars is another issue. It can be hard to prove; often, it’s a case of comparing the guest’s word against current stock levels. If there is a discrepancy, a hotel might choose not to push the point because of the risk of a poor review, which could be bad for business. 

However, technology can help. Modern minibars have sensors installed to register that an item has been removed. Yet, critics argue it isn’t foolproof, claiming that moving products around within the fridge can falsely indicate sales. Guests wary of being charged for something they haven’t used may choose not to open the minibar door at all.

Reimagining the Concept

Some hoteliers have bucked the trend, using the humble minibar as a tool to express a property’s personality. For example, London-bound travelers checking in to the Hotel Indigo Tower Hill can take advantage of free candy and soda from the minibar before venturing out to meet a Beefeater beside the River Thames. At the historic Franklin Hotel in Adelaide, Australia, guests can take advantage of a fully stocked minibar for free as part of the room rate. Partnering with local artisan suppliers, such as offering beers from nearby Cooper’s Brewery, creates opportunities to steer guests to shop for more of the same while they’re in town, a win for local businesses, too. 

Sometimes, however, minibar policies aren’t quite so generous. For instance, Hyatt’s Andaz brand offers complimentary nonalcoholic beverages and snacks from the in-room mini-fridge as a perk, but guests often will pay a daily destination fee (also called a resort fee). At the Andaz New York 5th Avenue, this charge amounts to $40 per night, though this also covers other amenities such as unlimited long-distance and international calls plus credit toward parking and laundry. 

Elsewhere, provision has its limits. For example, the upscale Maslina Resort in Hvar, Croatia, states that the first round’s on them, but after that, you’ll be charged for what you consume. For many guests, however, even that small gesture is welcome — and perhaps a reminder of a bygone era in hospitality. 

Featured image credit: © OlegDoroshin/stock.adobe.com

From checked bags to seat assignments and in-flight meals, airlines now charge for many perks that used to be included in your fare. And while it often seems like new fees are being added each year while amenities are further reduced, there are still a number of items anyone can request for free on a plane — some of which may surprise you. Here are seven things to ask for on your next flight.

Sanitizing Wipes

Cleaning crews do their best to service planes between flights, but with quick turnaround times, some spots get missed. So, it never hurts to wipe down your seat, tray table, and other touchpoints with a sanitizing wipe before you get settled. 

Amid heightened concern during the pandemic, it became standard practice for airlines to hand out sanitizing wipes during boarding. A few years later, some airlines, like United, still officially pledge to offer them during boarding, while others, like American, have stopped handing them out to every customer. Even if you don’t get offered one, however, it’s worth asking a flight attendant during boarding, because many airlines will still have them available upon request. 

Children’s Play Kits

If you’re flying with young kids, you probably strategically packed a few items to keep them entertained and busy during the flight. But what if those don’t do the trick? Some airlines can lend a helping hand via complimentary activity packs. For example, United Airlines offers a Children’s Travel Kit, designed by the people behind Sesame Street, which includes crayons, an activity book, a puzzle, and a sensory strip to calm anxiety in young ones. 

Extra Snacks and Drinks

While some airlines, particularly budget carriers, may not offer any food and drink for free, most airlines will at least offer complimentary soft drinks and packaged snacks on flights over an hour or so. But if you’re particularly hungry, flight attendants usually have no problem accommodating requests for additional snacks or the full can of soda — their only ask is that you do so politely. If you’re on a longer international flight with complimentary meals, you may even be able to request another meal if there are extras on board; again, it doesn’t hurt to ask nicely. 

Special Meals

If your flight does offer meals, chances are the options in economy class will be fairly basic and uninspiring. But if you have any dietary restrictions (or are simply curious about other available options), it’s helpful to know that you can request special meals without paying anything extra. 

On American Airlines, for example, you can request over a dozen different types of special meals, from Asian vegetarian to Hindu, Kosher, or options for those with lactose or gluten intolerances. But unlike the other items on this list, special meals should be requested before you board — on American, you must do so at least 20 hours before departure, and you can request one starting 30 days out. If you didn’t order one ahead of time, sometimes you might get lucky and be offered an extra onboard if someone who requested a special meal didn’t end up taking the flight.

First-Aid Supplies

We always recommend packing a few basic medical supplies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, in your carry-on. But if a more serious situation arises mid-flight, you can always ask your flight crew for assistance. U.S. airlines are required by the FAA to carry emergency medical kits containing items like bandages, antiseptic swabs, and scissors. For in-flight medical emergencies, flight attendants can also assist in locating a doctor on board.

Collectibles

Decades ago, it was common for airlines to hand out freebies like playing cards, wing pins, and postcards as mementos of your flight. Most of those perks have fallen victim to cost cutting over the years, but a few airlines still offer collectibles — to those in the know. 

Delta has a “secret” trading card program with different cards for each type of plane the airline flies. To get one, simply ask the flight crew. “When they’re not busy preparing for flight or flying our customers to their next adventure, our pilots carrying these fan-favorite cards are more than happy to hand one out to any customer who asks nicely; as they look to add to, or begin, their newest favorite collection,” a Delta spokesperson shared with People magazine.

Miles for Inconveniences

As any frequent traveler knows, sometimes things don’t work out as planned. If you encounter a service issue during your flight, you may be able to receive compensation for the inconvenience on the spot, in the form of bonus miles or vouchers for future flights. 

On Delta Air Lines, flight attendants can offer SkyMiles for things like broken entertainment screens, a malfunctioning seat recline, or faulty tray tables using their company-provided smartphones. Anecdotal reports suggest that the amount varies depending on the issue, length of flight, and if you have status or not, but can typically range from 2,500 to 10,000 SkyMiles. If flight attendants aren’t able to offer any compensation or if you feel like you deserve more, you can always submit a complaint on the airline’s website after the fact. 

When it’s time to check out of a hotel, it’s always been common practice to let the front desk know that you’re leaving. But is telling the staff actually necessary these days, or is it outdated protocol? After all, it’d be more convenient to leave the key in the room and simply walk out the door, especially when there’s a long line at the desk or you’re rushing to catch a flight. However, leaving in a hurry can cause unexpected issues. Here’s why you should always check out of a hotel.

You Don’t Need To Check Out, But…

Whether you forget to check out or actively decide not to do so, most hotels are still equipped to process your departure in your absence. If the staff doesn’t hear from you by the time the official checkout cutoff rolls around, they’ll likely just charge the card on file, add on any extra costs (if you used the minibar or other services), and close out the booking. They also may send housekeeping to the room to confirm you’ve left.

The process may be different at small boutique hotels or at bed-and-breakfasts, especially if they use a more rudimentary system to record departures. But most hotel chains are equipped to handle all checkouts whether the guest is still there or not. However, there are ways in which walking out the door without formally checking out can cause potential headaches for both you and the staff.

Potential Billing Issues

Checking out at the front desk allows you to inspect the bill and confirm the charges are correct. It’s also a good time to flag any unexpected charges that you might want to dispute. By forgoing the checkout process, you’d be waiving this opportunity to discuss errant charges in person, and you won’t know how much you paid until you receive an email with a copy of your folio or until the charges hit your bank account.

If anything is amiss, you may have no choice but to dispute the charges from afar, and it could be a headache coordinating with both the hotel and your bank. Taking the time to check out alleviates these concerns, and the front desk can help you fix any issues before you go on your way.

Checking Out Is Courteous

Checking out isn’t merely for your own benefit — it also makes the lives of the hotel staff easier by allowing them to efficiently clean rooms and prepare them for the next guest. If you let the front desk know when you leave, they can alert the housekeeping team right away, and they can get a head start on tidying up.

Say you leave the hotel three hours before the official checkout time but don’t tell anyone when you depart. Hotel staff will probably assume you’re still in the room, and they won’t send anyone by to clean it until hours later. If nothing else, consider telling the hotel staff about your departure as a courtesy.

Alternatives to the Front Desk

If physically checking out at the desk is an issue for any reason, there are a couple of convenient alternatives. Some hotels allow you to check out through their mobile app, or by using the TV or tablet provided in the room. You can also call the front desk, tell them you’re leaving, and request that they email you the bill so you can review it. Any one of these options is better than leaving without a peep, since it lets the hotel know you’re gone and still allows you to review charges before you depart.

When it comes to travel, sometimes it’s not a bad idea to follow the crowd if you’re seeking out a new destination you’ve never considered. According to the United Nations’ World Tourism Barometer, several countries experienced double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2025, and they’re not the ones you might necessarily expect. Whether you’re looking for off-the-grid thrills deep in the Amazon rainforest or a quiet spot to find solitude in the Himalayas, the following countries are bound to captivate even the most well-seasoned travelers — and you may want to experience their wonders before everyone else does, too. 

Ethiopia

According to the U.N. data, Ethiopia saw a 15% surge in international visitors last year compared with 2024. This vacation destination promises adventurous travelers the chance to see significant ancient ruins and archaeological sites; visit a cloud forest in the Bale Mountains; spot wildlife such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and gelada monkeys (found nowhere else in the world); or sample roasts from the birthplace of Arabica coffee — to name just a few experiences. 

Ethiopia’s uptick in popularity is attributed to the younger demographic of visitors who show an interest in outdoor activities and thrill-seeking adventures. The country’s launch of the Visit Ethiopia website in 2025 has enabled visitors to learn firsthand about locally recommended restaurants, hotels, and tour operators. Construction on Africa’s largest airport project, the Bishoftu International Airport, began in January 2026, further positioning the country for tourism growth in the coming decades.

The Seychelles

The Seychelles welcomed 30% more international visitors in 2025 compared with the year prior. The country has championed marine conservation, with 30% of its ocean territory protected, and advocated for inclusivity, stating that there are no private beaches anywhere in the archipelago — the islands are a place for everyone to enjoy.

They’re home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — where you’ll find the rare Coco de Mer palm — along with Morne Seychellois National Park, Sainte Anne Marine National Park, and the colorful capital of Victoria, which is known for its vibrant Creole culture. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, too, including free-roaming giant tortoises on Curieuse Island, Fregate Island, and the remote Aldabra Atoll. Although couples and honeymooners remain the country’s core demographic for tourism, part of the uptick in the popularity of the Seychelles is thanks to targeted marketing efforts to expand the islands’ appeal to welcome families and solo travelers as well.

Bhutan

Bhutan isn’t exactly a country you can visit on a whim. It requires prebooked tours (no independent travel allowed), payment of a mandatory daily sustainable development fee, and visa approval. But the landlocked Asian country situated high in the Himalayas still received plenty of visitors in 2025, witnessing a 30% increase in tourism from the year prior. 

As one of the last surviving Buddhist kingdoms, Bhutan offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind. First opened to visitors in 1970, the country prioritizes culturally enriching experiences for its guests. Those seeking a mindful retreat can experience centuries-old traditions such as sitting with a monk during a blessing, watching a textile weaver spin intricate designs, or practicing archery. Bhutan also holds a reputation for being one of the happiest countries in the world due to its philosophy of measuring success by Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP. Plus, it is the only country in the world that is completely carbon-negative, making it an appealing destination for sustainable tourism, too. 

Brazil

In 2025, Brazil welcomed a record-breaking 9.3 million tourists — a 37% increase over 2024. Tourism officials credit the influx in visitors to a program launched by the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion (Embratur) designed to attract new international flights. The South American country recorded the largest year-over-year increase in the world, according to the U.N. report. 

From golden beaches to sprawling metropolises to the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has plenty of landscapes to explore, but that’s only a small part of the allure. In 2026, visitors can experience a variety of new attractions, including the renovated Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, with a historic theater, a redesigned pool with new tiling, and expanded suites to mark its 100th anniversary. Also in Rio, check out the reopened National Museum of Fine Arts, or venture outside Brazil’s major cities to experience the new luxury eco-resorts on the “Magic Island” of Florianópolis, known for its 40 diverse beaches, forested hills, and large saltwater lagoons. Brazil has a reputation as a lively destination for celebration, entertainment, culture, and music, too, regularly hosting major events like the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2027.