Certain TSA rules should make sense to every flyer, such as the need to conduct X-ray scans of luggage to ensure it doesn’t contain any hazardous materials. However, the reasons behind other rules and procedures may be less clear, like being told to take off your belt or remove your electronic devices from your bag. In the latter category, you also may have wondered why TSA officers occasionally swab your hands as part of the screening process. The answer is actually pretty straightforward: They’re checking you for trace evidence of one particular potential hazard.

Explosive Trace Detection

TSA’s hand swabs are part of a state-of-the-art screening process known as Explosive Trace Detection (ETD). This system was enacted in the wake of a failed explosive attack in 2009 and became commonplace at most U.S. airports the following year. As explained in this video from the Department of Homeland Security, the purpose of ETD is to search for trace amounts of potentially explosive residue caught inside the crevices of the human fingerprint. 

Because you can’t see these traces with the naked eye, they require a swab and machine to analyze. When the swab is placed into a machine, it takes just a few seconds to analyze it and compare it with a library of chemicals tied to explosives. In the event that trace amounts of an unsafe material is discovered, it’s an indicator that something may be amiss and warrants further investigation. TSA officers are empowered to randomly pull aside any passengers for a mandatory hand swab. They may also swab the handle of your bag, shoes, laptop, wheelchair, or any other common touchpoints that may contain trace particles.

False Positives Do Happen

The process isn’t foolproof. At times, the same ingredients found in certain explosives are also present in everyday objects we often use. For instance, many soaps, cosmetics, sanitizers, and similar hygienic products contain glycerin, nitrates, and other chemicals that are also sometimes used in explosives. 

Furthermore, some improvised explosive devices may contain fertilizer, which means that someone with a green thumb and a home garden may be at risk of being flagged, as there’s likely to be residue on their hands. This can lead to more false positives than real ones, but it’s still up to the TSA to investigate the matter further and clear each passenger.

In any case, if the machine comes back with a false positive, there’s no need to panic. Expect to be pulled aside and patted down by a TSA officer, who’s likely to thoroughly inspect the contents of your bag as well. Once the officer has completed this secondary screening, you’ll be free to proceed.

Can You Decline a TSA Swab?

Some travelers have wondered if these hand swabs may violate our Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. But according to Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst for the ACLU who was interviewed on the topic by CNN in 2010, ETDs are a permissible means of keeping flyers safe without violating their privacy. 

However, Stanley added that’s only the case so long as these tests don’t disproportionately target people of specific races or religions. Furthermore, it would be a violation of one’s rights if the TSA used these swabs to detect anything unrelated to airline security — for instance, drugs.

If you’re selected to get your hand swabbed the next time you’re at the TSA checkpoint, complying with the officer’s request is mandatory. If you refuse for any reason, you could be subject to a more intensive secondary screening or even be denied boarding. Keep in mind that the swabs are used only once and disposed of after being analyzed, and it takes just a few extra seconds to perform the test — so you’ll be on your way to your flight in no time.

Some of the most memorable trips we take are to destinations we didn’t know we needed to visit until we got there. The likes of Paris, Tokyo, and New York are on everyone’s bucket list for a reason, but there’s something particularly special about arriving in a lesser-known place and instantly feeling at home. With that in mind, our editors set out to determine 10 places that are making a splash in 2026, from America’s newly designated “Creative City of Music” to the stunning Italian island whose residents have cracked the code for a longer, happier life. Check out Daily Passport’s top 10 destinations to visit in 2026.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you’ve never been to the City of Brotherly Love, there’s no time like the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to visit. Known for its rowdy sports fans, cheesesteaks, and vital role in the birth of the nation, Philly is gritty in all the best ways. History buffs have plenty of fascinating exhibits to delve into at Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed, while art lovers can visit the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to the famous Rocky steps.

Philly will also host next summer’s MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, timed to coincide with America’s birthday celebrations in July. It will be the first All-Star Game since this year’s incredibly dramatic World Series — the most-watched Fall Classic in 34 years.

Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide seems happy to let Sydney and Melbourne get more attention as it quietly builds a reputation as one of the most intriguing cities to visit Down Under. South Australia’s capital is home to the country’s biggest arts festival, which takes place from late February to early March and is really four festivals in one — Adelaide Fringe, Writers’ Week, Womadelaide, and the Adelaide Festival. There’s also a world-renowned zoo that’s the only place in the Southern Hemisphere with giant pandas, and architecture buffs have a lot to love, too — Adelaide was named one of the most beautiful cities in the world by Architectural Digest in 2024.

When you’re done exploring the city, globally renowned wine regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills are all an easy day trip. Better yet, United Airlines is making it easier to visit by launching the first-ever nonstop route from the U.S. to Adelaide this month on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Only one world capital borders two sovereign countries: Bratislava, which is nestled alongside Hungary to the south and Austria to the west. Vienna’s own capital, Austria, is just 45 minutes away by train, but after spending some time in Bratislava, you may want to cancel your multicity plans. The city’s Old Town is a destination unto itself, highlighted by Bratislava Castle, which was built in the 12th century and retains a certain majesty to this day, and the UFO Observation Tower (yes, it’s really called that), offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

If you have a few extra days to spare, catch the hour-long train to Trenčín, another charming historic city that was one of two cities named a European Capital of Culture for 2026.

Hong Kong

With 75 Michelin-starred restaurants — only Tokyo, Paris, Kyoto, and London have more — Hong Kong is a certified foodie haven, especially since so many of those fine establishments are surprisingly inexpensive. The famed noodle shop Ho Hung Kee, for instance, will set you back only about $20 USD for such delectable Cantonese fare as beef hor fun.

Hong Kong is also famous for its incredibly dense skyline — with more skyscrapers than any other city in the world — but nearly 40% of the city is protected green space. Some of the best vantage points can be found in the mountains surrounding the city, and four of Hong Kong’s Peaks — The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi — will see their hiking trails upgraded in 2026. Plus, the city is easier to get to than ever before thanks to new flights out of Los Angeles and Seattle.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

You might think, given its two names, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a large place. Quite the opposite, as the Caribbean nation is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering an area that’s only about twice the size of Washington, D.C. It has an island (Bequia) that you can walk across in under an hour and a population of just 100,000 people.

With overtourism becoming more and more of a problem across the world, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also the rare off-the-beaten-path destination that’s actually off the beaten path (for now). Its international airport didn’t open until 2017, and many of its 32 islands are uninhabited. Delta recently added flights from Atlanta, but for an authentic experience, you might consider arriving via sailboat or ferry.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Yes, Chattanooga is as fun to visit as it is to say, and there’s no better time than 2026 to discover this underrated Southern gem. This year, it became the first place in America to receive the rare National Park City distinction that honors “special places where we have a better relationship with nature, culture and heritage and can enjoy and develop ourselves.”

That’s quite a turnaround from the late ’60s, when Chattanooga was America’s most polluted city — now, it’s a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, with a revitalized downtown riverfront and a thriving food scene to boot. As Mayor Tim Kelly puts it, Chattanooga is “a city in a park, rather than a city with some parks in it.” Some of the city’s most popular spots include Signal Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the 16-mile Riverwalk. Six miles outside the city is Lookout Mountain (one of our favorite panoramic viewpoints in America), and underneath the mountain, hidden in a limestone cave, you’ll also find Ruby Falls — the country’s tallest underground waterfall.

Sardinia

Italy is one of the world’s most-visited countries for a reason, but it’s also increasingly crowded, particularly on the mainland. For a slightly more sedate experience, try Sardinia. The country’s second-largest island is one of the five original “Blue Zones,” a term coined for places whose inhabitants have figured out the secret to longer, healthier lives (short version: less meat, more fish and vegetables). The island’s unique way of living is something visitors can absorb alongside the amazing culture and gorgeous sights. With new direct flights from New York taking off next year courtesy of Delta, Sardinia is easier to reach than ever — even if it’s just as difficult to leave.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Asia’s most beautiful island, but 2026 might be time to change that. Phu Quoc received that coveted designation from Condé Nast Traveler, which placed the “Pearl Island” first among all Asian islands and third overall in its global rankings. More than half of Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand near the coast of Cambodia, has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means there are hundreds of square miles of unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife to discover. Go soon before it’s no longer considered a hidden gem — Pho Quoc recently made Expedia’s list of the top trending destinations, so clearly the secret’s getting out.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of those rare places with so much to do it’s hard to even know where to start, but fortunately, it’s even harder to go wrong. In October 2025, America’s most European city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Music, one of only two U.S. cities (along with Kansas City) to be so honored. For proof, look no further than Frenchmen Street, an alternative to the touristy French Quarter, where jazz, blues, reggae, and other live music is on offer seven days a week and (almost) 24 hours a day.

The Big Easy also abounds in uniquely beautiful architecture, cemetery tours (one of which features Nic Cage’s prepurchased mausoleum), and, of course, food. Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and po’ boys are all must-eats when visiting, but make sure you also get a whisky grilled cheese and frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose.

Belize

Costa Rica tends to be the go-to for Americans who want to experience Central America, but our advice for 2026 (and beyond) is: Don’t sleep on Belize. Travelers are spoiled with choice for both budget-friendly accommodations in Belize City and eco-friendly beachfront resorts like Copal Tree Lodge, which offers all-inclusive packages. For those looking to really splurge, Caye Chapel, the first private Four Seasons island in the Americas, also will be debuting next year.

Either way, the Jewel of Central America has all the makings for a great getaway: gorgeous beaches, Maya ruins, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and amazing food. (Once you try fry jacks, you’ll want to eat them every morning.) Plus, English is the country’s official language and U.S. currency is accepted just about everywhere, making a trip to Belize even easier.

No matter where you’re flying, you mostly follow the same path at the airport, from the check-in desks in the departure hall to security screening checkpoints and the airside gates. But there’s far more to a large airport than its public parts. Take a look at five areas where public access is restricted and explore the hidden rooms of airports that most passengers never see.

Baggage Handling Spaces

After you check your bags at the counter, they follow a clearly determined path to the plane’s cargo hold via a series of automated conveyors and chutes. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 4 billion bags are checked annually, requiring a finely-tuned system to ensure each one makes its intended flight. Under Resolution 753, airlines are required to scan baggage tags so that they can be tracked throughout their journey at the airport. This is achieved using methods such as laser or image optical scanning of barcodes on the tag, manual recording, RFID scanning, optical character recognition, and Bluetooth.

Security measures are also employed, including Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), X-rays, and CT scans, to ensure that all bags are screened for prohibited items — anything suspicious is flagged for a manual search. Once bags pass through these steps, they are loaded into containers or onto open-sided carts to be delivered to the aircraft. At this point, you might see them again through the terminal window or as you board.

Air Traffic Control Centers

Air traffic controllers are the people responsible for safely managing aircraft departing or on approach to an airport, as well as movements on runways and taxiways. As passengers, we put our trust in these highly skilled individuals who are trained to prevent collisions and keep us safe. According to data published by the FAA, air traffic controllers manage 45,000 planes and an estimated 2.9 million passengers every single day in the U.S. alone. 

Operations specialist Flightworx describes the rooms inside air traffic control towers as “strategic nerve centers for the aviation industry.” Typically, these spaces are designed to maximize visibility and are circular in shape with large windows. They’re equipped with state-of-the-art computer systems, advanced weather modeling systems, and technology such as primary and secondary radar systems to track aircraft movements.

VIP Suites, Lounges, and Terminals

If you live your life under public scrutiny, perhaps the greatest luxury of all is privacy. Often, A-list celebrities and the super rich can opt for a more discreet route through a busy airport by taking advantage of a dedicated VIP terminal that is separate from the main airport, allowing them to reach their plane undisturbed.

For travelers to and from London, for instance, the Windsor by Heathrow offers well-heeled clients the option to check in at a more exclusive location. There, they’ll be fast-tracked through security and immigration procedures. Before their flight departs, they might enjoy chauffeur-driven transportation and relax in an elegant lounge with Michelin-quality food. The service costs a cool $5,000 for up to three guests, and similar experiences are available at airports including Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

Customs Interview Facilities

When flying internationally, if a traveler’s paperwork isn’t in order, they can be escorted from the regular immigration hall to a private office close by for further questioning. There, passengers can be interviewed to determine whether or not they have legal right to remain in the country. Officers may check to ascertain if they are likely to be in breach of visa conditions, such as having the intention to work when entering the country as a tourist. After their case is assessed, in some instances officials decide that entry will be denied. If this happens, such passengers will require a ticket for a plane out.

Staff Offices, Hangars, and Storage Facilities

It takes a great many people to staff and operate an airport, so it should come as no surprise that on-site break rooms and lounges reserved for crew are available throughout an airport. If flight crew members need to remain at the airport in between flights — for instance, if they are required for multiple short-haul legs within the same working day — they have a comfortable space in which to rest. 

In addition, there are numerous offices hidden from public view that are used by administrators, managers, and other personnel whose job it is to keep the airport functioning smoothly, manage finances, and ensure safety and operating protocols are adhered to. Maintenance staff — encompassing roles from janitors to aircraft engineers — also have dedicated workspaces, including storerooms for parts and other supplies as well as vast hangars. Lastly, specialist facilities are needed for airport operations such as on-site firefighting and animal welfare. 

Kyoto is a hugely popular place to visit, and for good reason. It was Japan’s capital for more than 1,000 years, until Tokyo became the capital in 1869, and it’s still widely considered the country’s cultural capital, seamlessly blending the ancient and the modern. Like much of Japan, however, it’s in some ways a victim of its own success: Kyoto received a record 10.88 million foreign visitors in 2024, resulting in crowded landmarks and unhappy locals. To combat overtourism, the city just announced it will be increasing the cost to visit — here’s when it goes into effect. 

Crunching the Numbers

Kyoto’s increased tax rate applies to the city’s accommodations and is levied on a sliding scale depending on how much your lodging costs. The maximum rate, which applies to hotels that cost more than 100,000 yen (roughly $665 USD) per night, will increase from 1,000 yen ($6.65) to 10,000 yen ($66.55) per night — a princely fee to be sure, but perhaps not a dealbreaker for anyone shelling out that much money in the first place.

Changes in other hotel categories are as follows:

• Hotels between 50,000 yen ($332) and 100,000 yen per night: Tax increases from 1,000 yen ($6.65) to 4,000 yen ($26.61) nightly
• Hotels between 20,000 yen ($133) and 50,000 yen per night: Tax increases from 500 yen ($3.33) to 1,000 yen nightly
• Hotels between 6,000 yen ($40) and 20,000 yen per night: Tax increases from 200 yen ($1.33) to 400 yen ($2.66) nightly
• Lodging that costs under 6,000 yen per night will not have its tourist tax of 200 yen changed

Too Much of a Good Thing

The new tax was announced on October 3, 2025, and will go into effect on March 1, 2026. The increased tax revenue will be used to “promote tourism that makes use of its diverse and profound charms” and “further promote harmony and compatibility between civic life and tourism,” the city announced on its website, adding that the tax will also help ease “congestion on roads and walkways” in popular areas like the Gion district, the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, and the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

Japan is hardly the first place to experiment with tourist taxes. Bhutan charges most foreign visitors a flat rate of $100 per day, which is actually half of what it used to be. New Zealand levies a onetime tax of NZD $100 (about $56 USD) on most visitors, which anyone hoping to do a Lord of the Rings tour should keep in mind. And American cities like New York and Los Angeles also have substantial tourist taxes, as do most of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.

In the case of Kyoto, the city has seen a notable surge of visitors following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the weakening of the yen against the U.S. dollar, and the number of international travelers has been increasing at a rapid rate. Whether the new taxes will change that remains to be seen, but local officials are hoping that it will help ease the negative effects of overtourism. 

As Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook online travel agency, explained in an interview with Euronews Travel, “After years of record demand, many destinations are seeking to reduce pressure on infrastructure and local communities while ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed more fairly. In practice, these taxes are rarely meant to discourage travel — they are designed to reinvest in the very things that make cities attractive: cultural preservation, public transport, cleanliness, and better visitor management.”

Featured image credit: inglabel/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

From what you wear to how you behave or even how you purchase your ticket, certain actions can catch the TSA’s attention and lead to extra security screening. While in many cases, passengers are randomly selected for secondary screening, some common behaviors can hold you up at security longer than necessary, adding stress and delays to your travel day. Make your next trip go as smoothly as possible by understanding what might get you flagged by the TSA.

Traveling on a One-Way Ticket

There are plenty of legitimate reasons to buy a one-way ticket, but sometimes, TSA officers may interpret a one-way ticket as a potential red flag, particularly if you are flying internationally. When combined with other factors (more on those below), a one-way ticket can result in a Secondary Security Screening Selection (SSSS) stamp on your boarding pass. 

While many passengers don’t get flagged, the reason some do is based on past instances in which individuals with one-way tickets were later found to have hijacked a plane, had the intention to join a terrorist organization overseas, or were fleeing the country. If you’re flagged by TSA for additional screening while traveling on a one-way ticket, remember that the agents are simply doing their due diligence to help keep air travel as safe as possible.

Wearing the Wrong Clothing

When it comes to what triggers a search at TSA checkpoints, what you’re wearing can play an important role. Clothing that is too tight or too bulky may prompt additional screening and lead to a more thorough inspection. Tight clothing can create bulges in certain areas that appear as hidden objects on the scanner, while clothing that is too loose may give the impression that you are trying to conceal something. Any item with enough metal in it can also trigger the alarm. 

While most of us know to remove watches and jewelry before passing through the metal detector, there are less obvious items that can cause issues. For example, women’s underwire bras have been known to set off the detector, as have boots with prominent buckles. With so many clothing items capable of ringing the alarm, the best approach is to dress comfortably, calmly obey instructions, and be aware of your rights if you are selected for a pat-down. You have the right to request a private room, have a witness of your choice present, and ensure that an officer of the same sex conducts the search.

Excess Reflex Behavior

TSA officers are trained through the SPOT (Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques) program, which uses a list of behaviors that could indicate high levels of stress, fear, or deception. On that list are common human behaviors such as yawning, rapid blinking, gulping, skin flushing, coughing, throat clearing, and leg shaking, all of which are considered stress indicators that can draw TSA scrutiny. 

Air travel is stressful, and displaying these reflexive behaviors doesn’t mean you’re guilty of anything, but it may attract extra attention from officers. Interestingly, a yawn isn’t just a sign of fatigue — researchers have found that nervous people yawn more as a “displacement activity,” a way to calm their body in a heightened or stressful state. While anxiety and stress can naturally trigger these reflexes, staying calm can help make the process smoother. One practical strategy is to give yourself plenty of time to get through TSA so you avoid rushing, which is a sure way to stress yourself out and potentially prolong your experience.

Talking Too Much

Most travelers passing through TSA just want to get through quickly and on to their gate. With long wait times, passengers are anxious about making their flights, but TSA officers are extremely busy — they see an estimated 2 million to 3 million passengers every day. They’re focused on their duties, whether that’s monitoring the X-ray machine, manning the metal detector, or keeping the line moving smoothly, and they generally aren’t looking to make small talk. 

Excessive chatting can raise red flags, making it seem like you might have ulterior motives or are trying to distract them from their work. While a joke can sometimes break the tension in a crowded security line, it’s a good strategy to keep your humor to yourself, especially anything off-color. And of course, comments about weapons, bombs, or terrorist activity will almost certainly land you in hot water, leading to extra screening and questioning.

Purchasing a Ticket in Cash

“Cash is king” is a saying that still holds some truth today, but it’s losing its relevance as the world shifts toward credit cards and digital payments. For large purchases such as a flight ticket, paying with cash can even raise suspicions that wouldn’t have existed a decade ago. 

The reason? Credit card transactions can be easily tracked, allowing authorities to verify a purchaser’s identity if needed. Cash payments, on the other hand, leave little paper trail, making both the money and the buyer more difficult to trace. Combine a cash purchase with other factors — such as a one-way ticket or a last-minute purchase — and you may raise even more suspicion.