Travel has never been more accessible, but it can also feel more complicated and intimidating than it needs to be. In the end, a great trip isn’t about an arbitrary checklist — it’s about finding an experience that suits your interests, your budget, your time, and your preferences. Here are some of the most common travel myths that are worth reconsidering in an effort to get out there and see more of the world.

You Need a Lot of Time To Travel

Many people may put off traveling because it feels like it’s only worth it if it’s a two-week vacation to another continent. But some of the most memorable trips can happen over a long weekend. A lengthy slow-travel excursion, though worthwhile, simply might not be realistic for everyone, but even a two or three-day getaway can offer a much-needed change of scenery.

“Any time we experience a new activity, new neural connections form in the brain. Those new pathways help you see things from different perspectives,” psychologist Susan Albers told the Cleveland Clinic. “When we step away from our routine, our brains reset.” Waiting for the perfect amount of time could mean never going at all — so you might be better off reframing your expectations around a night away in a nearby city or a weekend exploring a national park that’s not too far. 

You Should Avoid the Popular Places 

Some people may dismiss famous destinations as too touristy, but many of the world’s most-visited places are popular for a reason. Paris, Rome, New York City, and London attract millions of visitors annually for their remarkable history, food, and culture — both around the big landmarks and in the off-the-beaten-path markets or restaurants. 

While crowds can be frustrating, avoiding a destination solely because it’s popular may mean missing out on something that genuinely lives up to the hype. Major landmarks will indeed have crowds, but attractions such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are equipped to handle them comfortably. Popular doesn’t automatically mean overrated, and there are plenty of lesser-trafficked landmarks to explore in these destinations, too. 

Traveling Alone Is Too Dangerous

Solo travel is often thought of as inherently risky, and while precautions are of course important, traveling solo is not so different from navigating daily life in unfamiliar places. Travelers today have access to navigation apps, translation tools, and personal transportation services such as rideshares, and they can instantly share locations or communicate with friends and family just about anywhere. 

“Traveling on your own can be seriously empowering,” Maeve Hartney, chief program officer at the educational travel company Road Scholar, told KUNC. “Traveling solo forces you to go out of your comfort zone every day, which can push you beyond the boundaries of what you think you’re capable of.” More than being vulnerable, lonely, or bored, solo travelers are actually likely to feel independent and confident. Most importantly, taking a trip by yourself means not missing out on something simply because you couldn’t find someone to go with. 

You Need To See and Do Everything

It’s hard not to fall into the trap of treating a vacation like a scavenger hunt or feeling pressured by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it may be. Before you know it, every hour is scheduled, every attraction is booked, and every meal is planned well in advance. And while planning can certainly help alleviate costs and stress, this approach might leave you exhausted or burned out.

Research shows that vacations do us a lot of good when we leave room to be surprised by the unexpected. Prioritize your major must-sees, but otherwise leave some space in your schedule to linger over a meal, spend an afternoon people-watching, or even return to a favorite spot you’ve already visited.

Guided Tours Are for Inexperienced Travelers

Guided tours are sometimes dismissed as uninspired experiences designed for new or unadventurous travelers. But proponents of this type of travel don’t see it that way. On the contrary, a guided tour may give you access to experiences that would be difficult or unappealing to arrange on your own. 

Escorted travel is one way to make better use of your time by covering key landmarks efficiently, getting added context and knowledge about an area, and, importantly, taking the stress of navigating off your shoulders. Beyond logistics, tours are often social, too.

You Need a Different Outfit for Every Day

Social media has created the impression that every vacation requires a carefully curated wardrobe and a perfectly posed photo of each. In reality, experienced travelers often do the opposite. Packing light reduces baggage fees, makes moving around easier, and takes away some of the stress of what to wear each day. 

Instead of packing several separate outfits, go with a small collection of versatile pieces that you can mix and match to cover just about any itinerary. You might just find that the freedom of packing lighter outweighs any concern about repeating looks.

Go Far or Go Home

While immersing yourself in a remote island community, a carefree European beachside town, or a bustling foreign city can indeed be wonderful, you don’t have to cross the ocean to travel meaningfully. Rewarding experiences can happen close to home, too. Exploring a neighboring state, meandering through a small town you’ve never visited, or taking a scenic road trip can provide the same sense of novelty people are hoping to find when they book an itinerary that explores further afield. 

A memorable trip has less to do with how far you go than with how you engage with the place you’re visiting. For experienced travelers, learning about new communities, supporting local businesses, and traveling thoughtfully matters more than how many boarding passes or passport stamps you can rack up. 

Packing for a trip with nothing more than a personal item — a small bag that must fit entirely underneath the seat in front of you — may sound impossible, especially if you’re used to flying with a carry-on or checked bag. But there’s one major advantage to doing so: saving money. Frequent travelers know that one of the easiest ways to avoid extra airline baggage fees and skip the hassle of waiting at baggage claim is to travel light. The challenge, of course, is fitting everything you need into a single personal item. Here’s how to do it for short trips.

Check the Dimensions

Gone are the days when most airlines included a free checked bag with every ticket. Now, some budget carriers (like Frontier and Europe-based Ryanair) — and even the basic-economy fares of other airlines (like Air Canada and United) — permit passengers to bring only a personal item and not even a full-sized carry-on bag. 

A personal item is typically a small backpack, purse, tote, fanny bag, diaper bag, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Anything larger, from a carry-on to a checked suitcase, can come with an additional fee.

The under-seat space varies across airlines, so make sure you check the dimensions for your specific carrier. Below is a chart of under-seat dimensions for personal items on a few popular airlines:

Choose the Right Bag

Fitting all you need for a short trip (e.g., three or four days) into a personal item starts with picking the right bag. A soft bag is your best bet, because it’ll allow you to utilize every corner and crevasse and provide some give when you push it under the seat. 

One popular option for personal-item-only travel is the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC, a soft-sided 22-liter bag measuring 18 by 12 by 7.5 inches. Its convertible design allows you to carry it as either a duffel or a backpack. Plus, the flexible material makes it easier to meet airline size restrictions, while also providing ample space and pockets to keep your items organized. 

The Blast Bag Travel Backpack is another option at a more affordable price point. It has a 28-liter capacity and measures 12.2 by 16.5 by 8.1 inches. This backpack offers an impressive amount of packing space, featuring a clamshell-style opening for easy packing, multiple internal compartments for organization, and a zipped shoe pocket that keeps footwear separate from clothing. Its lightweight, soft-sided build makes it easy to fit under most airplane seats. And details like a laptop sleeve and compression straps make it a practical choice for short trips.

For those who prefer a tote-style personal item, Away’s The Everywhere Bag is a practical option. This stylish travel tote meets most airline under-seat size requirements at 16.3 by 10.2 by 7.3 inches. Made from water-repellent nylon with leather trim, it has a spacious main compartment, a padded laptop pocket, and several interior pockets. Additional features include a trolley sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle and a detachable shoulder strap.

What To Pack

If you’re packing for a long weekend trip, the following essentials should fit into any of the bags described above:

Clothing

• 2-3 tops
• 1-2 pairs of pants, shorts, or skirts
• 1 lightweight sweater, cardigan, or layer
• 1 outfit suitable for dinner or a special activity
• 1 swimsuit (if required)
• Underwear and socks for each day, plus one extra set for backup
• Sleepwear

To save space, wear your bulkiest items, such as sneakers, boots, or a jacket, on the plane.

Essential Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Any prescription medications
• Shampoo and conditioner bar (break off a piece and put it in a Ziploc to save space)
• Moisturizer-sunscreen combo
• Mini hair brush

Other Necessities

• Phone
• Phone charger and charging cable
• Wallet, ID, and passport (if required)
• Headphones or earbuds
• Sunglasses

You can also carry some or all of these items with you in your pockets to save space. As you can see, packing everything into a personal item takes a bit of strategy, but it can also save you money and make travel much simpler. Once you get used to traveling light, you may find you don’t miss that extra suitcase at all.

If you’ve ever booked a hotel stay and pondered the words “pillow menu” on the list of your accommodation’s advertised amenities, you’re not alone. A pillow menu is exactly what it sounds like — guests are offered a pillow selection from a range of varying plushnesses, sizes, materials, and fills. From cooling gel technology for hot sleepers to ergonomic designs that cradle the neck to aromatic scents such as lulling lavender, the variety feels endless and will make you rethink your own bedroom setup. Here’s where to find a pillow menu during your next hotel stay.

A Brief History

Although the exact origins of the pillow menu are debated, many professionals in the hospitality industry credit the five-star Cotton House Resort on the private island of Mustique, located in the archipelago of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the first property to provide one to guests. The lavish accommodation launched its curated selections in 1997 to combat guests’ dissatisfaction with the provided bedding. 

Soon after, in the early 2000s, other luxury brands such as Conrad Hotels, Sofitel, and the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai began to follow suit, with the latter giving guests a whopping 17 pillow options. Today, the trend has caught on, and even many mid-tier properties offer this amenity. 

Common Pillow Preferences

The most common pillow type is the standard rectangular polyester pillow, but another type of pillow may be more suitable to your sleep style. According to the Sleep Foundation, an estimated 60% of adults are side sleepers. A shredded memory foam and latex pillow that’s contoured to the shape of the neck to keep the spine in neutral alignment may be better for these folks, as well as for sleepers who lie flat on their back. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, will benefit from a flat pillow that’s under 3 inches high to prevent neck strain, particularly one made of down or an ultra-thin foam pillow with no contouring. 

Most hotel pillow menus let you choose only the fill material; however, luxury properties sometimes allow you to specify your fabric preference for the pillowcase as well, such as silk, satin, or cooling Egyptian cotton. Select high-end hotels even let guests opt for a magnetic pillow (a therapeutic pillow embedded with static magnets to relieve muscle tension), an anti-snore pillow designed to ease airflow, or an aromatic pillow infused with scents to relax the mind and body as you drift off. Many pillow menus will also accommodate size preference — standard, queen, king, Euro (a perfect square), and body or lumbar pillows.

Hotels That Let You Pick Your Pillow

In addition to Conrad Hotel and Sofitel properties, many Fairmont Hotel locations offer a pillow menu amenity. You’ll also find one at select JW Marriott properties, such as the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, and the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa in Australia. 

Beyond major hotel chains, several luxurious boutique hotels include the offering for guests, such as the Benjamin Royal Sonesta in New York City, which is famous for its curated Rest & Renew pillow menu with 10 options. Other examples include the Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin; the Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle, Washington; the Oxford Hotel in Bend, Oregon; and L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills, California. Do some digging before you book if you’d like a pillow preference at your accommodation, as many guests will tell you a good night’s rest is well worth going out of your way for.

If you’re familiar with flight-booking hacks, you’ll know that there’s often a sweet spot for when to make your reservations. Though the best time to book varies according to season, destination, and even the type of airline, one trend remains constant: Booking flights last-minute usually means you’ll shell out more. But it’s not always the same with hotels, which also operate on dynamic pricing strategies, but with different factors at play. Here’s what the data says about the best time to book hotel stays.  

When Last-Minute Booking Makes Sense

As properties look to fill unsold rooms, they often slash prices at the last minute. According to travel experts interviewed by Travel + Leisure, vacationers who booked within a week of their summer trips saved an average of 25% to 35%. However, that won’t always be the case (more on that below). Other travel experts suggest that 15 days ahead is, on average, the sweet spot between scoring low prices and retaining some choice about where to stay.

Travelers can use dedicated websites and apps that specialize in last-minute bookings, such as LateRooms, lastminute.com, and HotelTonight. (Just be aware of the downsides of booking with a third-party versus booking direct.) They’re an easy way to find out how the inventory is looking and what choices you have. It helps to be flexible with the neighborhood and to consider less popular room types, such as those lacking a view. Consider what’s important to you: price versus location, design, or particular amenities.

What About Vacation Rentals?

It’s a similar story if you prefer to use a vacation rental platform such as Airbnb. The finance decision-making specialists at NerdWallet carried out a survey that compared prices for U.S. Airbnb rentals from March 2025 to February 2026 and found that the sweet spot to book was three days ahead of a planned stay. Quoting prices for a one-bedroom unit, NerdWallet found the median price was $130 per night three days out, while booking even just a month ahead worked out to be at least $19 more per night. If you’re the type of traveler who likes spontaneity, this strategy can result in significant savings for your vacation budget.   

Be Wary of Events That Can Spike Demand

On the other hand, sometimes booking last-minute can backfire, particularly if you’re heading to a popular destination at the height of peak season and accommodations are limited to begin with. It’s also important to check if there are any special events, such as a significant sports game or a big-name concert, which might further limit hotel inventory. 

Take the example of Iceland: In the summer, demand for accommodation is always relatively high. But with a solar eclipse due on August 12, 2026, rates have soared because of overwhelming demand. In fact, some hotels in the remote Westfjords sold out two years in advance. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can find a better variety of accommodations and cheaper deals by traveling during lower-demand periods, known as the shoulder season.

Book Further in Advance if You Have a Particular Room in Mind

Some vacations are extra-special. In cases like this, if you have your heart set on a particular hotel, it pays to make your reservation sooner rather than later. Precisely how far in advance depends on how unique or desirable the accommodation is that you’re considering. Do some research well in advance to see whether there’s a hotel room that you’d be disappointed to miss out on. If there are plenty of options that you’d be happy with, there’s no need to settle on one of them months before you arrive, as you may be able to find a better deal by waiting.

Book With Free Cancellation as an Insurance Policy

While some hotels offer cheaper rates in the form of nonrefundable, nonchangeable bookings, these are not always the best value — because you might end up paying more if your plans change. According to a recent survey by Phocus Wright, seven out of 10 travelers prioritize flexible booking terms. Luckily, many hotels and online travel agents (OTAs, such as Expedia) allow travelers to reserve hotel rooms with free cancellation up until a certain date, even relatively last-minute. This varies according to the specific property. Some may require you lock in your plans up to a month in advance, while others allow you to cancel one or two days before without penalty. 

The latter type of reservation can be a useful tool for scoring a deal. In the days leading up to your stay, periodically check hotel booking comparison sites and the hotel’s own website to see if you can find a cheaper rate. If you manage to find the same room at a significantly lower price, or simply change your mind about where you want to stay, you’ll be able to cancel your original reservation free of charge.

Going through customs can be one of the most intimidating parts of travel. After a long international flight, you have to face the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who are responsible for inspecting arriving travelers and deciding who can enter the United States. The interaction may last only a minute or two, but it isn’t just about that face-to-face moment: CBP officers are trained to assess travelers quickly, using everything from travel records to declarations and even someone’s behavior. Here are a few of the things customs officers look for.

Inconsistencies in What They Already Know

By the time you reach a customs booth, officers already have access to information about your flight, travel history, and declaration forms. Their job is often more about verifying that everything matches up than uncovering new information. Customs officers are trained to compare what you say with the records available to them; typically, they’re looking for inconsistencies that might warrant further questions.

That means those seemingly routine questions — such as where you’re coming from, how long you were away, and what the purpose of your trip was — serve a practical purpose. Officers are looking for whether your answers are clear, consistent, and aligned with what they already know. Of course, inconsistencies don’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong, but they may trigger additional screening to clear things up.

Your Body Language and Behavior

CBP officers note that their assessments begin as soon as a traveler is in front of them. “The things you’re wearing, how your mannerisms are, all of those things can still come into play,” Nick Sunderhaus, branch chief at the CBP Field Operations Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, told Boston public radio station WBUR. Officers’ training exercises often involve actors portraying travelers with different personalities and behaviors, from overly friendly passengers to those who are distracted, evasive, or unusually nervous.

That doesn’t mean avoiding eye contact automatically makes someone suspicious. Officers encounter anxious travelers every day, but they do take note of body language and how someone responds during an interview, cataloging those observations along with everything else they know about the traveler. The best approach is to answer questions honestly and try not to add too much additional chit-chat at the customs booth.

What You Declare 

Customs isn’t just about people — it’s also about goods. What you bring into a country is just as much part of the inspection process as who you are or where you’ve been. Customs forms help capture this information: When you fill out your form online or in person, you’ll need to note any food, agricultural products, and other purchases that you didn’t have with you when you left. 

Depending on where you’ve been and for how long, travelers usually have a duty-free allowance (often $200, $800, or $1,600). Anything above that — or anything that isn’t properly declared — can be subject to duties or follow-up questions from officers. Items improperly declared could also be taken by customs. The best rule of thumb is an easy one to remember: When in doubt, declare it.

Your Luggage

Customs officers will also note whether your luggage aligns with the stated purpose and length of your trip. For instance, a short weekend visit with multiple large suitcases or a long stay with very little baggage may lead to some follow-up questions. Customs officers have the authority to inspect luggage if they feel the need, so it’s important to be truthful about whether or not there’s anything that should be declared in them.

How Prepared You Are

Having your passport ready, knowing the key parts of your itinerary, and being able to answer officers’ questions without hesitation are all part of a smooth customs experience. This preparedness is something officers notice early. Travelers who seem unsure about their own trip details will likely continue to face questions, not necessarily because you’re being treated as suspicious, but because officers are trained to resolve uncertainty.

Another way to try to avoid extra questions or baggage checks is to keep receipts for your purchases handy. Officers may ask to see them when confirming declarations, so being ready and having them on hand will help you enter the country sooner.

It may be true that all dogs go to heaven, but they can’t all go to Europe with you — at least not without jumping through quite a few hoops first. Until recently, Brits traveling with a pet to the European Union (of which they were a part before 2020’s Brexit) could do so easily enough with an EU pet passport, a travel document specifically for cats, dogs, and ferrets. (Sorry, every other animal.) However, as of April 2026, that’s no longer the case for British pet owners. Here are all the details.

Papers, Please

Traveling with pets requires a fair amount of extra planning and paperwork — particularly if you’re traveling overseas. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has a handy website that explains these many steps and directs you to look up the individual requirements of your destination country. 

If you live in the U.S., your pet does not need a U.S. passport. However, there are several other important documents to obtain. For example, if you’re traveling to France with Fido, you must meet the EU’s microchip and rabies vaccination requirements, consult an accredited veterinarian to issue an EU health certificate for your dog, and have the USDA endorse this certificate before you can enter the country. 

The EU pet passport aims to simplify this process if you’re moving between member states of the European Union, so you don’t have to obtain a health certificate for each individual country, which can be time-consuming and costly. 

Sadly, EU pet passports are not issued in the U.S. and are available only to EU residents, but reports suggest that non-European pet owners have been able to skirt those requirements and obtain one once they arrive in Europe (even though the rules officially do not allow for this). Obtaining an EU pet passport can be a major time-saver — not to mention far cheaper — for people who travel around Europe frequently with pets. 

New Regulations

Brits with pets were still able to obtain and use the EU pet passport even after Britain exited the EU in early 2020, but that changed earlier this year. And like many post-Brexit regulations, the new process is more arduous than the old one. 

“[Great Britain] residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU,” according to new guidance posted on the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website. “EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally.” 

Any pet passports issued prior to April 22, 2026, are no longer valid. The U.K.’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) now says that “anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination. To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.” ACHs must be issued within 10 days of entering the European Union and are valid for four months. 

According to The Guardian, some British pet owners have had to pay 250 pounds ($334) for a single ACH, though they can be less expensive at veterinary offices located near ports and the Chunnel — as low as 69 pounds ($92) for one pet and 94 pounds ($126) for two. Animal Health Certificates are single-use and limited to five pets per private vehicle — bad news for anyone who prefers to bring the whole gang on holiday with them.

The new rules don’t just affect normal pets, as service animals are beholden to them as well. In a statement to the BBC, Guide Dogs for the Blind said that “the cost and complexity of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate for every journey has prevented many guide dog owners from being able to work, attend important events, and travel independently.” The BBC spoke with several pet owners about the changes, some of whom now have to pay 500 pounds (about $667 USD) more than they were expecting to for their planned trip. Others have had to cancel their plans altogether.

Featured image credit: © Olga Yastremska—iStock/Getty Images 

With airfares, hotels, and food bills constantly on the rise, traveling is getting more expensive throughout the United States (and around the world). However, not all destinations hit the pocket the same. States with world-famous cities and big-name attractions are often assumed to be the front-runners when it comes to costs, but there are a lot of factors to consider. A new ranking by Timeshare Exit Team, a review website that helps timeshare owners find companies that can help them exit their timeshare, paints a surprising picture of the numbers state by state. Check out the five most expensive states in the contiguous U.S. to visit in 2026, per the study.

5. Florida

Average daily travel costs: $365.60

Florida ranks among the top 10 most-visited states. This is thanks in part to its mix of world-famous theme parks, vibrant cities, white-sand beaches, and year-round sunshine. While hotel rates average $151.75 per night, the real expense comes when you start exploring. Attraction fees are the state’s biggest cost, averaging $151.30 per person, per day. For example, adult single-day tickets for Walt Disney World now max out at $209 during peak periods.

Outside of Orlando, visitors often head for coastal cities like Destin, Key West, Miami, and St. Petersburg. With perpetually warm weather, tourist demand rarely dips, which means prices stay high. Fortunately, Florida does have plenty of affordable things to do that can help balance the budget. Both the Disney Wilderness Preserve and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, for instance, are free to visit. 

4. New York

Average daily travel costs: $380.71

The biggest tourism expense in New York state is finding a place to sleep. With accommodations averaging $259.84 per night, it’s one of the priciest states for overnight stays. Travelers also face the nation’s highest average taxi rates — and that’s before you’ve even thought about meals, drinks (the country’s most expensive), and entertainment. 

Perhaps surprisingly, daily attraction costs average a modest $24 — great news if you plan to visit Niagara Falls or the Big Apple’s many museums and galleries. Other budget-saving tips include traveling on the statewide network of affordable buses operated by Trailways or the free Staten Island Ferry, which comes with the added benefit of epic views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. 

3. California

Average daily travel costs: $389.33

The average daily accommodation price in the Golden State is $183.60, which is relatively low compared with other states in the study. However, attraction costs tell a different story. At $131.50, they are the highest in the country. From the theme parks of Southern California to aquariums, zoos, and sporting venues, sightseeing costs can quickly overtake what you spend on hotels.

The enormity of California also plays a role in budgeting. Many visitors try to squeeze places such as San Diego and Santa Barbara, one of the country’s most expensive cities, into a single trip, which adds to transportation and activity costs. Luckily, you’ll find dozens of free activities from north to south. Attending live talk show tapings or hugging trees at UC Davis Arboretum are two examples that won’t cost you a dime.

2. Massachusetts

Average daily travel costs: $413.87

Massachusetts attracts visitors with colonial heritage, prestigious universities, and scenic coastlines. But it’s the state with the second-highest cost of living, and traveling here comes at a high price, too. Nightly hotel rates average $329.54, putting a dent in your budget from the get-go. On a positive note, major attractions including the Freedom Trail and Boston Public Garden are free.

Beyond Boston, Massachusetts boasts 16 National Park Service sites, ranging from battlefields and historic homes to sweeping seashores. Resort destinations such as Cape Cod and Nantucket are longtime favorites for their lighthouse-studded beaches, charming villages, and seafood, but they’re notoriously pricey. A 2023 report named Nantucket as the world’s most expensive seaside resort, with the cheapest available hotel rooms near the beach averaging $694 per night.

1. South Carolina

Average daily travel costs: $450.07

Home to popular destinations such as Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is the most expensive state to visit in the U.S., according to Timeshare Exit Team. Hotel rates average $349.62 per night, while meals average $75 per day, the most expensive nationally in the study. 

With some careful planning, however, South Carolina’s expense shouldn’t necessarily be a deterrent to visiting. Beaches, historic districts, and waterfront promenades can be enjoyed for little or no cost. Similarly, the picturesque downtown streets of Charleston and Columbia are best explored on foot. And the state’s only national park, Congaree National Park, has free admission year-round, as does Lynches River County Park.  

About the data: This ranking draws on a study conducted by Timeshare Exit Team, shared with Travel + Leisure, which calculated the average per-person daily cost of travel across each of the 48 contiguous states. (The study excluded Alaska and Hawaii.) Costs analyzed included accommodation, attraction admission fees, transport, food and drink, and other everyday spending. 

In the 1950s and 1960s — what many consider the golden age of air travel — a simple hop across the Atlantic from New York to London usually required a fuel stop in Gander, Newfoundland. Today, however, you can fly nonstop from New York to Singapore — a journey of more than 9,500 miles — in around 19 hours. That’s currently the world’s longest nonstop passenger flight, but a longer route is on the horizon. It’s been in the works for close to a decade, and in 2027, travelers will finally be able to book tickets. Here are all the details. 

Project Sunrise

In 2017, Australian flag carrier Qantas announced its intention to connect the east coast of Australia to both London and New York with nonstop flights for the first time. Dubbing the new service “Project Sunrise,” the airline described it as the “final frontier of aviation” due to the distance between the respective cities (upwards of 10,000 miles) — farther than the range of any commercial aircraft currently in service.

Qantas currently flies to both cities, but not nonstop. To reach New York from Sydney, you’ll need to fly via Auckland; the Auckland-to-JFK route is currently one of the world’s 10 longest nonstop flights. London flights require a layover in either Singapore or Perth, Australia, with the latter also ranking among the longest nonstop routes currently in service. 

Interestingly, Qantas has a long history on the London route, also known as the Kangaroo Route. When it launched in the 1940s, the flying time was as long as 58 hours, requiring refueling stops in seven cities en route.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR

Enter the Airbus A350-1000ULR, which completed its first test flight in June 2026. It’s an upgraded version of the Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft, currently in service with airlines such as British Airways and Qatar Airways. “ULR” stands for “ultra-long-range,” and indeed, the A350ULR boasts additional fuel capacity that gives it the greatest range of any commercial aircraft. It is capable of flying for up to 22 hours nonstop. 

Thus far, Qantas has ordered 12 of these planes, the first of which (named Vega) is scheduled for delivery in April 2027, after years of delays. Qantas plans to launch the new Sydney-to-London flights in October 2027, with tickets going on sale in February of next year. (New York flights will be announced at a later date.) The flight between Sydney and London covers a distance of 10,573 miles and will take up to 22 hours. 

Inside Qantas’ New Planes

Flying such long distances clearly takes a toll on the body, something Qantas took into consideration when designing the cabins of the new planes. The interior includes a lighting system meant to mimic sunrise and sunset. It’s based on circadian-rhythm science, helping passengers adjust to each time zone and minimize jet lag upon arrival. 

The airline is planning the lowest-density configuration of any Airbus A350 in service, with only 238 seats. (In contrast, the A350-1000s at Qatar Airways have up to 395 seats.) More than 40% of the seats on Qantas’ planes will be premium, with six first-class suites, 52 business-class suites, and 40 premium-economy seats, the latter of which are wider and roomier than those found in standard economy. Toward the back of the plane, travelers will find 140 economy seats, some of which will offer an extra inch or two of legroom.

Qantas is also introducing a new concept called the “Wellbeing Zone” between the economy and premium economy cabins. It’s meant to promote movement, stretching, and hydration throughout the flight. The dedicated space will feature sculpted wall panels to lean on that are equipped with stretch handles, monitors with a guided on-screen movement program, and a hydration station with a selection of refreshments.

No matter which cabin you’re traveling in, you should find plenty to keep you entertained during your 20-plus hours in the sky. Qantas’ A350ULR will offer fast and free Wi-Fi in all cabins, Bluetooth audio connectivity for personal devices, and seatback entertainment screens with hundreds of TV shows and movies on demand.

Featured image credit: Image courtesy of Qantas

Whether you fly United, Delta, Southwest, or another major airline, the odds are high that you’ll end up sitting in a blue seat. By some estimates, as much as 80% to 90% of airplane seats feature some shade of blue. This is more than just a coincidence — there are reasons why so many airlines choose the color blue for seating. Not only do these blue seats offer practical benefits, but the color blue also has surprising psychological benefits. Here’s a closer look at why passenger planes typically have blue seating.

Blue Helps Conceal Visual Flaws

With so many passengers spilling drinks and eating crumby foods, airplane cabins inevitably get dirty. While crews clean cabins regularly, they can do only so much to get rid of wine stains and other pesky blemishes in the short time between flights. Plus, seats wear down the more that people sit in them. To help conceal those stains and wear, many airlines rely on dark blue seating.

In an interview with Reader’s Digest, travel expert Rishi Kapoor explained that dark blue does a better job than other colors and tones in hiding imperfections. By installing dark blue seating, airlines can mask visual flaws and avoid the frequent need to refurbish or replace those seats.

Blue Makes People Feel Calm

Whether you’re an anxious flyer or not, you probably want to have as pleasant and calm a flight as possible. The color blue can help you achieve that. As aircraft manufacturer Boeing explained, “Color psychology plays an important role in developing the overall look [of an airplane cabin].” According to color psychologists, blue is a soothing color that promotes tranquility, trust, and dependability.

Blue is also widely viewed as a positive color across a variety of cultures. So, no matter where a plane’s passengers are from, they’re likely to feel an instinctual sense of tranquility if blue tones are found throughout the cabin.

Blue Makes Flyers Feel Cool

Airlines try to keep airplane cabins cool for a variety of reasons, a major one being to lessen the risk of temperature-related medical incidents. While this is achieved through turning down the thermostat, airlines also use blue seating to essentially “trick” passengers into feeling colder.

Color psychologist Virginia Tripp explained to Boeing that “colors can influence a person’s perception of humidity, temperature, and aroma.” Research suggests the color blue can even lower a person’s heart rate and body temperature. Similar colors such as gray also have this effect, which is why gray is another popular choice for airplane seats.

Blue Works Well With Lighting

Blue seats also blend in well with the LED lighting often used in aircraft cabins. Many airlines use LED lights tinted purple or cool white as part of an effort to minimize jet lag. Blue seats work in harmony with those colors, creating a more cohesive feeling throughout the cabin, and thus a more relaxed vibe.

Blue Represents Brand Identity

Though the color blue may have initially been selected for practical and psychological reasons, it has since become part of the branding for many airlines, such as United, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and, of course, JetBlue. And usually, there’s no incentive to change that. The more familiar the flying experience is, the more relaxed passengers are likely to be on their journeys.

For many Americans, retiring abroad isn’t just a pipe dream. A recent Harris poll reported that 52% of Americans believe they can achieve a better quality of life by moving abroad, and some estimates put the number of retirees living outside the U.S. at more than 700,000. Those who choose to move to another country in retirement will have likely done their research, but beyond accommodations, health care, and living costs, there are some unexpected expenses that many people overlook. Here’s a look at the hidden costs of retiring abroad.

Getting the Paperwork Right

From immigration and visa fees to real estate transfer costs and local government charges, there are a slew of payments to make on top of regular living expenses when you choose to move abroad. The U.S. Department of State suggests hiring a financial adviser to get country-specific information and to “seek professional legal advice before settling abroad.” When reading up online about what to expect, use trusted sources such as government websites and cross-check information to make sure the advice you’re following is accurate.    

Paying Taxes in More Than One Location

When it comes to taxation, the U.S. Department of State’s advice is absolutely clear: “Leaving the United States does not exempt U.S. citizens from their U.S. tax obligations.” In fact, the U.S. is one of only two countries (with Eritrea) that taxes its citizens no matter where they live. The department adds, “If you retire abroad, you must also obey the tax laws of your new country.” 

Depending on personal circumstances, the IRS says that U.S. retirees who move abroad may qualify for certain exemptions, such as foreign-earned income exclusion or a foreign tax credit, but you can only qualify by filing a U.S. tax return. Depending on where you settle, you may also be able to benefit from bilateral tax treaties. Regardless, it makes sense to book an appointment with a tax adviser that specializes in foreign residency to be sure of your obligations and avoid any hefty and unexpected bills.

Currency Fluctuations

Exchange rate fluctuations are part and parcel of making transactions in a foreign country. Even though they are an everyday occurrence, currency issues can still have lasting consequences, from day-to-day living expenses to the value of any overseas property you own. Opening a multicurrency account, as recommended by HSBC Expat, can be a helpful tool to manage your finances. Rate alerts might also be advantageous, as they enable you to monitor the market.

Building a New Life for Yourself

With more time on your hands, a new place to explore, and the chance to become part of a new community, there are many upsides to retiring in a new country. But whether it’s learning the language or joining like-minded companions to enjoy your hobbies, it often comes at a cost.

For instance, a week’s tuition at the Antigüeña Spanish Academy in Guatemala (taking classes for six hours a day) will set you back $200. And green fees for a round of golf in Spain can range from $60 to over $400 depending on where you play. To stick within your budget, you might choose to focus on hobbies and interests that don’t cost as much yet still provide the opportunity to get to know your new neighbors.

Flights To See Family and Friends Back Home

Even if you’ve chosen to relocate a relatively short distance from the U.S., you’ll still have to budget for travel costs if you plan to return home for a visit. Airfares with budget airlines like Viva or Volaris from Mexico to cities north of the border can be cheap, but if you’ve chosen to move to Europe, you’ll need to budget considerably more for each time you return home. Thankfully, staying with friends and family can help keep the price of a trip home lower than a typical vacation. However, you’ll still be impacted by hard-to-predict costs such as increases in the price of aviation fuel (and thus tickets) triggered by political unrest.

Missing Out on Other Travel Opportunities

Sometimes, the costs associated with being a retiree abroad aren’t financial. Instead, they’re opportunity costs. You may have envisioned using your new base to explore the wider region — say, picturing yourself living in London and hopping back and forth to Europe’s most enticing destinations on a whim. But with a fixed budget, you may be in for a reality check. Plus, a roving retirement can be exhausting over time. You may prefer to concentrate on growing deeper roots in one place than to spread yourself too thin by trying to see everything and everywhere.