Every day, more than 3 million people fly in and out of U.S. airports, but it’s fair to say that most passengers do so with little insight about what really goes on behind the scenes. From why your snack options are limited to the not-so-great truth about airplane coffee, many cockpit and cabin decisions are more strategic — and, let’s be honest, cost-driven — than they appear. Here are eight things that airlines won’t tell you.

The Snacks Aren’t Random

In the 1950s, passengers came to expect a full meal every time they flew, even on short flights. Today, you’ll most likely get a small package of pretzels, nuts, or cookies — a shift that began in the 1970s to help reduce costs and keep airfares low amid increased competition. So, how are those few staple snacks chosen? 

According to interviews with airline executives, it’s a combination of factors, and one of them is the snack’s weight, since every extra pound on board means more fuel consumed. Snacks are also chosen for their flavor profile (since our ability to detect sweet and salty flavors drops by about 30%at altitude), and their suppliers, who must be able to deliver millions of peanut-free, shelf-stable packs reliably and cost-effectively. Airlines have dedicated food and beverage teams that choose the snacks, aided by on-board taste tests by the flight crew, and they encourage customers to provide feedback, since passenger preferences also have a lot to do with what gets served on board.

Turbulence Is the Most Common Cause of Injury

Airplane seat belts aren’t exactly high-tech, but they are effective. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that the most common cause of injury on an airplane is turbulence — more specifically, when passengers aren’t buckled in during a sudden pocket of rough air. Modern aircraft are, of course, built to withstand heavy jolts, but your body isn’t. One thing airline crews will tell you is that using the restroom or reaching into an overhead bin can wait until that seat belt light is turned off.

Planes Can Fly With Some Broken Equipment

In an iconic Friends episode, in an attempt to get Rachel off a flight, Phoebe tells her that there’s a problem with her plane’s “left phalange.” In real life, there is no phalange on a plane, and even if there were, the aircraft might be able to fly without it. Commercial planes have a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) — essentially a manual of what must be working or in place before the plane can legally take off. If something such as a coffee maker malfunctions, airlines don’t necessarily need to cancel the flight, but it must be either repaired before departure or officially deferred under the MEL for repair later. Of course, other more critical systems, such as navigation or hydraulics, must be fixed before a plane can take off.

Pilots Aren’t Allowed To Eat the Same Food

Many airlines require the captain and first officer to eat different meals. This way, if one pilot gets sick, the other can take over flying and land the plane safely. While it’s not an FAA regulation, this policy is standard within the industry. It doesn’t just apply to a pilot’s time on board the plane, either. “When pilots are not on the plane, they still have to be mindful about the type of food they eat,” former airline pilot Dan Bubb told Reader’s Digest. Pilots and flight attendants are also allowed to bring their own food for flights.

Flights Are Overbooked on Purpose

Airlines don’t just accidentally sell too many tickets on a given flight — it’s all part of their revenue strategy. Since a certain percentage of passengers will almost always miss a flight or cancel at the last minute, overbooking ensures planes stay full, maximizing revenue. Most of the time, the system works smoothly and no one notices. But when more people show up than expected, passengers may be asked to voluntarily switch flights in exchange for travel or accommodation vouchers. If no one volunteers, the airline can choose to involuntarily bump passengers — a legal, if very frustrating, practice.

Sitting Near the Back Might Lead to Better Service

Many passengers avoid choosing a seat in the back rows, instead selecting a seat near the front for a faster exit. But savvy travelers know that sometimes those back seats come with perks. As flight attendant Annie Kingston shared in a blog post for Oyster, “We like to avoid responding to call bells from the front of the plane,” since carrying items through the cabin can spark copycat requests. Limited supplies of things like alcoholic beverages or pillows can make this tricky. But in the back, Kingston says, it’s easier to do little favors for passengers, “like slipping in that second mini bottle of wine,” according to Kingston.

You Probably Shouldn’t Drink the Coffee

A cup of hot coffee can really do the trick on an early morning flight, but the truth is that even flight attendants try to avoid it. Coffee and tea on planes are brewed with water from the onboard tanks. These tanks aren’t emptied or cleaned between every flight — or even very often at all, according to one former flight attendant’s helpful TikTok. 

And while the water is treated and tested to meet safety standards, its reputation among crew is less than stellar. “I never drank the tap water,” former flight attendant Sue Fogwell told Travel + Leisure. If you really need a caffeine fix, you may have to line up at Starbucks in the terminal before your flight, or ask the flight attendants for a can of Coke or Pepsi instead.

Booking as a Group Might Cost You More

Booking multiple tickets at once may be the simplest option for a large group, but it may not work in your favor when it comes to airline pricing strategies. When you search for, say, four tickets, the system looks for four seats in the same fare class. If only two are left at the lowest price, the airline won’t split them. Instead, it’ll bump the whole group up to the next-highest fare. For very large groups, some airlines may offer a special rate, but if you’re just trying to book a getaway with your friends or family, it may be better to try buying individual tickets.

Planning to pack personal beauty products for your next getaway? While certain products pose little to no risk in the comfort of your own home, they can be a potential problem when stowed inside your checked luggage. Recently, the TSA banned three specific items from checked bags, amid concerns over the fact that they contain hazardous materials that could be inadvertently activated mid-flight. So, before you head to the airport and have your personal items confiscated, here’s what you need to know about the TSA’s new rules.

A Hairy Situation

In August 2025, the TSA announced a new ban on any “cordless curling irons containing a gas cartridge,” along with “butane-fueled curling irons.” Cordless flat irons are also subject to this same rule. However, the ban applies only to checked luggage, so you’re permitted to travel with these types of irons inside your carry-on bag.

The ban aims to limit the risk of accidental activation. If checked luggage moves around the cargo hold and bumps into something, it could theoretically cause a cordless iron inside to accidentally power on, increasing the risk that it might ignite something and start a fire. As a result of the new policy, you can expect TSA agents to confiscate any cordless irons they find in a checked suitcase.

These irons are permitted in your carry-on bag (with a limit of one per passenger), provided they have a safety cover that prevents the heating element from easily turning on. In the unlikely event that the device does power on while the plane is in motion, you will be able to reach into your carry-on and turn the iron off. Note that electric curling irons (i.e., ones that plug into an outlet) aren’t restricted and can continue to be stored in checked or carry-on luggage.

Lastly, the TSA has also prohibited gas refills (spare cartridges) for cordless irons under any circumstances. You won’t be able to bring these types of cartridges onto the plane, whether inside a checked suitcase or a carry-on bag, since they contain potentially hazardous and combustible materials.

How To Protect Your Device

While the odds of your curling iron causing an issue are slim, it never hurts to come prepared. For added protection, consider traveling with a heat-resistant silicone pouch. This affordable product fits any standard hair straightener or curling iron and provides a safe buffer that keeps heat in, should the device accidentally power up.

Other TSA Banned Items

It’s not just curling irons that pose a risk. Earlier this year, the TSA also banned lithium batteries in checked luggage. These batteries — found in portable chargers, power banks, and similar devices — caused 84 incidents in 2024 in which they produced smoke or caught on fire. 

Because of the frequency at which these incidents occur, many airline crews are trained to recognize and deal with lithium battery malfunctions should they arise. However, it’s far easier to tackle the problem if the battery is contained inside a person’s carry-on bag, rather than bags in the aircraft’s cargo hold.

In early September, the TSA took to social media to clarify that toothbrushes are another potential problem area. In an X post, the agency wrote, “Traveling with your electric toothbrush, or other items that buzz? If they have an installed lithium battery you should pack them in your carry-on bag. Any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries must be placed in a carry-on bag.”

Whether because you overslept, got caught in traffic, or simply didn’t allot enough time, you might end up sprinting through the airport trying to catch your flight. Sprinting can lead to sweating, and did you know that could inadvertently raise suspicions at airport security? While there’s obviously no rule that prohibits perspiring, excessive sweat is known to trigger alarms, and as a result, TSA agents may pull you aside to investigate. Here’s a closer look at why this happens and what you can do to avoid being flagged.

Why Sweat Raises Alarms

A recent CNN report investigated an uptick in passengers being pulled aside for excessive sweat, particularly during the busy summer travel season. According to a TSA spokesperson, “added moisture from a person’s body can alter the density of clothing, so it is possible perspiration may cause our Advanced Imaging Technology machines to alarm.” In other words, it’s not exactly the sweat itself causing issues, but rather the effect that sweat has on your clothing.

The TSA began introducing new AIT machines in 2007. They are programmed to flag any visual anomalies in a person’s appearance that could be indicative of a potential threat; however, the technology isn’t perfect. While the devices have undergone recent improvements — such as being upgraded to produce higher resolution scans — they’re still prone to errors. False alarms are frequently triggered by unexpected patterns and shapes, including sweat stains under the arms or on other parts of your clothing.

Airport security expert Shawna Malvani Redden explained to USA Today that it’s not the sweat itself triggering machines, but the large, dark, wet stains. The “darker shadow” is processed by the machines in the same way they would process the dark shape of a hidden weapon. Redden adds this is “due to the privacy software that protects passengers from having naked images of them produced by the scanners.” Because of this, the machines can offer details only “about an anomaly’s general location,” but lack any additional “information about exactly where or what the object might be.”

What if This Happens to You?

It’s frustrating to be pulled aside at airport security for any reason, but it’s especially annoying if it has to do with an unavoidable bodily process such as sweating. No traveler likes being singled out as part of an already-time-consuming screening process, and the stress may cause you to sweat even more.

There’s nothing to worry about too much, though. If a TSA agent pulls you aside for an additional screening, simply follow their instructions and you’ll be on your way before long. The officer will likely pat you down, perhaps putting an extra focus on the parts of your body that triggered the alarms. If you’d prefer some additional privacy instead of being patted down out in the open, you can request to be taken into a private room. Once the officer confirms that there’s nothing dangerous on your person, you’ll be free to proceed into the airport.

Other Potential Alarm Triggers

It’s not just excessive sweat stains that are causing travelers issues, as the newer AIT screening machines are frequently set off by other common, yet harmless triggers. Thicker clothing may prevent AIT machines from getting an accurate reading, and certain feminine products, prosthetics, and medical devices have also been known to set off alarms. Even some hairstyles and religious head coverings such as scarves and turbans have triggered extra screenings. Larger-bodied fliers have also reported being flagged more frequently than comparatively slim travelers. The machines sometimes also detect cysts, hernias, and other dense bumps underneath the skin.

Of course, while you can always wear thinner clothing, the rest of these potential problem areas are somewhat unavoidable. Just be aware of the heightened risk that you may set off the machine and be pulled aside for further screening. It’s a nuisance, yes, but if you arrive early at the airport, you’ll have plenty of time to make your flight — plus, you can follow our other tips to speed through security faster.

Given the fact that many airlines — especially low-cost airlines — charge for seat selection, it’s tempting to skip that add-on if you’re traveling on a budget or if you’re flying solo. But if you do opt to select your seat in advance, either for free or for a fee, you may be wondering if it really matters what time you check in for a flight. And if you’re checking bags, why waste time checking in online when you have to visit the counter at the airport anyway? However, the 24-hour window to check in online before your departure does matter for a number of reasons — here’s why you shouldn’t wait to do it until you get to the airport. 

You Often Get Better Seats

It’s always better to have options: If you didn’t pay to select a seat ahead of time, checking in to your flight early will ensure that you can choose between a window or an aisle seat before the rest of the seats on the plane are assigned. If other passengers beat you to the punch, chances are that you’ll end up with the dreaded middle seat and be unable to pay for an alternative or request a swap — especially if you have limited mobility and need to easily get in and out of your row, or if you wish to be seated closer to the bathroom. Selecting your seat ahead of time when you purchase your flight is a surefire way to avoid a headache, but if you opt to wait until check-in opens, make sure you grab your boarding pass right away. 

You May Have Upgrade Opportunities 

Some airlines allow you to secure paid upgrades at check-in, so if there are only one or two upgrades available, the early bird will get the worm. These upgrade offers are often a great deal, particularly if the airline wants to fill unsold seats in the front cabin. Additionally, many airlines will upgrade frequent flyers who hold elite status in the days leading up to departure, which may free up better seats in the back of the plane. Likewise, some economy-class seats may be blocked for operational reasons or sold for an extra fee, but if they remain empty or unsold, they could become available to select for free come check-in time. Again, the early bird gets the worm, so it’s always worth checking the seat map as soon as check-in opens to see if your options have changed.

You Could Board the Plane Faster

On some airlines, boarding order is determined by check-in time, so being among the first to check in means you can get situated on the plane before other passengers. For example, on Southwest Airlines, those who receive a boarding number that starts with A, based on check-in time, will also get to pick their own seats first, beating out those in B or C groups. Checking in early online will ensure a better boarding zone, so you don’t have to be the last on the plane. Boarding earlier can also help you secure overhead bin space for your carry-on. Note, however, that Southwest is changing its policy in 2026.

You Can Avoid Check-In Lines at the Counter

Although it’s generally recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, many passengers often mismanage time and end up in long counter lines. This can be especially true if they didn’t check in online and still need a seat or to purchase carry-on or checked bags. If you’re not checking your bag — or flying internationally and need to show your passport to an agent — you can often skip the physical counter line and head straight to TSA inspection if you’ve already checked in online and have your boarding pass on your phone. Even if you have to visit the counter to check a bag, some airlines have special shortcut lines at the airport for those who already have their boarding pass. And if you have an international leg, most airlines will allow you to fill out your passport information online during check-in, so the process can be even quicker. 

You Make Sure You Actually Have a Seat

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines are allowed to oversell flights to compensate for the fact that many travelers no-show for their flights. You never want to be the person who arrives at the airport only to realize that you don’t have a seat if the plane is overbooked. If you’re the last person to check in, you may be the passenger who is cut from the roster and bumped to a later flight, so checking in early can help you avoid this scenario.

If you think you need to break the bank for an amazing all-American vacation, think again. While coastal hot spots such as New York City and San Francisco regularly draw hordes of tourists, they also attract attention for their eye-watering prices. Many of the country’s most desirable destinations welcome visitors with incredible experiences and surprisingly inexpensive prices. These cities are packed with enticing culinary scenes, stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unrivaled cultural attractions. From the musical heritages of Memphis, Nashville, and Kansas City to Washington, D.C.’s free world-class museums, these budget-friendly destinations show that memorable vacations don’t have to command a premium price. Here are six of our favorite surprisingly affordable U.S. cities to visit.

Kansas City, Missouri

It’s easy to see why this Midwest gem consistently ranks among America’s most affordable major cities to visit. Located less than three hours by plane from either coast, Kansas City offers an easy and affordable way to gather friends and family in one central location.

In particular, the city’s cultural attractions often punch well above their price point. From fountain tours (KC has more public fountains than any city except Rome) to free brewery samples, impressive museums, and an extensive parks system, Kansas City delivers top-notch experiences at reasonable prices. 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission to its world-class collections, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial charges just $18 for adults. The historic 18th & Vine Jazz District provides free outdoor concerts during summer months. Baseball games at Kauffman Stadium start around $15, and the Power & Light District offers free entertainment year-round. From the free Hallmark art workshop Kaleidoscope to the award-winning Science City at Union Station, there’s plenty of affordable fun to be had in Kansas City. 

And then, there’s the food. Sizzling steaks, handcrafted cocktails, and fresh, local produce — you’ll find it all in Kansas City. The city’s legendary barbecue scene offers incredible value; at spots such as Joe’s Kansas City and LC’s Bar-B-Q, diners can expect to enjoy hearty meals for less than $25. And don’t forget the free streetcar system, which connects downtown attractions and cuts down on transportation costs.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital might seem expensive, but it’s actually one of America’s best travel values when you consider what’s free. Attractions that might command over a hundred dollars for a family elsewhere cost nothing here: All Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, some Kennedy Center performances, and many monuments are absolutely free. The excellent and affordable Metro system makes getting around easy (and also makes suburban stays in nearby Virginia and Maryland an attractive option for lodging).

Although D.C. boasts many Michelin-recognized restaurants, food trucks and casual spots regularly offer meals for well below $20. The diverse international dining scene provides excellent affordable and midrange options, including cuisine from Iran, Colombia, Croatia, and more.

Tours of the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress are also free, and even visiting the Washington Monument costs only a dollar. Countless cultural events — including the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Fourth of July celebrations — similarly cost nothing, while biking or strolling the Tidal Basin and National Mall are a great way to explore the country’s history.

Memphis, Tennessee

Delivering authentic culture at affordable prices, Memphis should not be missed. Hotels are generally affordable in the “Home of the Blues” — even a night at the landmark Peabody Hotel can be enjoyed for less than $200. (And don’t miss the legendary duck parade!)

Barbecue joints like Central BBQ and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken serve generous portions for reasonable prices. Another highlight is the soul food at the Four Way: The restaurant was a favorite of leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson. To this day, the affordable home cooking can’t be beat.

After you enjoy a meal, the iconic musical history of Memphis begs to be explored. Graceland tours start at $42, but the Blues Hall of Fame is just $15 for adults, and many outdoor concerts at Tom Lee Park are free. The city is also a nonstop whirl of festivals bringing in nationally known performers: Check out RiverBeat, Shell Fest, and the International Blues Challenge for a taste.

Many clubs offer free live music during the early evening hours, while legendary music venues along Beale Street often have minimal cover charges of around $5 to $10. Memphis’ compact downtown makes many attractions walkable, and the free trolley system connects major points of interest.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Combining stunning natural beauty with reasonable costs, Colorado Springs offers a Rocky Mountain vacation priced significantly lower than destinations such as Aspen or Vail. The city is home to the iconic Broadmoor Hotel, and even if you’re not splurging for an overnight stay, you can still enjoy a drink in the opulent lobby and a stroll around the immaculate grounds.

For a mountain destination, dining costs in Colorado Springs remain modest. The craft brewery scene offers excellent value, with tasting flights often costing less than $15. Local stores also stock hiking supplies and picnic ingredients at reasonable prices, making it easy to take advantage of the area’s natural attractions.

The world-famous hiking and rock formations at Garden of the Gods are completely free, and even touring by car provides an accessible glimpse at the park’s grandeur. The cog railway to the top of Pikes Peak’s purple mountain majesty costs a steep $58, but for those willing to splurge, it offers an unforgettable experience. On the other hand, driving your own car up the winding road to the top costs $18 per adult (or $65 per vehicle for up to five passengers), plus a $2 timed-entry permit during peak season. (No matter how you get to the summit, be sure to indulge in a “donut in the sky” while you’re there.) 

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio consistently ranks among America’s most affordable major cities, and the compact downtown keeps transportation costs to a minimum. Mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine offers plentiful portions at pleasing prices, happy hour specials abound, and the city’s numerous food halls provide tasty variety on a budget. 

The city has plenty of free and low-cost attractions, too. The picturesque River Walk costs nothing to explore, while narrated boat tours run approximately $15 to $25. The four historic Spanish colonial missions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park charge no admission, and many festivals throughout the year are free to attend. 

The San Antonio Museum of Art, meanwhile, offers free admission for residents and discounted days for visitors. Historic Market Square hosts free cultural events, and the King William Historic District provides excellent and affordable walking tours. With a low-cost public transportation network and free parking in many areas, Alamo City delivers rich cultural experiences and historic significance at budget-friendly prices.

Nashville, Tennessee

While Music City has been gaining popularity in recent years, it’s still possible to find affordable lodging, transportation, and dining options — which means that your Nashville getaway doesn’t have to break the bank. Nashville’s legendary music scene often offers incredible value: Many honky-tonk venues on Broadway provide free live music daily, while cover charges at premium venues rarely exceed $15. The Country Music Hall of Fame costs $26, but the city hosts numerous free outdoor concerts year-round, especially during CMA Fest and other festivals. 

Famous hot chicken spots such as Hattie B’s serve generous portions for under $20, while emerging neighborhoods including the Gulch and Music Row provide excellent midrange dining options. Free activities abound, from exploring the full-scale Parthenon replica at Centennial Park to walking around the vibrant murals throughout the city.

Have you ever dreamed of traveling not just to a destination, but to a specific moment in time? With retro travel, you can do just that. This vacation trend is all about creating new memories in nostalgic settings. Imagine sipping a malted milkshake at a 1950s-style diner or watching a St. Tropez sunset aboard a classic 1960s-era Riva boat. Retro travel invites you to bridge the gap between past and present, connecting you to your favorite moments in time — or moments you wish you could have experienced firsthand. Find out how to celebrate the joy of “the good old days” by embracing the retro travel trend.

Why Time Travel Is Trending

Nostalgic travel is on the rise. According to research from Hilton Hotels, “recreating memories” ranks as the third-most popular reason for leisure travel in the United States in 2025. Furthermore, 58% of global travelers expressed their desire to visit destinations tied to their childhood.

The term “retro,” by definition, describes something that is imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past. But the retro travel trend is also about personal connections to these memories. You might be dreaming of wandering the streets of London like your favorite band, the Beatles, did in the 1960s. Or perhaps you’d like to soak up the sun in the streets of Miami, surrounded by 1920s art deco architecture and swaying palms. Retro travel can also be as simple as taking a day trip to a drive-in movie theater or renting a spot at your favorite childhood campground. Essentially, if it stirs up memories from the not-so-distant past, it qualifies as retro. Below, explore a few ideas for your next retro getaway.

Set Out on an Americana Road Trip 

A road trip is one of the most nostalgic ways to see the U.S. While there are many worthwhile routes to choose from, none captures the essence of classic Americana quite like Route 66. Spanning from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, this highway features all the key elements of a bygone era, from roadside diners and motels to kitschy attractions and quirky museums.

At the eastern end of Route 66, you’ll find one of Chicago’s oldest diners still in operation, Lou Mitchell’s. This classic eatery has been fueling travelers with all-day breakfast since 1923, three years before Route 66 first opened. On the opposite end of the route lies Santa Monica Pier, home to one of the best photo ops on Route 66: the famous “End of the Trail” sign. 

Whichever way you travel, the journey is just as memorable as the destination. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for eccentric roadside attractions that make Route 66 a nostalgia-fueled ride. Oklahoma’s Blue Whale of Cantoosa, Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, are among the many highlights.

Embark on a Retro Riviera Tour

Picture this: You’re relaxing at a stylish beach club under striped umbrellas while enjoying a refreshing spritz or traditional gelato, just as iconic Hollywood stars did on the Italian and French Rivieras during the mid-20th century.

Today, you can embrace the spirit of la dolce vita (Italian for “the sweet life”) in the picturesque Italian fishing village of Portofino, where legends including Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable frequently vacationed. One of the most glamorous hotels in the region, Splendido, was known to host royals and celebrities during these halcyon days. Elevate your stay by chartering a classic mahogany Riva boat, a symbol of sophistication during this era.

On the French Riviera, seaside retreats such as Nice, Monaco, St. Tropez, and Cannes also offer a taste of Old Hollywood magic. Explore chic hotels, retro beach clubs, and French vintage markets, or partake in some Gatsby-inspired sightseeing at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Built in the early 20th century, this bubblegum-pink villa features nine themed gardens that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. And don’t forget the timeless Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, a staple of the French Riviera, with vintage sports cars parked outside the glamorous Belle Époque-style building.

Set Sail on a Transatlantic Ocean Liner

Before the Jet Age, to cross the Atlantic aboard ocean liners often took a week or so, but those lucky travelers could take advantage of the leisurely pace with ballroom dancing, gourmet meals, and evenings beneath the stars.

Reminiscent of a floating time machine, the Queen Mary 2 is the only modern version of an ocean liner sailing today, transporting guests between New York City and Southampton, England. This isn’t your typical cruise ship — you won’t find any waterslides or thrill rides — but the Queen Mary 2 epitomizes the spirit of the classic ocean liner.

While aboard, guests are invited to take afternoon tea on the high seas, attend a black tie gala, or sip Champagne to the backdrop of live music. For an added touch of nostalgia, consider booking your getaway through a tour company like Ahoy Vintage Cruises, where you can immerse yourself in themed itineraries, such as a 1920s art deco journey aboard the ship.

Explore a Themed Hotel

Sometimes, the hotel itself is the destination, where you can fully immerse yourself in your chosen retro time period. Take, for example, the Très Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inspired by Wes Anderson’s unique filmmaking style, this hotel features suites with names such as “the Rushmore” and “the Moonrise,” and it leans into the retro theme with a candy-hued 1960s color palette, funky decor, and mismatched furniture.

In Spain’s Balearic Islands, the Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel brings the atmosphere of Miami’s Ocean Drive in the 1970s and ’80s to the Mediterranean. This playful beachside retreat feels like stepping into a time capsule. It features bold and bright suites equipped with vintage amenities, including Marshall speakers and Smeg refrigerators.

Back in the United States, the TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport stands out as one of the most nostalgic accommodations in the country. This mid-century modern marvel transports visitors back to the golden age of air travel; in fact, it’s housed in the iconic TWA terminal at JFK that opened in 1962 and reopened as the hotel in 2019. One of its most notable features is the restored 1958 Lockheed Constellation aircraft parked outside, which has been converted into a bar called Connie. The TWA Hotel recently won the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Award for the Best Airport Hotel in North America, proving that nostalgia-influenced travel remains more popular than ever.