Some states boast a low cost of living, which may appeal to people looking for a change of pace without breaking the bank. But in other U.S. states, you may end up experiencing sticker shock. Here’s a look at 10 U.S. states with the highest cost of living, according to 2025 data from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

10. Maine

Percentage above national cost-of-living average: 13.4% 

Maine has the 10th-highest cost of living among U.S. states. This is due largely to the Pine Tree State’s high housing costs, as Mainers pay about 33% more for their homes than the average American. Prices are especially high in Kennebunkport: According to Stacker (using data provided by Zillow), homes here average around $1.082 million, making it the most expensive region in Maine to buy property. But despite the state’s high housing prices, other costs are more affordable. Transportation fees are only 4% higher than the national average, whereas groceries are a mere 0.3% pricier.

9. Connecticut

Percentage above national average: 13.5%

Nutmeggers have the ninth-highest cost of living in the U.S. While grocery costs and transportation fees are relatively affordable (ranking just 1.5% and 3.1% higher than the national average), housing prices in Connecticut are over 20% higher than in the rest of the country. Plus, the price of utilities such as electricity and gas is among the highest in the nation — Connecticut residents pay 37.6% more for utilities than average. According to NBC Connecticut, part of the reason for these high costs is the fact that Connecticut’s two major utility companies purchase electricity from out of state rather than produce it themselves, which drives up consumer prices.

8. Vermont

Percentage above national average: 13.7%

Sensing a theme? The Northeast housing market is known for being anything but affordable, and that trend holds true in Vermont, where home prices are more than 30% above the national average. According to Forbes, Woodstock is the most expensive ZIP code in the state, with median home values around $967,805; Stowe isn’t too far behind at $942,691. Utilities in Vermont are 14.5% higher than average, and it costs 6.4% more to fill up your grocery cart in the Green Mountain State.

7. New Jersey

Percentage above national average: 14.8%

New Jersey ranks as the seventh-most-expensive state to live in, but as in other Northeast states, the cost of living in the Garden State is heavily skewed by the skyrocketing cost of housing. Your typical New Jersey home will run you 43.3% more than the national average. According to Realtor.com, the median home price in the town of Deal is $6.26 million, and in Alpine, residents pay $5.39 million for an average home. Aside from these high housing prices, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous purchases rank anywhere between 1.4% to 4.2% higher than average.

6. Maryland

Percentage above national average: 14.9%

Maryland has the sixth-highest cost of living in the country, sitting at nearly 15% above the national average. As in many other states on this list, the main culprit for these high prices is housing — the cost of property in Maryland is nearly 34% higher than elsewhere in the country. According to Forbes, the most expensive place to live in Maryland is Chevy Chase Village, where median home values exceed $2 million. Furthermore, utilities cost 14.4% higher than average in Maryland, and groceries will run up a tab that’s just over 5% more than the national average.

5. New York

Percentage above national average: 27.4%

For as expensive as it is to live in New York, it may surprise you to learn that utilities are nearly in line with the national average, ranking just 0.2% higher. Unfortunately, housing costs 74.2% more in New York state than the average American home. It’s no surprise that many of these more expensive neighborhoods are located in New York City: According to the Hudson Valley Post, the Manhattan neighborhood of Hudson Yards boasts a median home sale price of $7.126 million. Outside the city, housing prices are still quite high on Long Island, especially in the Hamptons — houses in the towns of Sagaponack, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton all command several millions of dollars.

4. Alaska

Percentage above national average: 27.3%

Because of Alaska’s remote location, it costs a considerable amount of money to deliver food and other goods to the state. In the end, this increased shipping cost also means higher prices for the consumer. Grocery, utility, and housing prices in Alaska are all about 30% more expensive than the national average. In fact, Alaska’s grocery costs are the second-highest in the entire country, after Hawaii. But it’s not just food — expect to pay more for furniture, vehicles, and other necessary homewares in Alaska, too.

3. California

Percentage above national average: 41.6%

Life in California is significantly pricier than elsewhere in the country. The Golden State has the second-highest transportation cost of any state (38.7% above the national average), and the third-most-expensive utility costs (40.7% higher). Housing prices in California also rank 97.8% higher than average. According to the U.S. News & World Report, this is especially notable in places such as Daly City, Westminster, and Newport Beach, the latter of which ranks as the most expensive place to live in the country.

2. Massachusetts

Percentage above national average: 45.1%

Massachusetts has the highest cost of living of any state in the Lower 48. That said, groceries and transportation cost only 2.7% and 3% more than the national average, respectively. What makes the state of Massachusetts particularly expensive is — wait for it — the sky-high price of housing, with the average price of a home in Massachusetts coming in at 115% higher than the national average. According to the real estate blog Redfin, Edgartown is the state’s most expensive city, where median home sales total $3.305 million. If you’re buying a home in the capital city of Boston, expect to pay an average of $793,819, according to Zillow.

1. Hawaii

Percentage above national average: 82.3%

Despite its reputation as a Pacific paradise, bills in Hawaii are a whopping 82.3% more expensive than the national average. The Aloha State’s remote location makes the cost of goods quite high, as it takes more resources to ship items there, which ends up resulting in a bigger bill for the average consumer. For example, groceries cost 34.6% more, transportation is 43.1% more expensive, and utilities are 107% higher than average. These categories all rank as the highest prices in the nation. The cost of Hawaiian housing is also astronomical, as residents pay 192.1% more for their homes than the American average. 

About the data: To compile this list, we consulted data from the Council for Community and Economic Research, which looked at the average cost of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous purchases in all 50 states in the first quarter of 2025. You can view the full report here.

Mysteries abound in air travel, from how planes stay in the sky to why some people willingly choose the middle seat. Chief among these lingering questions, perhaps, is this: What exactly happens when you flush an airplane toilet? From the brief delay between the push of the button to the actual flush and the many warnings not to toss tissues or paper towels in the toilet, it can feel very different when you use the lavatory at cruising altitude compared with toilets on the ground. Take a look at the interesting science behind airplane lavatories.

Avoiding Blue Ice

The first, most important thing to know is what doesn’t happen when you flush an airplane toilet. No, the contents of the cruising-altitude commode aren’t merely ejected from the plane and left to crash-land where they may. That would create all kinds of problems for the people going about their lives 30,000 feet below your Boeing 737 — and likely result in well-earned lawsuits for whichever airplane manufacturer was shortsighted enough to design their planes in such a way. However, it does (rarely) happen by accident, and these discharges of waste and disinfectant even have an unfortunate name: blue ice, something you don’t want to ever see falling from the sky.

Under Pressure

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of airplane facilities is the sound. Loud and abrupt, the flush sounds more like air than the water-based toilets we’re used to on terra firma. There’s a reason for that: Airplane toilets are essentially vacuums that use suction to deposit waste into airtight holding tanks located at either the front or back of the plane for safekeeping. A valve opens when you flush, briefly activating the suction system before the valve closes again. 

Using more water would be troublesome because of the weight restrictions placed on commercial airliners (plus, the heavier a plane is, the more fuel required to fly it). This is why the air-pressure technique first patented by James Kemper in 1975 remains the standard on modern airliners. The blue liquid used to disinfect and deodorize airplane lavatories is manufactured by companies such as SkyKem and Aero Specialties, the latter of which produce theirs under the name Lav Chem Blue.

On the Wagon

Those aircraft waste tanks eventually fill up, of course — hence why “honey wagons” exist. These specialized vehicles, usually small trucks, use vacuum pipes to link to an aircraft’s holding tank before transporting the contents away for good. The process is fairly quick, and the strange moniker is believed to come from the vaguely honeylike color of the removed waste. In addition to removing the tank’s contents, the trucks also pump water and disinfectant into the tank to properly clean it and ready the plane for its next flight.

Featured image credit: ThamKC/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

Pets, like their owners, can be creatures of habit. They like to eat at the same time of day, have a favorite spot to sleep, and don’t appreciate disruptions to their routine. I speak from experience when I say that can be a challenge when traveling, which brings them out of their comfort zone and into strange, new, and often stressful environments, like cars, airports, and Boeing 737s. The good news is that there are a number of best practices you can follow to make the experience as stress-free as possible for you and your pet. Here are five of my top tips for traveling with pets.

Tell the Airline in Advance

Depending on the length of your journey, driving might be the easier option. If you do have to fly, however, don’t simply show up at the airport with your cat or dog in tow and hope for the best. Different airlines have different requirements for flying with a pet, from how much you’ll have to pay for the privilege (usually $100 to $150) to the maximum dimensions of their carrier. You’ll also want to have their vaccine records and other documents handy in case you’re asked for them, so make sure they’re up to date on their shots.

Opinions vary on whether you should allow the airline to put your furry friend in cargo, rather than having them in the cabin with you. Though it might be unavoidable for larger dog breeds, a lot of pet owners simply won’t chance it. It can be more stressful for everyone involved to be separated on a plane, especially since you can’t monitor their well-being and comfort them throughout the flight. Fortunately, cats and smaller dogs can fly in the cabin with you (in a carrier). Even so, book a direct flight whenever possible — the less time you have to spend in the airport and at cruising altitude, the better.

Ask Your Vet for Medication

I’ve made two major trips with my two cats: driving from Los Angeles to Denver and then flying back five years later. In both cases, my veterinarian prescribed them Gabapentin, and I can’t imagine having made either journey without it. While it can be scary to medicate your pet, Gabapentin is essentially a mild sedative that will mellow them out for the duration of your trip (and, depending on both the dosage and how long your trek is, a few hours after).

As such, most vets will be comfortable prescribing it without much fear of side effects. It worked perfectly for my two car-hating cats the first time and was equally effective on their first (and, to date, only) flight. Neither of my exceptionally fussy felines so much as meowed once during the ride to the airport, at the airport itself, or during our two-hour flight from Denver to Los Angeles.

Get the Right Carrier

If you’re driving, you probably already have a carrier that you and your pet like well enough. But if you’re going on a longer road trip and have room for it, consider a larger model that will allow them to move around a bit. And if you’re flying, check your airline’s carrier requirements. There are plenty of airline-approved models available to buy online, many of which will specifically mention which airlines’ standards they meet.

Officially, you’ll have to put your pet under the seat in front of you for the duration of your flight. Between you and me, however, there’s a decent chance you’ll be able to place their carrier on your lap every so often to ensure they’re comfortable — just be mindful of your fellow passengers and the cabin crew, of course.

Don’t Go Alone if You Can Avoid It

This one is especially important for air travel: If you’re the only human on your trip and you have more than one pet, you could run into trouble. Most airlines allow only one pet per person unless both animals are in the same carrier. In my case, that was a no-go because my cats aren’t the biggest fan of one another. You might have to do what I did and convince a friend or relative to make the journey with you, which will require buying another ticket for your helpful companion. This is also beneficial on road trips, as you can alternate between driving and keeping an eye on your pets in the backseat.

Bring the Right Supplies

Depending on how finicky or anxious your pet is while traveling, they might not want to eat or drink at all until reaching your final destination. (In my experience, this tends to be truer of cats than it is of dogs.) But you should still ensure you have some water, food, treats, and waste bags. Also consider pheromone sprays for the journey: Brands like ThunderEase for dogs and Feliway for cats can help calm them down; simply spray it on their carrier about 15 minutes before they go in.

While you may think those small, free shampoo bottles have been a hotel room staple for pretty much forever, the concept has actually been around only since 1970, when the Four Seasons London at Park Lane pioneered the trend of offering shampoo to guests. But in the past several years, you may have noticed an evolution. It’s not your imagination that these tiny toiletries aren’t showing up as frequently as you remember: Hotels have started to phase out single-guest-use amenities for a number of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why all those tiny shampoo bottles are disappearing from hotel rooms.

In Some States, It’s the Law

As mandated by some local laws, hotels in certain states have no choice but to stop providing tiny shampoo bottles to guests. Some of these laws have already taken effect, while others are set to take effect in the near future. 

In 2019, California became the first state to ban travel-size plastic shampoo bottles as part of a larger effort to eliminate single-use plastics and cut down on unrecyclable waste. The bill took effect in 2023, applying to hotels or other establishments with 50 or more rooms; hotels with fewer than 50 rooms were forced to comply by the following year. Violators are subject to a $500 fine for a first violation and $2,000 for subsequent violations.

In January 2025, New York followed suit: Hotels with at least 50 rooms were forced to replace the tiny plastic amenities right away, and all other establishments will have to comply by the start of 2026. The ban applies to bottles sized 12 ounces or less, and includes hospitality personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, liquid soap, and more. In Illinois, hotels are subject to the same schedule as in New York, with a statewide ban set to take effect in 2026 regardless of the total number of rooms.

Other states have either passed or started debating similar bans. Washington passed a ban that takes effect on January 1, 2027, while Hawaii debated the idea during the 2023 legislative session, though a law has yet to pass.

Hotel Chains Follow Suit

Even if not mandated by law, certain hotel chains have proactively eliminated tiny toiletry bottles from their chains worldwide. After testing out the decision at select properties in 2018, Marriott announced in 2019 that it was eliminating single-use plastic amenities at all properties by the following year. According to a press release, the program was “expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills; that’s about 1.7 million pounds of plastic, a 30% reduction from current amenity plastic usage.”

To make up for the loss of the tiny bottles, Marriott opted to provide guests with large, pumpable bottles of shampoo, soap, conditioner, and lotion, which are often mounted to the wall to prevent theft. Each larger, recyclable bottle contains the same amount of product as about 10 to 12 tiny, single-use bottles, according to Marriott.

Following Marriott’s lead, Hyatt made an announcement that it would eliminate single-use plastics in its hotels starting in June 2021. IHG made a similar pledge in 2019, with a goal to fully replace single-use plastics by 2030. According to a press release from IHG, this move would save 850 metric tons of plastic from going to waste annually, which is equal to the weight of five fully grown blue whales or 70 double-decker London buses.

Are There Other Financial Motives?

While many hotels claim to be making these changes for eco-friendly reasons, some experts argue that it’s primarily being done for cost-cutting reasons. Dan Bornholdt, founder of the company Green Suites Hotel Solutions, which provides reusable containers to hotels, shared in a 2023 interview with the industry news site Packaging Dive that hotels save between 30% and 70% if they forgo the single-use amenities and use larger, refillable dispensers instead. Bornholdt estimates that “maybe 20% of hotels are doing this for environmental reasons,” but that “everybody is doing it for environmental marketing.”

Whether these decisions are being made for environmental reasons or to protect the bottom line, the benefits for the environment are clear. In an ever-growing number of states and hotel chains, the days of millions of tiny, half-empty shampoo bottles ending up in a landfill are a thing of the past.

Are Bulk Toiletries Safe?

For all of the environmental and financial benefits to eliminating tiny plastic bottles from hotels, one question remains: Are these shared, bulk amenities safe to use? Some guests worry about the idea of these larger bottles being contaminated with bacteria or the contents being replaced with lesser-quality products or other fluids that should not be in there.

Studies have backed up some of those concerns. A 2011 study from the National Institutes of Health found that “bulk-soap-refillable dispensers are prone to extrinsic bacterial contamination.” And in an interview with Smarter Travel, Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona, said, “Bacterial growth is an issue with refillable dispenser use for soap and shampoos. Most of our studies have been on hand soaps, but we also did studies on shampoos in hotels — all of which can grow bacteria to large numbers.” 

The unfortunate reality is that these bulk bottles may not be cleaned very thoroughly between guests, and there’s always a risk of tampering. If you find yourself worried, try bringing your own refillable, squeezable dispensers that are TSA-approved and fit into any travel bag. Before your trip, fill them up with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, or liquid soap — you won’t have to worry about throwing away the bottle at the airport, and you can rest easy knowing exactly where the products came from.

Featured image credit: Boyloso/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

Renting a car might feel like an intimidating way to explore a new country — especially if you don’t know how to drive stick shift or if you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. Even pumping gas abroad can be an adventure. But there are certain benefits that come with renting a car, from being able to reach offbeat destinations with fewer crowds, to avoiding lugging heavy luggage through train stations and operating on your own schedule. Prepare yourself ahead of your next international trip with these helpful tips for renting a car abroad.

Check if You Need an International Driving Permit 

Before you book a vehicle, you should determine if your U.S. driver’s license is enough to get behind the wheel. The country you’re visiting may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), and you run the risk of being turned away at the checkout counter if you don’t have one. Check with the embassy of your destination country before you depart, and if an IDP is required, make plans to obtain one either in person or by mail. 

The U.S. Department of State has authorized the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue IDPs. Americans with a valid driver’s license must provide a photocopy of their license (by mail) or supply it in person, have two passport-style photos, and pay a $20 fee. The permit will be valid for up to a year — but, importantly, it must be issued within six months of your trip. Also of note: American drivers abroad should always have their U.S. driver’s license and their IDP when operating a vehicle, as the IDP is not valid without the license (and vice versa).

Double-Check Your Insurance Coverage

Many U.S. auto insurance policies won’t cover collisions, theft, injuries, or damages abroad, so check with your insurance provider to see if you need additional auto insurance when traveling. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico, but if you’re headed overseas, you may want to purchase insurance from the car rental company. 

Before you do, check to see if your travel credit card offers travel insurance that can be used toward rentals. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cards and the Capital One Venture X and Venture One cards offer primary coverage for up to 31 days in a foreign country. If you aren’t interested in opening a new travel credit card, buying rental insurance from home ahead of your departure is another option, as many rental companies overseas often will cover only a small amount.

Get a Quote From a Local Agency

When you’re selecting a rental company, it might feel like an easier decision to select one of the bigger players you’re more familiar with, whether it’s Avis or Hertz, but many local agencies are just as reliable. Plus, they may offer better deals, especially if you plan to use the vehicle for only a day or two. 

Europcar and Goldcar are two popular European rental companies, while Locauto offers rentals in Italy. Even with local agencies, reserving a car online is advisable if you are in search of a larger vehicle or are in a hurry to get to your hotel. If you can be flexible and spontaneous, though, some of the best bargains might be just steps from your Greek ferry port or a metro ride away in Paris. Leaving the airport to venture into town could save you a few extra euros, but you may have to be flexible on your pick-up and drop-off times. 

Book Long-Term or One-Way Rentals From Home

If you plan to spend more than a couple of weeks abroad, you may want to book your car rental from the comfort of your own home well in advance, especially if your vacation entails a road trip through multiple countries. One-way reservations will likely incur extra fees, but the cost might be worth it, especially if it’s cheaper to book your return flight from a different city. Major airports in large cities will have more selection in terms of what’s available, but reserving well ahead of your departure can unlock long-term rental discounts.

Pay Close Attention to the Gear Type

If you are comfortable driving a vehicle with manual transmission, you’re in luck — most manual rental cars are cheaper to rent abroad than those with automatic transmission. However, you should only select this option if you are comfortable driving with a stick shift. If you’re not skilled at driving stick, double-check the car you have booked has automatic transmission. Also be mindful that some vehicles can be “semi-automatic,” which allows the driver to manually select gears, similar to a manual transmission, but without the need to operate a clutch pedal. 

Familiarize Yourself With Foreign Road Rules

Many countries — such as Canada, Germany, France, Spain, and most nations in Central and South America — have road rules similar to the U.S. Still, you should take time to research any potential differences that might get you into trouble. There are several countries that drive on the left side of the road, such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. 

In some nations, especially in Scandinavia, headlights must be on, even in broad daylight. And when driving on the famous Autobahn in Germany, it’s illegal to stop or pull over on the highway unless it’s an emergency. Meanwhile, you’re not allowed to eat in a car in Cyprus, and it’s considered breaking the law if you accidentally splash a pedestrian with water on a rainy day in Japan. Whether you find the rules unusual (or not), you’ll want to avoid being ticketed or penalized, so make sure you do your homework.  

Be Prepared for Emergencies

It’s relatively easy to get lost when you’re driving in a foreign country, especially if the traffic signs aren’t in English. Be sure to download GPS apps such as Apple Maps and Google Maps for offline use in case you lose cell reception. It’s also a good idea to have paper maps as well as a pen and notebook in the glove compartment for getting instructions from locals if devices aren’t working. 

You’ll want to carry a spare tire, cash, water, and a flashlight in your car, too, and tell friends and family members where you’re headed and provide them with a local embassy phone number in case of emergency. At the end of the day, it’s best to be prepared for any kind of scenario if you’re out on the open road in an unfamiliar country.

A 2024 study found that many U.S. airports have TSA wait times of 30 minutes or more during peak travel periods, with Newark Liberty International having the longest average peak wait time at around 60 minutes. With waits like these, being prepared with TSA-compliant luggage and accessories is more important than ever. We’ve rounded up some of the best gear and services to streamline your experience, ensuring your journey through TSA is smooth sailing.

Services To Enroll In

One of the most effective ways to fast-track your journey through security is to enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program. TSA PreCheck offers expedited screening in dedicated security lines and eliminates the need to remove items such as belts, laptops, liquids, and other personal belongings.

According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less at security checkpoints at U.S. airports. As of mid-2025, a five-year TSA PreCheck membership costs $76.25, with discounted renewal rates available. Frequent international flyers may also benefit from Global Entry, which includes a TSA PreCheck membership plus expedited U.S. customs processing. A five-year membership bundle costs $120. 

Another option is CLEAR Plus, which uses biometric identification (eyes and fingerprints) to let you bypass the traditional ID check line. This service costs $209 annually. While it doesn’t include TSA PreCheck, that program can be bundled with CLEAR at a discounted rate. It’s also worth mentioning that all three of these services — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR — can often be discounted through airline status or premium credit cards, so be sure to check with your provider to see if you’re missing out on these extras.

TSA-Friendly Packing Accessories

One of the most significant slowdowns at security? Liquids. TSA’s strict 3-1-1 rule requires that liquids in carry-on bags be 3.4 ounces or less and stored in a single, 1-quart clear bag per traveler. Investing in a quality quart-size toiletry bag makes it easy to remove your items for screening. 

If you don’t already own travel-size versions of your essentials, consider refillable bottles, such as this 18-pack silicone travel set, all of which fit neatly into a quart-size bag. Magnetic travel capsules, such as the Cadence leakproof containers, are another option. These TSA-compliant capsules are available in customizable sets that are prelabeled for skin care, body care, or hair care. Their matching clear bag, called the Parcel, keeps everything organized and visible.

Another way to stay organized is by using packing cubes, which allow you to fit more items into your carry-on while keeping them easily accessible during security checks. Compression cubes feature a double zipper that expels excess air without the need for a vacuum. For electronics, TSA-friendly backpacks like the ScanSmart Backpacks by Swiss Gear offer lay-flat compartments that allow laptops to remain inside the bag during screening.

Nonliquid Alternatives

To reduce your time spent waiting in the TSA line even further, consider minimizing the liquids you pack altogether. This also helps mitigate pesky leaks, which can slow you down at any point during your journey. 

Many everyday items now come in solid or wipe form. Try Pedialyte electrolyte powder (suitable for kids and adults) instead of liquid bottles, Purell hand-sanitizing wipes instead of gel, and Tide stain remover wipes for spills. Most toiletries also come in solid forms, such as shampoo and conditioner bars (like those from Kitsch), powdered mouthwash packets (MySmile), and sunscreen sticks (Blue Lizard), all of which are TSA-approved.

Slip-On Shoes

Since the TSA starting requiring travelers to remove their shoes in 2006, footwear was one thing that could definitely down at security, especially if you had to untie and retie laces. But we’ve got big news on that front: As of July 2025, the TSA no longer requires you to remove your shoes for standard security screening.

That said, travelers may still be asked to remove their shoes for additional screening if they trigger any alarms or sensors. And if you’re traveling internationally, removing shoes at the security checkpoint is still required in many countries. In that case, it’s advisable to wear a pair of slip-on shoes, which are ideal for hassle-free removal and can also be a more comfortable choice for long travel days. 

According to podiatrists Dr. Ebonie Vincent and Dr. Brad Schaeffer from the TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me, the key is choosing shoes with a stable heel and a rear pull tab for ease and support. Look for footwear made of sturdy yet flexible materials — such as rubber, foam, mesh, and nylon — and avoid stiff textiles like leather and canvas, as these can cause blisters after a long day of walking. “Materials that have a certain amount of give can be beneficial with slip-on shoes as they will allow the ease of use the slip-on shoes can offer,” Dr. Vincent explained to ABC News.

Some of our favorite athletic slip-ons include the Skechers Go Walk 7, available in both men’s and women’s styles. This model features elastic bungee laces that offer the appearance and support of lace-up shoes with the convenience of a slip-on design. Another great option is Dr. Scholl’s Time Off travel sneaker, which is also available in a slip-on version and a variety of colors. 

For a more polished look, consider knit loafers or ballet flats, such as these square-toe loafers from Frank Mully, or Mary Jane-style shoes, like this pair from Arromic, which feature Velcro straps for quick removal at security. With the right gear in your bag and shoes on your feet, you’ll breeze through TSA and be on to your next destination in a jiffy.