More and more travelers are turning to Amtrak for their vacations, as evidenced by the record 34.5 million passengers who rode the rails in the company’s 2025 fiscal year. This uptick in ridership is due to several factors, including the introduction of new routes in previously underserved regions. One of the most notable examples is a service that debuted last summer and has since gone on to shatter ridership projections. Here’s a closer look at the new Amtrak service that riders can’t get enough of.

A Return 20 Years in the Making

When you hear “Mardi Gras,” your mind probably goes straight to the seasonal holiday that’s celebrated each year, particularly in New Orleans. But Mardi Gras is also the name of Amtrak’s newest route, and unlike its namesake holiday, the service can be enjoyed year-round.

The Mardi Gras line debuted on August 18, 2025, marking the first opportunity to travel by train on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in nearly 20 years, according to Amtrak. When Hurricane Katrina hit the region in 2005, it damaged the tracks east of New Orleans that Amtrak had previously utilized for its Gulf Coast Limited Service, which stopped operating in 1997. Its long-distance service on the Sunset Limited between New Orleans and Florida was forced to cease operation in 2005 because of hurricane-caused track damage.

In the following decades, Amtrak faced numerous funding and political roadblocks in trying to restore service. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act kick-started Amtrak’s return with federal funding, and state and local governments have also agreed to chip in to support the new route. 

The Mardi Gras route offers two daily trips in each direction between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. As of June 2026, trains depart from New Orleans each day at 7:35 a.m. and 5:31 p.m., and they leave Mobile at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The journey lasts three hours and 43 minutes one way, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula (all in Mississippi) along the way.

Surpassing Ridership Projections

While there was plenty of excitement about this Mardi Gras service from the start, it seems that its popularity caught even Amtrak off guard. The company originally projected that 71,000 travelers would ride the Mardi Gras route in its first year — an estimate that has already been surpassed.

In its first two months of operation, around 30,000 people rode the Mardi Gras service. This was more than double what Amtrak estimated for that period, which is typically slower in terms of overall ridership. Trains also averaged around 90% full, which was higher than the 75% load factor on previous Gulf Coast routes that existed more than two decades ago.

In April 2026, the Mardi Gras route surpassed a major milestone: It welcomed its 100,000th passenger just eight months after its debut. Travelers on that record-setting train were treated to free candy bars, coffee, and tea. Given ridership trends thus far, it’s possible the Mardi Gras line could double the initial ridership estimate of 71,000 by the time it hits one year of service in August.

Route Highlights

The Big Easy is known far and wide for its stunning architecture, awe-inspiring churches, lively jazz music, and decadent food, including po’boys and beignets. But there are many other highlights worth seeing along the Mardi Gras Amtrak route.

When traveling east from New Orleans, the first stop is Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a quaint city along the Gulf Coast with attractions such as white-sand beaches, a walking tour through the unique vegetarian of Devils Swamp, and the highly rated Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. From there, the train continues to Gulfport, where families can visit the Gulf Islands Waterpark or hop on the ferry to enjoy the picturesque beaches of Ship Island.

Heading east to Biloxi, you’ll encounter the Biloxi Lighthouse, a 65-foot-tall landmark constructed in 1848 and thought to be one of the first cast-iron structures built in the South. The final stop in Mississippi is the city of Pascagoula, which is the hometown of music legend Jimmy Buffett. You can visit his childhood home to pay your respects or take a stroll across the Buffett Bridge named in his honor.

In Mobile, don’t miss the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, whose namesake centerpiece served on the Pacific Front during World War II. In July, it’s also worth driving 35 minutes south toward Dauphin Island for the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. This annual, three-day competition began in 1929 and claims to be the largest fishing tournament in the world, welcoming more than 3,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators each year.

Featured image credit: Courtesy of Amtrak

Some travel destinations are notorious for unpredictable weather. As a travel writer and enthusiastic jetsetter, I’ve hiked in Hawaii, cruised on a riverboat in Savannah, and toured central London — all while it was raining. When you invest time and money into a vacation, you make the most of it, even if the weather isn’t ideal. That’s why I’m sharing a few of my practical packing tips for rainy destinations, encouraging travelers to think outside the box when it comes to traditional rain gear — so maybe you don’t need a heavy pair of rain boots or a bulky rain jacket after all. Instead, consider these creative alternatives to save space while staying dry.

Ditch the Backpack and Upgrade to a Dry Bag

Getting caught in a rainstorm with soggy gear is never fun. Instead of using a traditional backpack during your daily adventures, consider switching to a dry bag. Earth Pak’s Original Dry Bag is a go-to for adventurers. The 10L and 20L sizes feature one shoulder strap, while the larger sizes (30L, 40L, and 55L) have backpack-style straps. Each pack also includes an IPX8-certified waterproof phone pouch, which can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. These bags are available in 10 color options and weigh between 11 ounces and 2 pounds .

If you’re traveling with a partner or need to organize different gear for multiple outings, having several dry bags can be beneficial. Sea to Summit offers an Ultra-Sil Dry Bag Set that includes three bags in bold, easy-to-spot colors. The set includes 3L, 5L, and 8L sizes, made from semitranslucent waterproof Cordura nylon, allowing you to see what’s inside easily.

If you’d rather stick to your backpack, there are also affordable waterproof backpack covers, such as these highly rated covers from Frelaxy, available in various sizes and colors. They’re ideal for protecting your existing gear from the elements.

Why Ponchos Are Better Than Rain Jackets

Lugging around a rain jacket can be cumbersome, especially in warm-weather destinations where a heavy, insulated jacket might not be the best fit. Instead, consider packing a lightweight poncho.

It’s best to purchase one ahead of time, as gift shops tend to take advantage of tourists by charging high prices. A five-pack of plastic ponchos costs less than $15 online. Plus, they’re packed down to the size of a credit card, making them easy to toss in a purse or pocket in case of a sudden downpour.

If you prefer a reusable style, Frogg Toggs offers several types of waterproof ponchos. The lightest model, the Ultra-Lite2, features side snaps and an adjustable hood, and it weighs only 9 ounces. It’s available in both adult and youth sizes in various colors for less than $20.

Puddle-Proof Shoe Covers

Imagine dining at an upscale restaurant in Paris when it starts to rain. You’re dressed to impress, but now you have to navigate the soggy streets of the French capital in expensive shoes. To avoid this dilemma, try packing disposable shoe covers that easily fit in your purse or pocket.

PedaShield specializes in recyclable, water-resistant shoe covers, with a 55-pair pack costing around $20. They’re made from nontoxic materials with nonslip soles for safety.

If you anticipate being in the rain for an extended period, above-the-ankle plastic shoe covers may be a better option. Nenluny offers a set of set of 10 pairs for less than $15, providing enough coverage for the entire family to have dry feet all day long.

Smart Fabrics for Damp Days

Fabric is a key factor when it comes to a comfortable day in the rain, but many natural fibers don’t fare well in wet conditions. For instance, cotton, one of the least moisture-wicking fabrics, can remain damp and humid for hours. Silk, meanwhile, is prone to shrinkage and stains, and denim, while durable, tends to become heavy when wet, making it uncomfortable to wear. Instead, opt for synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester, nylon, or elastane (spandex).

Outdoor and sports brands often use moisture-resistant fabrics to repel sweat, but this works well for rain, too. For instance, Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Daily Shirt, available in both men’s and women’s sizes, is perfect for water-resistant layering, with recycled polyester threads that control odor and wick away moisture.

Don’t forget about water-resistant pants, either. Cotopaxi offers the men’s Subo Tech Pant made from water-resistant recycled nylon and a touch of spandex for added stretch. For women, Cotopaxi’s Cambio Jogger features a tapered leg and is made from recycled polyester.

Rainy Day Accessories You’ll Actually Use

Along with packing the right clothes and bags, it’s essential to have items for cleaning up messes and storing wet items while traveling. The compact, highly absorbent Rainleaf microfiber travel towel has a loop for hanging and drying quickly. This towel can also absorb five times its weight and is machine washable — great for hiking, swimming, sports, or simply drying off after a storm.

Sometimes, it’s not possible to dry your items before it’s time to pack up and leave. Waterproof packing bags can help you avoid unwanted dampness and odors in your luggage. Originally intended for food storage, Smelly Proof’s reusable gallon-sized smell-proof bags are perfect for wet socks or shoes. For a more stylish option, MUMI has smell- and moisture-proof laundry bags designed for travel, which keep your belongings organized and separated.

Lastly, you can prepare for unexpected rain showers during your travels with a portable clothesline. This handy accessory provides an easy way to dry multiple garments at once, whether on a hotel balcony or at a campsite. Travel-friendly portable clotheslines take up little space in your luggage, while offering peace of mind during your next adventure.

Featured image credit: shironosov/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

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.