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.

For travelers, the joy and wonder that comes with venturing overseas is often associated with moments when we embrace new experiences and encounter practices we don’t see at home. In the opening act of George Bernard Shaw’s play Widowers’ Houses, one of the characters remarks, “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad” — and it’s a mantra that many of today’s most avid travelers would echo. With that in mind, discover seven things that are totally normal in other countries that Americans might find strange.

Luxembourg: Riding Free Public Transportation Everywhere

Depending on where you live in the U.S., you might be fortunate to enjoy free public transportation in your city. But can you imagine doing so across an entire state or country? That’s precisely what the Luxembourg government introduced in 2020. Whether you opt to ride a bus, train, or tram, it won’t cost you a cent in this European nation, the smallest of the 27 EU member states. Regardless of where the journey takes you, residents and visitors don’t need a ticket to travel in standard class until they cross the border into a neighboring country.   

The Netherlands – Kissing a Third Time on the Cheek

In the U.S. and many other cultures, it’s a common habit among friends and family members to greet each other with a hug, a kiss on the cheek, or perhaps both. When visiting the Netherlands, however, don’t pull away from a local before a third peck, or you might create an awkward situation. While Dutch people embrace the extra affection, it’s a good idea to approach sufficiently slowly to avoid making a social faux pas by kissing a person who isn’t expecting it, such as a casual acquaintance. Air kisses are preferable, and most people opt to kiss the left side first, followed by the right and the left again, but there’s no hard-and-fast rule that this will always be the favored routine. 

Finland – Leaving a Baby in a Stroller Outside for a Nap

If you’re touring the Nordic nations in winter, you might be alarmed to see strollers with babies in them parked outside cafés and stores with no sign of a responsible adult. But in countries such as Finland and Sweden, it’s a perfectly normal thing to do. The thinking behind it is that the swaddled infants will get a healthy dose of fresh air as they nap, and that doing so better enables them to ward off colds and sniffles. The common practice is also emblematic of the high degree of trust among members of the local community. Many parents view it as a way of instilling a love of the outdoors as well as building their child’s independence and resilience.

Singapore: Hanging Laundry Out To Dry on Bamboo Poles

Take a stroll through one of the older residential neighborhoods in Singapore, and you’ll likely notice bamboo poles laden with wet clothing protruding from apartment buildings. The tradition of hanging laundry out to dry in this way was a solution to the lack of space and a response to Singapore’s humid climate, as clothes dried faster outside. However, the practice is dying out, which is probably good news for anyone walking alongside the buildings. According to statistics shared by the Ministry for National Development, there have been an estimated 100 cases of bamboo poles falling; as a consequence, new housing isn’t being fitted with the required fixtures to maintain this tradition. 

New Zealand: Walking Barefoot

There’s nothing unusual about walking barefoot on the beach, but in New Zealand (and neighboring Australia), locals take things much further than in the U.S. In summer especially, it is remarkably common to see people walking without shoes in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and even in supermarkets. For New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori peoples, entering a marae (communal sacred meeting grounds) shoeless shows respect; it’s also a way to feel a deeper connection to the land. Nevertheless, while the practice of going barefoot in New Zealand is championed by many, there are some places where you’ll need to don shoes, such as in upscale malls or on flights.  

Japan: Not Tipping 

The requirement to tip for services is ingrained in American culture, and in many instances factored into pay structures. But in Japan, it’s an entirely different scenario. There, tipping is not the norm, and offering to add gratuity to a restaurant check or even round up a taxi fare is likely to result in confusion or may even be considered rude. In Japanese culture, the idea of omotenashi refers to the deep-rooted desire to look after guests and provide warm hospitality. If you’re keen to recognize good service, positive comments go a long way — tailored praise requires thought and as such is considered far more meaningful than anything with monetary value.

When booking flights, many travelers want to simply grab the best fare possible. But knowing when to book can be hard to pin down. Thanks to the airlines’ dynamic pricing models, there’s no way of knowing for certain that the same tickets won’t cost less at some point between when you buy and when you fly. As a consequence, the internet is full of hacks about how to ensure you book at the right time — but amid all the accurate tips, there’s a slew of misinformation and outdated advice. Take a look at five of the most common flight-booking myths below.

It’s Better To Book on a Tuesday

One of the most prevalent flight-booking tips you may have come across is that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights. Unfortunately, this is outdated advice, based on the way some airlines used to release seats and launch sales. According to the 2025 Air Hacks Report, published by Expedia in conjunction with the Airlines Reporting Corporation, Sunday is the best day to book a flight.

In an analysis of flight bookings between January and October 2024, the report concluded that “domestic travelers can save 6% while international travelers can save 17% compared to booking on a Monday or Friday.” The same report claims that actually flying on a Saturday instead of Sunday, the most expensive day, can save domestic travelers 17%.

At the end of the day, however, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and there’s still considerable variation depending on your route. So, it pays to be flexible with different times, dates, and even neighboring airports until you find the best combination for your trip. 

Booking in Incognito Mode Gets You a Great Deal

Browsing in incognito mode allows you to prevent cookies and other browsing data from being tracked before embarking on your flight search. Cookies are small pieces of text that note traffic to a website, creating a log of your browsing history and preferences. However, while cookies record the searches you make, many experts say they don’t influence pricing. 

Instead, airlines use dynamic pricing, raising or lowering fares in response to demand. This may mean that how far in advance you book can influence the prices you see — once seats become limited in supply, they go up in price.

While you could theoretically score a deal by waiting until closer to your departure date to book, by betting the airline still has seats to fill, that strategy doesn’t always lead to big savings. Depending on the route, it can actually result in the exact opposite, particularly during peak demand periods like summer or the holiday season. Tracking prices using a tool such as Skyscanner’s Price Alerts or Google Flights is generally more likely to secure you a better fare than simply clearing your cookies. 

Flying a Low-Cost Airline Always Saves You Money

Sometimes, the route you wish to travel is served by both low-cost carriers — like Spirit, JetBlue, or Frontier — and full-service airlines such as American, Delta, or United. If that’s true, you might be forgiven for thinking that the former will automatically give you the best deal. That’s not always the case. In a competitive market, full-service airlines have had to make changes to their own pricing structures to hold their market share, most notably with the introduction of basic-economy fares. 

As a result, it’s now crucial that you factor in add-on fees for things such as seat selection, carry-on or checked baggage, in-flight food, and other extras such as priority boarding. Only once you’ve totaled up these costs can you work out which airline is best on price for your dates, so think carefully about what your needs are and do the math before settling on an airline. 

An Overbooked Flight Is a Traveler’s Worst Nightmare

Overbooking isn’t a myth: Airlines routinely sell more seats than are available for any given flight. The reason this happens is to allow for no-shows — those who book a flight but change their plans at the last minute. From the airline’s perspective, the practice makes solid business sense, enabling them to minimize empty seats and maximize revenue. But surely, it can’t ever be a good thing for a bumped passenger, right? 

Think again. If you are flexible with your travel plans, volunteering to give up your seat opens up the possibility of compensation. Incentives can take the form of cash, travel vouchers, and even upgrades. It’s always a good idea to carefully check the terms and conditions of what the airline is offering before agreeing. Sometimes, however, no volunteers come forward and passengers can be bumped against their wishes. These passengers are due compensation, but only in certain situations. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation website. 

You’ll Get a Cheaper Fare With a Saturday Night Stay

It was once commonly cheaper to book a flight if your travel dates incorporated a Saturday night stay. The thinking behind this pricing policy was that business travelers would be flying during the week, but in most cases they weren’t paying for their ticket, so airlines could charge more. Leisure travelers, on the other hand, would be far more likely to base decisions on when to fly according to the price of their flight — hence the Saturday night rule or other minimum-stay requirements to spread out demand. 

Lately, however, the lines between business and leisure travelers have become blurred. And since low-cost carriers revolutionized the industry by selling fares for individual segments rather than discounted round-trip fares, the Saturday night rule has faded into a myth rather than reality.