Retiring to an island might sound like a far-off fantasy, but for some seniors, it’s a reality. Whether you’re chasing warmer weather, a lower cost of living, or just a slower pace of life, the right island can offer all of that — with the bonus of a vacation-worthy view every day. Of course, as with any big move, there’s more to consider than scenery — health care access, infrastructure, language, and visa rules all play a role as well. From Mediterranean gems to laid-back Caribbean communities, here are some of the best, most practical islands to consider for retirement.

Crete – Greece

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a rare blend of island beauty and accessibility for retirees. Thanks to Greece’s long-stay visa and retirement residency options, retirees from many countries — including the United States, the U.K., and Canada — can stay beyond the standard 90 days with minimal hassle. Crete is relatively affordable, too: Monthly expenses for two people typically start around $1,800.

The historic port city of Chania, with its Venetian Harbor and lively markets, is a favorite among expats. A hike through the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), a swim at the famous pink-sand Elafonissi Beach, or a taste of fresh olive oil from nearby groves can become part of your weekly routine. The island also offers easy airport access and reliable public and private health care. 

There are a few trade-offs: Winters, while mild, can still get cool, with average highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and coastal towns can feel quiet and windswept during these months. Still, Crete’s affordability, natural beauty, and welcoming community make it a compelling island retirement option.

Gozo – Malta

Less than a 45-minute ferry ride from Malta’s main island, Gozo offers a quieter, greener, and more traditional take on Mediterranean living. Known as “the Island of the Three Hills,” Gozo features rustic rolling landscapes, charming stone farmhouses, and a slower pace, making it perfect for retirees looking for a peaceful lifestyle without total isolation. While amenities are more limited than on the main island, residents still have access to health care and essential services. Regular budget flights from Malta make traveling around Europe easy and affordable, too.

Malta also offers retirement visa options, making long-term stays possible. Basic monthly living costs for two range from roughly $1,500 to $1,800, which is cheaper than living in Malta’s busier cities. Gozo’s capital, Victoria, is home to the historic Citadel and a walkable town center. And for seaside relaxation, Ramla Bay offers one of the most picturesque beaches in Malta.

Caye Caulker – Belize

This small Caribbean island about 20 miles off the coast of Belize is known for its motto: “Go slow.” While the motto was originally plastered around the island on speed limit signs, the words live up to their promise for retirees looking for a relaxing spot to start the next chapter of life. In fact, the island doesn’t even have cars — the “go slow” signs were for cyclists or golf carts navigating around pedestrians. 

Caye Caulker is accessible only by boat or a 15-minute flight from Belize City, which is important to consider if you prefer easier access to amenities and services such as specialized health care. If you don’t mind a bit of isolation, though, the turquoise waters that surround the 5-mile-long island are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, diving, or simply enjoying the view. 

Like in nearby Belize, the island’s official language is English and the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Belize’s popular Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) makes long-term residency relatively easy for foreigners over 45. Life here can also be quite affordable, with monthly expenses coming in between $1,500 and $2,000 for a couple.

Phuket – Thailand

Thailand’s largest island has long attracted expats with its surreal tropical beauty, investments in reliable infrastructure, and affordable cost of living. Living in Phuket costs about 45% less than living in Philadelphia, according to the popular cost-of-living database Numbeo, or upwards of 80% less than San Diego, California. Retirees will find that their monthly budget stretches far here, with expenses often starting at around $1,500 for two people.

Those aged 50 and up can apply for Thailand’s retirement visa, which is relatively straightforward with the right financial documentation and easily renewable. While Phuket does offer the option of private hospitals (and a thriving medical tourism industry), a potential drawback is that public health care may be more limited for foreigners. Communication could be an issue, too, but English is often spoken in tourist areas like Phuket. 

Another downside is the rainy monsoon season through September and October, but the laid-back beach town of Rawai, known for its local seafood, could be a welcome reprieve during the hot, humid season. 

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico blends Caribbean living with the practical perks of a U.S. territory. Americans can buy property and live there without a visa, and retirees who spend at least half the year on the island can benefit from tax breaks on passive income through the Individual Investors Act. Plus, Medicare is available for eligible residents. 

Costs in Puerto Rico run lower than in most mainland U.S. cities, although not as low as on some of the other islands on this list. Retired couples can expect to spend about $2,000 per month in smaller towns or outside major resort areas.

While places like Dorado, Rincon, and the gated Palmas del Mar community have vibrant expat enclaves and modern amenities, infrastructure in some rural areas can be inconsistent, and the island is indeed vulnerable to hurricanes during the late summer and fall. However, the year-round warmth, familiar bureaucratic systems, and relaxed pace of life may be worthy trade-offs.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic promises not only Caribbean beauty, but also a well-developed expat infrastructure that includes a retiree residency program for those with a reliable pension income. It’s also one of the most affordable Caribbean countries to retire in. Two people can often manage monthly expenses around $1,500, or even less in smaller towns and inland areas.

Getting to and from the U.S. is easy, and if you’re not drawn to main cities such as the capital, Santo Domingo, or Santiago, you may find your slice of paradise in beach towns like the former fishing village of Las Terrenas or the coastal gem of Cabarete. Hurricanes are a seasonal risk and infrastructure can vary by region, but the Dominican Republic’s low cost of living and natural beauty are truly hard to beat in your golden years.

Even if you don’t know what they’re called, you’ve surely seen them in the sky: white, cloudlike streaks in the sky following behind planes at cruising altitude. They’re called contrails, short for condensation trails, and they’ve been known to add a bit of character to otherwise clear, blue skies. Ever wondered how they’re formed? Check out the fascinating science behind airplane contrails.

How Contrails Form

Contrails form in two main ways. The first method, sometimes known as an exhaust trail, occurs at low temperatures when hot, humid engine exhaust mixes with air that has low vapor pressure. The exhaust adds moisture and particulate matter to the cold air, resulting in condensation. The second, less common way comes about when a plane flies through clear air with relative humidity approaching 100%, causing a pressure change that reduces temperature and saturates the air. These are also known as aerodynamic trails.

Interestingly, contrails typically form only at altitudes above 25,000 feet, with most of them coming between 32,000 and 42,000 feet — hence why not all planes create them. Atmospheric conditions also need to be just right (cool and humid) for contrails to form, and depending on how clear or cloudy the day is, it might be hard to see them even when they’re there.

Different Kinds of Contrails

Scientists have classified contrails into three types, with the level of moisture in the atmosphere determining which kind forms. The first is a short-lived contrail, which comes about when the air is somewhat moist. As implied by its name, it lasts only a short while and forms immediately.

The second type of contrail is persistent nonspreading, which requires a higher level of moisture in the air and stays in the sky long after the airplane responsible for it has flown away.

Then, there’s the persistent spreading contrail, which also forms in highly moist air but spreads out rather than staying in a distinct thin line. Once its original shape has grown diffuse enough, it tends to look like a cirrus cloud.

Environmental Impact of Contrails

In general, clouds have a mixed impact when it comes to climate. Low, thick ones reflect incoming sunlight back to space, which has a cooling effect, while others trap heat and act like a blanket covering the Earth in warmth. 

Contrails belong in the latter category. Because they’re so high up, they’re also quite cold, which makes them ideally suited to trapping heat that would have otherwise left the planet and made its way beyond our atmosphere. This is especially true at night, when the planet usually cools as heat radiates into space. When contrails either form at night or have not yet dissipated after the sun has gone down, less of that heat makes it past the atmosphere.

In fact, according to the Yale School of the Environment, contrails have a greater impact on atmospheric temperatures than the carbon emissions from those same planes do. Fortunately, government agencies and airlines are well aware of this. NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are currently conducting joint research into how to reduce contrails and lessen their impact via alternative, cleaner-burning fuels. But at least for now, the next time you see them when you glance up at the sky, you’ll have a better understanding of how they happen.

Staying seated until an airplane comes to a complete stop at the gate is a critical air travel safety guideline. But too often, passengers unbuckle their seatbelts and leap up to reach into the overhead bins before the plane has fully parked at the gate and the seatbelt sign actually turns off. Now, one country is taking action and fining any passenger who stands up too early after a plane lands. See how this new rule might affect your next flight.

Turkey Introduces Fine for Standing Up Too Early

In May 2025, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a statement warning of potential discipline for airline passengers. It targets two problem behaviors — people standing up before the plane is fully stopped and the seatbelt sign goes off, as well as the issue of vaping or smoking onboard. The country issued the order in an effort to bring awareness to these growing problems and also to empower Turkish Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, to fine violators. According to Turkish media reports, rulebreakers could be subject to fines around $70 USD per violation.

This action comes amid a concerning increase in unruly passenger activity, as noted by a 2023 report from the International Air Transport Association. Many travelers fail to realize that defying instructions of the flight crew not only puts everyone’s safety at risk but is also a massive liability for airlines. 

When The New York Times requested further clarification about how often the new rule has been enforced, Turkish Airlines declined to answer. Even still, it’s probably best not to push your luck. This guidance applies to every commercial passenger flying into Turkey, whether passengers are Turkish citizens or foreign nationals.

While Turkey may be the first country to impose fines explicitly targeted at those who stand up too early after landing, they’re certainly not the first to penalize passengers for unruly conduct. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains the right to propose fines of up to $37,000 in certain cases, and passengers may even be subject to jail time for extreme behavior. To avoid incurring these fines, always listen to the cabin crew’s instructions.

Other Fineable Air Travel Offenses

In addition to incurring in-flight fines, passengers traveling in the United States may also be fined during the security screening process. For example, the TSA can impose penalties up to $17,062 on passengers who attempt to transport prohibited items.

While the list of prohibited items is expansive, it largely comes down to common sense. For example, flyers are subject to fines of up to $2,570 — along with potential criminal referral — if the TSA discovers flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid, or dangerous weapons, such as switchblades or improperly secured firearms in your checked luggage.

The TSA also holds the right to fine passengers for interfering with the security screening process in any way. A nonviolent interference is subject to fines of up to $12,900, while any interference that results in injury may net you a fine of up to $17,062. Falsification of one’s identity is another serious crime, and you may be fined up to $10,230 and be subject to criminal referral.

The Rules of Airplane Etiquette

Even if you have no plans to ignore the seatbelt sign on a flight — or to  travel to Turkey anytime soon — it’s still a good idea to practice proper etiquette both at the airport and aboard the aircraft. It’s not just to lessen the risk of incurring a fine, but also for the experience of your fellow passengers.  

If you’re wondering what actions bother air travelers the most, a 2024 YouGov survey found that some of the more egregious behaviors reported by airline passengers included other passengers watching media or listening to music without headphones, people leaving their seats in the event of turbulence, and passengers letting their kids play in the aisle during a flight.

At the end of the day, try to remember that the airplane cabin is a shared space. Just because you can do something without being fined doesn’t mean that you should. Try to be cognizant of those around you when it comes to sharing armrests or reclining your seat. And yes, always pay attention to the fasten seatbelt sign for everyone’s safety.

Featured image credit: mtreasure/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

If you’ve ever lost or damaged your phone beyond repair, you know how much of a hassle it can be to replace. So, imagine the added stress of this happening while you’re visiting an unfamiliar location on vacation. Today, travelers rely on smartphones to navigate streets, translate foreign language menus, and check in for their flights. So if your phone breaks or goes missing, a relaxing vacation can suddenly become a logistical nightmare. With the right planning, however, you won’t be off the grid altogether. Here’s why you should pack an old phone in your luggage.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Old Phone, New Purpose

When you upgrade from an old cellphone to a newer model, you may want to hold on to the older device instead of trading it in, because it could come in handy on your next trip. Let’s say a thief pickpockets you or you absentmindedly dive into the ocean with your phone in your pocket — either way, you’re suddenly without a working device. If you bring an older phone as a backup, it can serve as a suitable temporary replacement for the duration of the vacation..

Before your trip, charge up an old phone and pack it in your luggage. In the event that you lose or damage your current phone, that old device will be ready to connect to any publicly accessible Wi-Fi network, allowing you to download maps, check your flight status, and contact your cellular provider to seek out a new replacement.

Plus, imagine visiting the most idyllic spots in the world without a way to take pictures. While the camera quality of your older device may be lacking, it’s still better than nothing, and packing a backup phone can help capture those cherished memories. You can also use the phone camera to scan QR codes, which have replaced physical menus in many restaurants around the world. 

Another potential benefit? Your old phone can help you track down your lost phone. Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Apple or Google account, where you can take advantage of the device-finding features that both companies offer. This can provide you with the GPS coordinates of your lost phone, assuming the device is turned on and has location services enabled. If that falls short, you can use those services to remotely lock or erase your phone in order to prevent any strangers from accessing your personal information.

Being connected to Wi-Fi also allows you to contact your travel insurance company (if you purchased a policy) to file a lost phone claim. You may be covered for the cost of a lost phone and replacement, depending on the plan. Contact the specific insurance company for more information, and be sure to file a claim as soon as possible.

Purchase a SIM Card

While being able to connect to Wi-Fi with your old phone could come in handy, you may not be able to make calls or texts — at least at first. To enable that function, consider purchasing a new SIM card. 

SIM cards are data chips that allow phones to connect to a local cellular network. They can be physically installed or electronically downloaded, and are sold at convenience stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and other retailers. You can also acquire a SIM card directly through your cellular provider, if they happen to have local brick-and-mortar locations in the country you are visiting.

Before purchasing a SIM card, it’s important to note that there’s a distinction between various popular models. Androids, as well as iPhone models 13 or earlier, use physical SIM cards. The card can be installed by following these steps for an Android device, or by following these steps for Apple.

More recent iPhone models sold in the U.S. (iPhone 14 or later) use what’s called an eSIM, meaning there’s no physical card. Instead, the SIM card is downloaded electronically. To get a new eSIM, visit a local telecommunications store or contact your cell provider, which should be able to help you set it up.

Once the physical or electronic SIM card is installed and activated, your old phone will be ready to make calls and texts just like the day you bought it. Tip: Also try calling or texting your lost phone just in case somebody found it.

Other Backup Options

If you don’t have any old phones lying around, you can purchase a backup option just in case. There are many phones that won’t break the bank, such as this affordable Nokia model or this Alcatel-brand phone. Another option is to visit used electronics stores in your area, or check out Facebook Marketplace, where you may be able to snag an old working phone on the cheap. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it’s an excellent emergency option just in case.

In 2024, roughly 1 in 5 flights in the U.S. was either delayed or canceled, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The good news — relatively speaking — is that cancellations were far less frequent than delays. Only 1.3% of flights on U.S. airlines in 2024 were canceled, compared with 19.96% that were delayed. Still, nearly 59,000 flights were canceled overall, leaving a lot of passengers stranded at the airport — a scenario travelers look to avoid at all costs. We dug into the data to find out which major U.S. airlines had the highest (and lowest) rates of canceled flights in 2024. Check out the results below.

10. Frontier Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights in 2024: 2.56%
Number of canceled flights in 2024: 3,252

Denver-based Frontier Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), had the highest rate of canceled flights in 2024 among the 10 largest airlines in the U.S. The airline also had the highest rate of delayed flights (27.78%). So, while you may be scoring a great airfare when you fly Frontier, you’ll probably want to pack a little extra patience and flexibility when it comes time to travel.

9. Spirit Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights: 2.40%
Number of canceled flights: 3,665

Spirit Airlines joined its rival Frontier at the bottom of the rankings for canceled flights in 2024. However, because Spirit (like Frontier) is one of the smaller major airlines in the U.S., the total number of passengers affected by those cancellations was still relatively low. Spirit flew around 152,000 flights in 2024, far fewer than larger carriers like American, which operated over 1.1 million flights.

8. Allegiant Air

Percentage of canceled flights: 2.37%
Number of canceled flights: 1,664

Allegiant Air, also a budget airline, operated about half the number of flights that Spirit did in 2024, but its cancellation rate was similar. While budget carriers like Allegiant maximize their fleet utilization to keep costs (and fares) low, you may have trouble getting rebooked in the event of a cancellation, since many of their routes are operated only several times per week. 

7. JetBlue Airways

Percentage of canceled flights: 1.76%
Number of canceled flights: 2,433

New York City-based JetBlue operates its largest hubs in the Northeast, which is home to some of the country’s most congested airspace and is frequently subject to air traffic control restrictions. While JetBlue wasn’t quite at the bottom of the pack for its percentage of canceled flights, it did have the second-highest rate of flight delays of any major U.S. airline. In 2024, nearly 25% of JetBlue flights arrived at their destinations late.

6. American Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights: 1.38%
Number of canceled flights: 15,774

Although American Airlines ranked in the middle of the pack for cancellation rates, it did have the highest overall number of canceled flights, thanks to the airline’s large network. (It is the world’s largest airline by passengers carried.) In terms of delayed flights, American was the worst of the big three legacy airlines, with a 76.47% on-time arrival rate in 2024. 

5. Delta Air Lines

Percentage of canceled flights: 1.40%
Number of canceled flights: 13,062

While Delta fared better than most airlines for cancellations, even more impressive is the fact that the Atlanta-based airline had the second-best on-time performance among the top 10 U.S. airlines in 2024. Over 81% of the airline’s flights arrived on schedule. Many of them departed or arrived at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Delta’s largest hub and the world’s busiest airport.

4. United Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights: 1.37% 
Number of canceled flights: 11,286

American, Delta, and United are considered the big three “legacy” airlines in the U.S. These rivals all had similar cancellation rates in 2024, though United’s was the best of the three. A little over 1% of flights were canceled, which amounts to more than 11,000 flights were canceled across the airline’s expansive route network. 

3. Hawaiian Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights: 0.80%
Number of canceled flights: 372

Travelers heading to paradise on Hawaiian Airlines didn’t have much to worry about on their journeys, either. The Aloha State’s hometown carrier canceled fewer than 1% of its flights in 2024, which amounted to only 372 flights total. The sunny Hawaiian weather also helped Hawaiian achieve the best on-time performance of any major U.S. airline, with 86.1% of flights arriving on time.

2. Alaska Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights: 0.77%
Number of canceled flights: 1,922

Alaska Airlines, which recently acquired Hawaiian Airlines, had the second-lowest cancellation rate among U.S. airlines in 2024. The airline recently launched transpacific flights from its Seattle hub for the first time; flights to Tokyo’s Narita Airport took off in May 2025, soon to be joined by flights to Seoul’s Incheon Airport later this year.

1. Southwest Airlines

Percentage of canceled flights: 0.63%
Number of canceled flights: 5,260

Southwest Airlines has been in the headlines a lot lately — mostly for its plans to charge for checked bags for the first time and to do away with its long-standing open seating policy in favor of assigned seats for a fee. But there is at least some good news for the Dallas carrier: It had the lowest cancellation rate among major U.S. airlines in 2024 — even more impressive when you take into account that Southwest operated over 830,000 flights during the year.

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank — especially if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. That’s where we can help. From packing strategically to taking advantage of credit card perks, these easy tips can help you save money without dampening your experience.

Get Travel Perks Reimbursed

If you’ve ever stood in a seemingly endless line at a TSA checkpoint or customs and immigration after landing on an international flight, you’ll appreciate how much of a time-saver fast-track programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can be. These Trusted Traveler Programs allow you to access expedited lanes at the airport, meaning you spend less time standing in lines and more time relaxing at your gate — or better yet, relaxing in a lounge (more on that below). 

According to the TSA, 99% of travelers with PreCheck wait 10 minutes or less in security lines, compared with 30 minutes or less for those waiting in standard screening lines. Meanwhile, Global Entry travelers can skip the long lines to see a customs agent and clear immigration just by using a kiosk. As of mid-2025, TSA PreCheck costs $78 while Global Entry (which comes with PreCheck) costs $120; both memberships are good for five years.

However, some credit cards — including the American Express Platinum Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and many others — reimburse or provide a statement credit toward these programs, allowing you to save both time and money. The TSA has a helpful list of which credit cards offer this benefit.

Pack Light

There was a time when even domestic flight included at least one free checked bag. These days, many economy tickets don’t include a checked bag, even on overseas flights, and checked baggage fees are on the rise. 

Logically speaking, the easiest way to save money — and avoid the hassle of the baggage claim or the risk of lost luggage — is by packing light. Traveling with only a carry-on also makes it much easier to navigate a new destination. You’re less likely to splurge on a taxi if you’re not hauling large suitcases, and using public transportation can feel more manageable. To help you pack light, we’ve compiled a few clever tips to fit more in your carry-on.

Score Lounge Access

When considering a credit card to cover fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, also check if airport lounge access is included. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and the American Express Platinum Card offer these potentially lucrative benefits. 

While annual fees range from $395 to $695 for each of these cards, frequent travelers often save in the long run thanks to the many travel perks included. And, with airport food and drink prices soaring, lounge access can be a game changer. Most lounges offer complimentary buffets, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and a quiet, comfortable space to relax. Some even feature amenities like showers and sleep pods, adding a touch of luxury to your travel experience. If you don’t carry a credit card with lounge access, some lounges also sell individual day passes. 

Travel on Points

Sensing a theme? One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is to make your credit card points work for you. Many travel-focused credit cards offer generous bonus points on travel bookings that can be redeemed as statement credits toward future travel. While premium cards usually come with a hefty annual fee, there are excellent options with lower annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred, for example, has a relatively modest $95 annual fee, but it offers five points per dollar for travel booked through the Chase Travel platform and a $50 annual hotel credit. Those who earn points with this card can also transfer them directly to airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as United MileagePlus or World of Hyatt, which can unlock even more value out of every dollar you spend on the card.

Find a Free Walking Tour

Often, the best way to discover a new city is by simply walking around on foot. For a free walking tour in the city you’re visiting, check platforms like GuruWalk or do a quick online search to find a great local option. These locally guided tours are a fantastic way to see the highlights, get your bearings, learn about a destination’s culture and history, and meet like-minded fellow travelers. 

While technically free, these tours are often tip-based, as most guides are volunteers who earn through gratuities. So, it’s customary to tip at the end of the tour. Still, the benefit of these tours is that they are led by guides who are often passionate locals who go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy their city, knowing that good reviews will bring in more business. They’re also likely to serve as a great resource for insider recommendations on bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops — helping you avoid overpriced tourist traps and discover authentic local spots.

Be Flexible

At the end of the day, travel always requires some degree of flexibility, but being open-minded in the planning stage for your destination and travel dates can lead to significant savings. Visiting popular spots during the shoulder season can reduce flight and accommodation costs, and it often makes for a more enjoyable experience, as you’ll avoid peak-season crowds. 

If you’re also flexible about where you go, choosing a lesser-known destination, particularly if you plan to visit during the offseason, can save you even more. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of exploring hidden gems before they’re discovered by the tourist masses — which is something you can’t put a price tag on.