For generations of travelers, few parts of an international trip were as satisfying as the thud of a rubber passport stamp. It was as much an adventurous badge of honor as it was official proof of your travels. But recently, it’s more common to breeze through customs with nothing more than a camera flash and an automatic gate sliding open. As more countries lean into biometric technology and digital records, the trusty passport stamp is, in many cases, fading away. Let’s take a closer look at where the beloved travel ritual stands today. 

The History of Passport Stamps 

Passports as we know them today date back to the early 20th century. As international travel became more common and countries tightened their borders after World War I, stamps became an easy way to indicate when someone had entered or exited a country. By the 1950s and 1960s — what many consider the golden age of air travel — passport stamps were part of the romance of travel. Each inked impression was like a small souvenir from a far-off place, turning a passport into a sort of trusty travel diary. 

Over time, travel numbers surged and security protocols and technology evolved. Countries began adopting machine-readable passports throughout the 1980s, and in the 2000s, identity-confirming biometric features such as microchips started appearing. It wasn’t the end of passport stamps, but it did mark a major step toward stamps becoming more of a novelty than a necessity.

The Ink Starts To Fade

Australia was the first country to test self-scanning passport stations as early as 2007; the country eliminated routine passport stamps for most travelers in 2012. Visitors through major international airports are instead automatically processed through a digital system known as SmartGate, using facial recognition technology, fingerprints, and other biometric data stored in your passport. Instead of on a stamp, your record of entry and departure exists only in a database. 

Other countries are increasingly following suit. The U.S. phased out passport stamps in 2022, opting instead for a digital record known as the I-94. Singapore stopped stamping passports the same year, replacing the ink with electronic visit passes sent by email. Argentina also phased out stamps in favor of QR codes, while Hong Kong and Macau issue landing slips rather than using the passport itself. 

Most recently, the European Union began rolling out a large-scale digital Entry/Exit System (or EES) in October 2025. Countries in the Schengen Area — including France, Italy, Spain, and other popular destinations for U.S. travelers — will now replace physical stamps with biometric data and automated tracking. (Analog fans can breathe easy — Cyprus and Ireland, though in the EU, will continue to manually stamp passports for the time being.)

Countries That Still Use Passport Stamps

Despite the move toward digital documentation, the shift away from paper and stamps hasn’t been universal or consistent, and plenty of countries still offer the classic stamp-on-entry. Japan (if you don’t preregister online), Mexico, Morocco, Indonesia, South Africa, Canada (if required) and many countries across South America continue to have staffed customs counters with officers who will stamp your passport, even as automated options are added. 

Many countries still operate with hybrid systems — what you get depends not only on the country, but sometimes even on the airport, terminal, or time of day. Some places will also still accommodate passport stamps for preference if they’re able to — just make sure to ask nicely.

Consider the Souvenir Passport Stamp

As official stamps become scarce, some travelers are turning to souvenir stamps, which are unofficial designs of popular tourism sites you can get at visitor centers or post offices. Destinations such as Machu Picchu or the polar bear capital of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, have them. They serve no legal purpose, and they do come with a word of caution: Novelty stamps can compromise the validity of your passport, so it’s best to bring a travel notebook for them instead. But for the nostalgic among us, they may scratch the same itch.

Are Passport Stamps Gone for Good?

As more countries adopt biometric entry systems and electronic records, the humble passport stamp may soon become a relic. And passports themselves may soon join them. Some experts, such as border security expert Dr. Dalbir Ahlawat of Sydney’s Macquarie University, think physical passports may become altogether obsolete — maybe even within 10 years. 

In Italy, some airports have begun trials for “FaceBoarding,” allowing travelers to get through the airport and board their plane without a passport or boarding pass. Singapore also began allowing residents to enter the country without a passport in 2024, using face and eye-scanning to identify travelers.

Don’t toss your passport just yet, though. While some countries charge full digital steam ahead, many parts of the world still face infrastructure and security challenges that make the global shift to fully digital systems more complex. For now, paper passports and, if you’re lucky, the occasional inked stamp, still have a little life left in them.

No matter where you travel, you’ll find every culture does things a little differently. And while many American customs have been replicated elsewhere, just as many seem strange and, well, foreign to our friends across the globe. Here are five customs that may confuse locals on your next trip abroad.

Smiling at Strangers

In the grand scheme of things, Americans are quite friendly. We say “hi” to passersby on hiking trails, make small talk in public, and smile at strangers — something much less common in countries like Russia, where smiling in public is so rare that people had to be trained to do it in the lead-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. (One woman was reportedly even questioned by the police because she was smiling while walking one day.) It’s not just Russia: Flashing a smile at a stranger you pass on the street could create confusion in other parts of Eastern Europe as well.

Tipping

Though gratuity practices vary across the globe, many countries consider our approach to tipping, well, gratuitous. (Now that seemingly every interaction involving a cash register includes it, so do an increasing number of Americans.) Paying a little extra for good service isn’t just unnecessary in countries like Japan — it can even be considered rude in some cases. 

Omotenashi, which roughly translates to “hospitality” but also refers to a type of mindfulness, is an important cultural concept in Japan that runs counter to the very notion of tipping. You’re expected to look after your guests (or customers, in this case) to the best of your abilities, without expecting anything in return. If you can imagine your confusion at a houseguest trying to tip you for a good home-cooked meal, you can imagine a Japanese waiter’s confusion at a restaurant in Tokyo, too.

Consuming Large Portions

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, portion sizes in American restaurants more than doubled from the 1990s to the early 2010s. In addition to having negative health effects domestically, this also created some puzzlement for international tourists. Bring the average Dane to a chain restaurant in the U.S. suburbs, and they’ll likely go wide-eyed when they see how much food we’re served here, as well as how often we bring home leftovers — something that isn’t done to nearly the same extent in Europe.

Sitting in the Back of a Taxi

Should you ever find yourself hailing a cab or ordering a rideshare in Australia, New Zealand, or parts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, make sure you ride shotgun once they arrive. It’s considered friendlier and more egalitarian to do so, as it puts you and the driver on equal footing. (However, it’s generally more common for men to do so, as women may prefer to sit in the back for safety reasons.) When you have multiple people in your party, start in the front of the cab and have others sit in the back, rather than the other way around.

Wearing Shoes Indoors

We may have to side with our friends abroad on this one. Taking your shoes off as soon as you get home is more comfortable, prevents dirt from tracking indoors, and just feels neater in general. Opinions on it vary from country to country and culture to culture, with some considering it rude to wait to remove your shoes until you’re inside rather than leaving them just outside the front door. If you’d prefer some kind of footwear, you can follow the Japanese practice of wearing house slippers that are only to be worn indoors to maintain a barrier between inside and outside.

Many travelers are eager to check off as many bucket-list attractions as possible on their vacations. It’s easy to understand the motivation, especially if you don’t travel often, have limited vacation days to use, or are jetting off to a faraway destination. But there are some pros to taking your time instead. The increasingly popular practice of “slow travel” encourages you to savor every minute of the journey, making sure you’re present in every place. Here’s how slow travel is changing the way many of us travel — and how to adopt the practice on your next trip.

What Is Slow Travel?

The “slow travel” movement started with food, emphasizing fresh, local, and simple ingredients that emphasize the connection of a cuisine to its culture. Back in 1989, Italian food editor Carlo Petrini founded the grassroots organization Slow Food International to prevent the disappearance of culinary traditions and food cultures around the world. According to Petrini, the world’s desire to move at a quicker pace through advancements of technology has led to a warped carpe diem mentality that often leads to a needlessly rushed, busier schedule.

The “slow” approach places importance on taking time to smell the roses. From food to fashion, slow culture is a “revolution against the notion that faster is always better,” according to Carl Honoré, author of In Praise of Slowness. “It’s about seeking to do everything at the right speed. Savoring the hours and minutes rather than just counting them. Doing everything as well as possible, instead of as fast as possible,” he said.  

How does that relate to travel? Slow travel means connecting mindfully, respectfully, and responsibly with the environment and the people you encounter on your journey. It’s about making memories instead of barreling through bucket lists. It is, ultimately, about genuine discovery.

How To Slow Down

Slow travel doesn’t mean you shouldn’t book direct flights if you fly — though long layovers can be a great way to explore — or that you need a month in a destination to “authentically” experience it. But there are some ways to integrate “slow travel” into your life, even when you’re not on vacation.

Exotic places always have their allure, but some amazing discoveries may be right in your own backyard. Don’t stress over an expensive foreign itinerary until you’ve explored the area you call home. Do you know its history? Its architecture? The varying cultures of your neighbors? This, too, is travel, and will enrich your life, minus a suitcase or passport.

Not sure where to start? Call your local library, historical society, or visitors bureau. After you’ve soaked in your own city, venture further afield to the attractions around you. Weekend or even day trips can provide an authentic escape and a deeper connection to your daily surroundings.

Skip Planes and Try Trains, Automobiles, or Boats

Sometimes, you just have to fly. But if you can, consider slower options that give you a chance to connect with the local landscape and the people who live there. Rent a car (or motorbike) and take advantage of serendipitous stops. And though a bullet train or quick flight is speedy, a regional train, bus, or ferry gives you a chance to look out the window, talk to your fellow passengers, and sometimes hop on and off to explore. While getting from point A to point B may be the goal, the experience along the way is also part of the journey — and the essence of slow travel.

Live Like a Local

Instant fluency in a new language is not going to happen overnight, but every traveler is capable of learning a few phrases and putting in a bit of research before jaunting off. Find out about a destination’s unique culture ahead of time by reading a novel, watching a film, or simply browsing the internet for local recommendations. Upon arrival, a visit to a neighborhood market can be delightful and, in some cases, as helpful as information kiosks at a major tourist attraction.

Regardless of location, five-star resorts and high-end restaurants tend to be more alike than they are different. Instead of seeking out the most Instagrammable spots bragged about by high-profile influencers, research comfortable yet modest accommodations and restaurants that local residents can actually afford. Both your wallet and your experience will be much richer — and you’ll be able to take the next journey sooner.

Consider Your Impact

We’ll never scold a fellow traveler for chasing their dreams. But carefully consider how mass tourism can degrade the very destinations we love, in terms of pollution, poverty, and loss of affordable housing options for locals who often have no other choice. Research low-impact ways to connect with your surroundings in a respectful and sustainable way. 

Even if you’re traveling in an extremely affluent region, there are always good causes which need support. Ask a local schoolteacher how you can help, stop in at a community center or an animal shelter, or consider making a donation to a local cause or charity. But just as importantly, listen to locals and learn about what will best have a lasting impact on the community. 

Surely, waiting in the airport security line isn’t anyone’s favorite part of a travel day. But the truth is, some airports make it easier than others, whether that’s thanks to a more efficient layout, more screening capacity, or better staffing procedures. A 2024 study from the travel news and advice website Upgraded Points analyzed the 25 busiest airports in the U.S. to find out which ones had the shortest — and longest — TSA wait times on average. Check out the results below and find out if your home airport made either list. 

U.S. Airports With the Shortest TSA Wait Times

According to the study, these five airports had the shortest security lines:

5. Charlotte Douglas (CLT) and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) — 13.2 minutes (tie)
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) — 13 minutes
3. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) — 10.6 minutes
2. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — 10.5 minutes
1. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) — 9.1 minutes

If you’re a Delta flyer, this list should be good news — the airline has hubs in Salt Lake City, Boston, Minneapolis, and Detroit. (Delta was also the carrier with the best on-time performance in 2024.) As for the others on this list, Dulles Airport near D.C. is a major hub for United, and American has around 800 daily flights through Charlotte. 

While the times listed are the average wait times from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. (when the majority of flights depart), the study noted that the time you actually spend in line has a lot to do with the timing and day of your flight. For example, travelers at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport waited only a minute on average if they joined the line on a Saturday between 8 and 9 p.m., but 43 minutes if they departed between 2 and 3 p.m. on a Monday.

U.S. Airports With the Longest TSA Wait Times

These five airports had the longest TSA lines on average in the study:

5. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) — 17.3 minutes
4. Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) — 18.2 minutes
3. Miami International Airport (MIA) — 19.6 minutes
2. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — 19.8 minutes
1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — 23.1 minutes

Moral of the story: If you’re flying out of any of the airports above, be sure to arrive early at the airport, which might mean skipping the last-minute slot machine in Vegas or packing up a little earlier at the beach in Miami.

In addition to its long security lines, Newark also has made headlines recently for major flight delays due to FAA staffing and technology issues, so it’s a good idea to get there at least a few hours ahead of your scheduled flight. Based on the study, the worst time to fly out of Newark was Monday from noon to 1 p.m., when average wait times were 60 minutes.

How To Spend Less Time in the TSA Line

The easiest way to wait less at the airport? Sign up for TSA PreCheck. That’s because PreCheck members have a dedicated line, filled with frequent travelers who don’t have to remove bulky items like laptops or jackets. According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less at the checkpoint. (Pro tip: Global Entry, which cuts down on your time spent in immigration and customs after landing in the U.S. from an international trip, also comes with PreCheck.) 

If you’re not a PreCheck member or you don’t qualify, there are other services you can use. About three dozen airports in the U.S. let you book a time slot at TSA security ahead of time, so you don’t have to wait in the general line. Best of all, the service is completely free to use. 

If all else fails and you end up in the standard security line, there’s one trick to remember: Always choose the line on the left. (It’s often shorter.) And when it’s finally your turn to undergo screening, make sure you’re not holding up the line by making these seven common mistakes.

About the data: Travel website Upgraded Points looked at the top 25 U.S. airports for total passenger boardings to analyze the average security line wait times, based on historical data published by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The study looked at data from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day of the week over a 56-day period in spring 2024 to find average wait times. You can read the full report here.

Featured image credit: AzmanL/ E+ via Getty Images 

There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist — in fact, many places rely on tourism as a vital part of their economy. But if you want to experience a destination on a deeper level, you’ll have a more authentic experience if you make an effort to blend in with the locals — whether it’s by trying unfamiliar delicacies, navigating public transportation, or building meaningful connections with the people you meet on your travels. Doing so allows you to see the world through a different lens. However, blending in isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not — it’s about showing respect, curiosity, and adaptability. Here are a few tips to avoid the “tourist” label and fully immerse yourself in a new country.

Learn the Language

You don’t need to be fluent in a country’s language to travel there, but knowing a few key phrases goes a long way. Start with the basics — “hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” — but don’t forget to add practical questions like “How much does this cost?” or “Where is the restroom?” to your repertoire. 

Pronunciation matters, too. For instance, Spanish sounds noticeably different in Spain than in Latin America. When in Spain, the soft “C” in “Barcelona” is actually a “Th” sound (“Barthelona”), but in Latin America, it’s pronounced as an “S.” Locals will appreciate your attempt to use correct pronunciation. 

Also keep in mind that some foreign words have different regional meanings. In Spanish, having a cup of tinto in Latin America (especially Colombia) means black coffee, but it’s a glass of red wine in Spain. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for pronunciation or vocabulary help — most people will often respond warmly.

Understand the Dining Culture

Before you arrive in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to conduct a little research on cultural and social norms, especially in regards to dining. What do locals do at restaurants? Do they tip? 

For example, according to the Japanese travel experts at Boutique Japan, “attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down” — a potentially awkward moment for both parties. Speaking of food and drinks, eating and drinking on the street or commuter trains is generally frowned upon in Japan and many other countries. Take a beat to observe what the locals are doing and adjust accordingly.

Dining practices can be quite different from those in North America. For example, European diners tend to linger at their tables after they’ve finished their meal — they usually don’t ask for the check at first chance. How you eat can also be very different. Skipping the silverware and eating with your hands is common in parts of India, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. And in Japan, never point your chopsticks at anyone while eating — it’s considered a faux pas.

Grab a Newspaper

Learning about a country’s local events and recent history not only helps you understand and appreciate the attractions you will visit, but also helps you avoid major disruptions to your travel plans, such as strikes, protests, and events that could bring in crowds and traffic. The news will give context to what you see and hear, and as a bonus, you might just form a better connection with your taxi driver or tour guide if you know what’s happening in their world.

Skip the Chains

What better way to experience authentic cuisine or find artisan goods than at local establishments? Look for family-run restaurants, market stalls, and street vendors rather than restaurant chains and big-box retailers, especially if you have them at home. This is also a great way to learn more about the local cuisine and discover regional goods.

Your tourism dollars go a long way in supporting local businesses, which help these communities thrive. According to a 2021 University of Minnesota Duluth study, small independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the local economy than chain competitors. Spending your money at small businesses is a great way to show appreciation to the locals who have welcomed you into their city. 

Put Your Phone Away

When asked about screen time during summer vacations, Michael Rich, director of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, says that digital devices can hamper vacation experiences. He explains, “Now, the issue with screen time also should not be that the time you spend on screen is toxic, but that it is displacing something else. And if it is displacing something that is arguably a richer, more positive experience, then one should be thoughtful about that and make that choice.” 

Experiencing your vacation through a phone screen will prevent you from living in the moment. And if you want to blend in with locals, they likely aren’t documenting every second of their day-to-day life. Instead, snap a few pictures and then put your phone away so you can enjoy your surroundings. 

Try Public Transportation

If public transit is readily available, skip the Uber or taxi and save some cash by learning to navigate as the locals do. This gives you a front-row seat to daily life. Many major cities have tourist passes for public transit, offering a limited number of days at a fixed price, so you can explore every corner of town without breaking the bank. For example, a Tourist Travelcard in Lisbon, Portugal, provides unlimited travel for 6.50 euros (for one day) or 14 euros (for three days) — in many cases, this is less than the cost of one taxi ride.

Avoid Sticking to Only Tourist Spots

When it comes to accommodations, hotels in heavily trafficked tourist areas can be tempting. But while much of the action is at your doorstep, it’s also in the epicenter of all things touristy. For a more authentic experience, choose accommodations near the hustle and bustle, but not in the middle of it. 

For instance, in London, you might avoid the busier tourist areas in the West End and stay in Notting Hill, known for its charming, colorful row houses, local eateries, and boutiques. Similarly, in Paris, you might avoid the areas near the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées and instead enjoy the local feel in a neighborhood like Le Marais.

Be Curious — and Flexible

To truly explore a city like a local, you must go in with an open mind, ask questions respectfully, and avoid comparing things to how they’re done “back home.” Adapting to mealtimes, work hours, and holidays is part of the experience. In Italy, for example, shops are closed for pausa di pranzo, a midday break for employees to enjoy a long lunch. It might inconvenience you for a few hours, but try to enjoy the slower rhythm while discovering a new culture.