From basic economy to premium economy and airline-specific classes like Delta One and United Polaris, airline terminology can be confusing. Sometimes, what’s called “first class” is actually a lesser experience than what you’d find in “business class” on a longer flight. Confused yet? If you’re looking to splurge on your next flight, here’s a primer on the key differences between first and business class on airlines around the world. 

Domestic and Short-Haul Flights

On domestic flights, most U.S. airlines offer two cabins of service: first class and economy class (often called “main cabin”). Within the main cabin, you may also be able to purchase a preferred or extra-legroom seat, but you’ll still receive economy-class service. 

First class, on the other hand, is a noticeable step up in terms of amenities and service. Expect wider, plusher seats at the front of the plane, a few extra inches of legroom, and personalized service from a dedicated flight attendant. Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are served free, and hot meals are offered on longer flights. Booking a first-class ticket also comes with extra perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and extra frequent flyer miles — though, notably, usually not airport lounge access when flying domestically. 

In most other parts of the world, airlines that operate with a similar two-cabin model for short-haul flights market the forward cabin as “business class” instead of “first class.” Essentially, short-haul and domestic business class abroad is similar to the product U.S. airlines offer, only with a different name.

Europe is an interesting case. When flying intra-Europe in business class, you won’t find much (if any) difference in the seats or legroom. This is because most European airlines outfit the entire airplane with standard economy-class seats, but they will block off the middle seat for business class passengers at the front of the cabin to provide extra space. This allows airlines to easily adjust the size of the business-class cabin based on demand.

International Flights

Now that we’ve covered short-haul flights, let’s talk about long-haul international flights. On these routes, as well as for a select number of longer premium domestic markets such as the New York-to-Los Angeles route, business class is, somewhat confusingly, a much better product than what you’ll find in first class when flying domestically in the United States.

Instead of recliner seats, you’ll find ones that convert into fully flat beds (often with privacy doors) along with lounge access and other premium perks. But it might not be called “business class”: On United, business class is named “Polaris,” while on Delta, it’s “Delta One.” 

To make matters more confusing, Polaris, for example, is available on wide-body aircraft serving long-haul international destinations. But on narrow-body flights serving short-haul international destinations between the U.S. and Latin America, United sells business class instead. This is the same cabin that is usually sold as first class on domestic flights, found on aircraft such as the Boeing 737. American Airlines takes a similar approach.

Long-Haul First Class

On some airlines’ long-haul planes, there’s a first class cabin in addition to business class. Even though it’s called first class, it’s very different from, say, first class on an American Boeing 737. 

In a bid to woo business and premium travelers, the world’s top global airlines have invested millions of dollars in their first-class products. In early 2025, Air France introduced its overhauled “La Premiere” first-class cabin. If you can get past the sticker shock — expect to pay up to $10,000 for a one-way flight — you’ll find an intimate cabin with just four suites, seats that convert into generously sized beds, and even floor-to-ceiling curtains to guarantee privacy.

Before you even step on board, a dedicated agent will escort you through security to an exclusive first-class lounge with gourmet meals and spa treatments. In Paris, a private chauffeur will whisk you from the lounge directly to your plane, so you can skip the boarding line altogether. Once the plane takes off, you’ll be treated to gourmet multicourse meals designed by celebrity chefs and as much Champagne — or anything else you’d like — as you can drink.

Other international airlines — from Lufthansa in Germany to ANA and Japan Airlines in Japan, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates — offer similar or even more exclusive experiences. On these airlines, first class is a step above their business class offering and the highest level of service you can receive. And it’s the most expensive to book, often costing two to three times as much as business class on the same flight.

One part of the world where you generally won’t find long-haul first class is the United States. Neither Delta nor United offers a first-class cabin. The lone exception is American, but that won’t be the case for much longer — the airline has announced plans to phase out long-haul first class, which is only available on a handful of aircraft. 

Instead, U.S. airlines have invested in making their business class — Polaris or Delta One, for example — better than ever before. While it’s fair to consider their products a hybrid of “true” first and traditional business class, the primary difference is that the cabins are often much larger. On some United planes, for example, there are 60 Polaris seats — compared with just four La Premiere seats on an Air France flight.

What About Premium Economy?

In 1992, Taiwan-based Eva Air was the first airline to introduce premium economy, and in recent years this new cabin has become increasingly popular. Remember the old business-class recliners in the 1970s and 1980s? As airlines upgraded their business-class products to flat-bed seats, it left a gap in the market for premium travelers who couldn’t quite justify splurging for a business-class ticket. Enter: premium economy.

Seats in premium economy are similar (and, in many cases, exactly the same) as those that U.S. airlines use for domestic first class. Essentially, they’re a few inches wider, recline a little more, and boast a few inches of extra legroom. Service levels fall somewhere between business class and economy class — with a smaller cabin, you’ll have more dedicated service and perhaps drinks in real glassware, but it won’t be quite to the same level as you’d find in business or first class. 

If you’re a seasoned cruiser who’s already explored numerous Caribbean ports or the glacial waters of Alaska, you may be looking for your next adventure. And if you’ve been dreaming of wandering cobblestone streets past castles in Prague or sipping reds at family-run vineyards in Bordeaux, a European river cruise could be the answer. Don’t know where to start? Here are some helpful tips for planning your first river cruise adventure across Europe. 

Narrow Down Your Interests (and Budget)

First things first: No two European river cruises are alike. Major waterways across the continent include the Seine, Danube, Elbe, Garonne, Loire, Main, Tagus, Douro, Oder, Po, Rhine, Moselle, Saône, and Rhône. And there are multiple options of river cruises available on each, ranging from major lines such as Viking, Avalon, and AmaWaterways to smaller vessels chartered by Tauck, Uniworld, and CroisiEurope.

That’s why we recommend you start by determining what type of vacation you’re looking for. For example, if you prefer to spend a lot of time appreciating architectural landmarks, taking walking tours, shopping at local markets, or museum hopping, a river cruise on a major line with longer stops in historic European cities such as Budapest, Paris, Prague, or Vienna, could be a solid choice. Alternatively, if you prefer to spend more time on the water appreciating the mountains, rolling vineyards, and quaint villages from a distance as you dine, a smaller ship with luxury amenities like spa services and meals prepared by a chef on board may be more your speed. 

Figuring out how much sightseeing you want to do and what kind of sightseeing is also essential when planning a European cruise. If this is your second or third time to Europe, you may be more interested in lesser-known villages in underrated countries. A river cruise on the Oder through Poland, Czechia, and Germany, for example, or on the Douro through Portugal and Spain, may be more riveting if you’ve already floated on the Seine past the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

If you’re a history buff, you may enjoy a river cruise on the Elbe through Germany and Czechia, past Prague, Berlin, Hamburg, and Dresden. Wine lovers will appreciate a cruise along the Saône and Rhône rivers from Burgundy to Provence in France, while those looking to unwind in unparalleled natural landscapes will be mesmerized by the beauty of the Swiss Alps along the Rhine River.

Leave Yourself a Buffer

European river cruises typically range from five days to two weeks, but some adventures on the water can be even longer, depending on how many countries you plan to visit. Allowing yourself a minimum of three extra days (beyond your cruise itinerary) will give you enough time to arrive in your embarkation port city and adjust to the climate and time zone, as well as a day or two to catch your flight home if there is a delay. 

You should never book your flight to land the day of or before you embark, or to fly out the day of or after you disembark — flights can often get delayed or canceled and you don’t want to miss your cruise (or your flight home). 

Additionally, you’ll want to book as early as possible. Even if you are planning for a shorter voyage, booking your cruise seven to eight months in advance is advised, as popular routes can fill up fast and booking early may help you secure better pricing. 

Consider Seasonality

If you’re still unsure of which cruise to choose, selecting a voyage is easier if you consider what time of year you plan to set sail. For example, during the holiday season, you could take a Danube River cruise from Budapest to Regensburg, Germany, or a cruise on the Main and Moselle rivers from Paris to Prague to see the magical Christmas markets. 

A European river cruise in warmer months would be better suited to, say, a Danube River cruise from Bucharest to Budapest through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary for swimming and exploring villages in the summer. Or you might set sail on the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Antwerp through the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium to see the flower fields come alive in spring. 

Find Out the Ship Size

Researching the various cruise lines ahead of time will ensure there are no unexpected surprises when it comes time to sail. Be sure to read reviews, ask specific questions, and comb through photos of cabins offered. If you have dietary restrictions or limited mobility, you will want to choose a line that will accommodate your needs and recommend the right activities and restaurants on land. 

An important consideration is the size of the ship. If you prefer to have more access to amenities on board, a major cruise line may be more comfortable than a smaller yacht, but if you’re looking for more one-on-one time with guides, a smaller vessel will ensure everyone in the group gets prioritized. 

Be Aware of Water Levels

Depending on the season you book, low water or high water levels due to droughts or flooding can prevent ships from navigating various sections of the river, passing under bridges, or safely docking at various ports. Most lines have a backup plan just in case, offering bus tours, ship swaps, or itinerary adjustments, but it’s always a good idea to be mindful of river conditions. 

Notably, the Elbe and Rhine rivers are prone to low water levels in the summer due to heat waves, while the Rhône and Seine rivers often experience high water levels from heavy rainfall in the fall. And the Danube and Rhine rivers typically rise in the spring due to snowmelt from the Alps.

Look into Local Transportation

Before you dock in a major city or make plans to see a specific attraction across town, make sure you research public transportation in your ports ahead of time. For instance, you don’t want to arrive in Paris and spend precious time trying to figure out the Metro, or realize you’re short on change and need to take a long bus to navigate the tight roads around the canals in Venice. 

Typically, the most authentic experiences won’t be in the neighborhood where your ship docks, so consider hopping on a subway, tram, bus, or bike in order to explore. If you are still unsure of how to navigate the city, ask cruise line personnel for assistance; they may offer guided tours or arrange transportation for you. 

Consider Travel Insurance

Lastly, make sure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency. Flight changes or cancellations as well as medical emergencies can happen. Consider purchasing a travel insurance plan so you don’t lose money if your cruise plans don’t work out. If you need to abandon ship (literally), you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered and have the option to get home safely. 

Most travels are, thankfully, trouble-free, but preparing for a worst case scenario helps to reduce stress levels when you’re on the go. That starts with packing a few key items that you most likely won’t need, but will be glad you brought if you find yourself in an unsafe situation. Here are our picks for eight essential products that help keep you safe and give you peace of mind while traveling.

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.

Money Belt

Travelers in unfamiliar environments can be especially vulnerable to opportunist theft, particularly at transit gateways such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals where there’s a good chance they’ll have all your possessions with them. Therefore, it’s a good idea to split your cash and cards between different bags if possible. You might also wish to tuck some of your cash into a money belt — these fit under your clothes and lie flat against your skin, so they shouldn’t be visible to anyone else. Some travelers also carry a dummy wallet containing a small amount of cash, which can be handed over in an emergency situation while the rest remains safely tucked away.

Anti-Theft Bag

Backpacks and travel tote bags are often a convenient option for travelers who plan to move around a lot. However, there’s one serious drawback in comparison to a hard-shell suitcase — backpacks and totes can be slit with a knife. Indeed, some thieves may be so skillful that you won’t even notice them doing it, allowing them to melt away into a crowd. Choose an anti-theft luggage brand such as PacSafe that is designed to be slash-proof for peace of mind.

Portable Safe and Cable Lock

While it’s best to leave any unnecessary valuables such as expensive jewelry at home, there are certain items — like phones or laptops — that are often hard to do without on vacation. Consider investing in a personal safe or a TSA-approved cable lock that can be easily attached to your belongings to help prevent theft. While they’re not foolproof, they’re likely to act as a deterrent to potential thieves.

First-Aid Kit

A basic first-aid kit should also be on the list when you’re gathering safety products before a trip, particularly if you’re venturing off the beaten track. At a minimum, it should contain something to clean a wound, antiseptic cream to avoid infection, gauze and bandages, scissors, tweezers, and a sterile thermometer. You might also wish to throw in a pack of pain relievers, remedies for an upset stomach, and some antihistamines for allergies. If you’re reusing an existing kit, make sure you check it is still complete and the contents are not expired.  

Map

Knowing where you are and where you’re going will help keep you safer during your travels. Coupled with prior research and local intel, a map will help you avoid straying into rougher neighborhoods of unfamiliar cities or running into trouble during a road trip. Some travelers may choose to carry an old-school paper map or rely on the rental car’s navigation system, but if you prefer to use your smartphone for directions, Google Maps offers a handy feature to download maps for offline use — which is particularly helpful if you don’t have international cellular service and aren’t near a Wi-Fi connection.

Phone Charger and Power Bank

There’s no point in planning to use Google Maps on your smartphone if the battery dies. Today’s travelers rely on their phones for everything from airline tickets to translation apps, emails, messaging services, and tap payments. To avoid finding yourself stranded, ensure you have the right charger with you and carry a portable power bank so you can recharge your devices on the go. Also, it’s smart to have a backup plan in case your phone is lost or stolen.

Rubber Door Stop Wedge

Many hotels have safety latches and peepholes to ensure someone can’t enter your room unexpectedly. For extra peace of mind, you can also pack a rubber door stop wedge that can be pushed under the bottom of the door from the inside. This will prevent someone from opening the door unless you remove it, providing the reassurance you need to get a good night’s sleep.

Personal Safety Alarm

Some travelers may also opt to carry a personal travel alarm. When pressed, these alarms emit a loud noise that can alert others nearby. Whether you are walking in poorly lit areas of a city late at night or returning to your car in a deserted parking lot, there’s a chance that this might encourage someone to come to your aid if required. Where it’s far less likely that you will encounter other people, such as when out hiking in the wilderness, a can of pepper spray is a possible alternative (though check local laws to make sure it is legal).  

Forget finding waterfront accommodations — for a truly unique vacation, consider staying on the water in a houseboat. Houseboats blend the freedom of boating with all the comforts of home in your own cozy cabin. The best part is that you don’t need to own a boat to experience it. Houseboats — just like cabins, condos, and hotel rooms — are readily available to rent to vacationers around the world. Interested in trying one for yourself? Here are a few helpful tips for first-time houseboaters.

What Is a Houseboat?

Houseboats are a step above your average boat rental. Unlike pontoons or speedboats that you can rent for a day trip, houseboats are essentially floating homes that are outfitted with the essentials: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, Wi-Fi, and plumbing. Most can be piloted around calm lakes and rivers, but some houseboats are stationary and require a tugboat to move them, or they remain docked in place.

If they do move, they’re best for slow, scenic cruising over the course of several days (or weeks), typically maxing out at 15 mph. They’re well suited for the calm waters of lakes, rivers, or coastal inlets, rather than the open ocean. In contrast, luxury yachts are designed to travel long distances on the high seas at much faster rates. 

Similar to vacation home rentals, houseboat rentals come in all shapes and sizes, from ones with bare-bones cabins to accommodations with hot tubs, personal chefs, and waterslides. You can find homes available to rent in waterways around the world — you just have to know where to look.

How To Find a Houseboat Rental

Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo now feature houseboat listings, many with unique features like rooftop lounges, wraparound decks, kayaks, fishing equipment, or jet skis. When using a vacation rental platform, you can read reviews from other travelers before you book and choose from more than 200 countries and regions around the world.

If you’re looking for a site solely dedicated to water-based retreats, Le Boat offers one of the largest fleets of canal boats in Europe and Canada, with easy-to-navigate vessels that don’t require a captain’s license. (Instead, you’ll receive a temporary permit after completing a boating lesson.) Many of these rental options are also dog-friendly, making them an excellent choice for the entire family.

Many travelers choose to book a houseboat through a reputable vendor like HouseBoating.org, which offers houseboats in lakes, rivers, and canals across the U.S. and Canada. Or, if you have a specific destination in mind, a quick search for local houseboat rental companies in your chosen destination can often turn up hidden gems not listed on the big platforms.

Tips for First-Time Houseboat Renters

If you’ve ever stayed at a vacation rental, many of the same tips apply to houseboats, with a few extra considerations because you’re staying on the water. First and foremost, check the licensing rules of the destination where you’re staying. If the houseboat isn’t going to be docked for your entire stay, you might need a boating license or a short certification course in order to captain the boat. The owner of your rental should provide you with this information. 

Storage is typically more limited on houseboats than in other types of vacation rentals, so pack light and only bring the essentials. Most houseboats have a full kitchen, so you may be able to make some of your meals on board. However, if you’re staying in a more remote location, grocery stores might be scarce, so plan ahead and pack your own snacks, beverages, and other groceries. Along with regular toiletries and medications, you may also want to bring along some remedies for motion sickness — even if the boat is docked, it might gently rock.

As for cost, the price of a houseboat varies greatly, just like any other vacation rental, depending on location, amenities, and season. Houseboating is ideal for families and small groups, who can typically save money by booking accommodations with several bedrooms and shared living spaces. This can make even high-end houseboat rentals surprisingly affordable.

Unique Houseboat Adventures Around the World

For adventurous travelers, a houseboat vacation with Shayamanzi Houseboats in South Africa may be a dream trip. These fully catered accommodations are located on Lake Jozini in the Pongola Game Reserve, offering a blend of a boating and safari trip. Guests can fish for tigerfish, a popular African game fish, or spot wildlife from the deck, all while enjoying freshly prepared meals on board.

Australia is another appealing option. From exploring the remote gorges of the Kimberley region on the guided Nyawoorn houseboat to leisurely drifting along with Murray River Houseboats in Victoria, Australia’s waterways offer incredible diversity. 

For even more immersion into nature, travelers can cruise through the heart of the Amazon Rainforest in South America on a private, eco-friendly houseboat. Tour companies such as Rainforest Cruises offer customizable packages.

In Egypt, you can take a vacation on one of the most famous waterways in the world, the Nile River. One of the most popular rental options, Houseboat65 in Cairo, offers several inviting rooms with river views.

While traditional houseboats are excellent options, also consider a stay on a dahabiya. These classic Egyptian sailing vessels have been traveling the Nile River for centuries. They’re essentially floating boutique hotels, offering private rooms, gourmet meals, and exciting activities and excursions along the Nile. Tour companies like Dahabiya Nile Sailing specialize in these unforgettable journeys.

Or Stay Closer To Home

Not up for the long flight to reach your houseboat rental? You don’t have to travel far to have a memorable houseboat vacation. From skyline views in Seattle to an off-the-grid floating fishing cottage in Key West, the U.S. has many options for houseboat rentals. 

One of the top houseboating destinations in the country is Lake Powell, which straddles the Utah-Arizona border and boasts over 2,000 miles of shoreline. At Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas, first-time boaters can learn how to pilot a houseboat rental with a quick lesson. Spend your days exploring sandstone canyons while enjoying what houseboating is all about: an unforgettable vacation on the water.

Glass buildings don’t just look sleek — they often push the limits of modern architecture with innovative design and forward-thinking sustainability measures. From Paris to Abu Dhabi, these architectural landmarks define their city skylines and captivate onlookers. Check out five of the most interesting glass structures around the world.

Louvre Pyramid – Paris, France

The Louvre is the most-visited museum in the world, attracting nearly 9 million visitors in 2024. It’s renowned for its vast art collection, including the “Mona Lisa,” the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. But before you even get to the art inside, you encounter the Louvre’s famous glass pyramid entrance, designed by Chinese American architect I. M. Pei and completed in 1989 as part of the Grand Louvre Project to modernize the museum. 

Instead of entering through the Louvre Palace, visitors now enter through the glass structure and descend into the museum’s main lobby. It took two years of research to develop the specially formulated, extra-clear glass used for the pyramid, which was chosen to provide unobstructed views of the Louvre Palace from both inside and outside. Situated in the center of Cour Napoléon, the expansive main courtyard of the Louvre Palace, the pyramid — though controversial at first — has become an enduring symbol of the iconic Parisian museum. 

Aldar Headquarters Building – Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Aldar Headquarters Building, completed in 2010, was the first spherical skyscraper in the Middle East. Located in the Al Raha area of Abu Dhabi and designed by MZ Architects, the innovative glass building was inspired by the shape of a clam shell. It features an east-west orientation, allowing natural light to stream through the glass panels, especially at sunrise and sunset. 

One of the building’s most distinctive features is the lack of internal columns; instead, a diagonal steel diagrid supports the building’s unique curves. The Aldar Headquarters was also a pioneer in sustainable construction in the UAE — a significant portion of the structure was built with recycled materials, including its 270,000 square feet of glass.

National Centre for the Performing Arts – Beijing, China

Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is known as “the Giant Egg” for its oval shape. It is the largest performing arts complex in Asia, featuring a 2,416-seat opera house, a 2,017-seat concert hall, and two theaters. Construction began in 2001 and was completed in 2007 at a cost of $400 million. Since then, the National Centre for the Performing Arts has hosted a wide range of modern and traditional Chinese dance and theatrical performances. 

Approximately 2 million people visit the NCPA each year, not only for the world-class performances, but also because the building is a landmark in itself. Its exterior shell, made from 18,000 titanium plates and 1,200 pieces of ultra-wide glass, gleams in the light, making it one of Beijing’s most iconic buildings. The structure sits at the center of a human-made lake, where the still water reflects both the sky and its massive dome, earning it another nickname — “Pearl on Water.”

Basque Health Department Headquarters – Bilbao, Spain

The polyhedral mirrored prism of the Basque Health Department Headquarters stands in striking contrast to the surrounding 20th-century architecture of Bilbao. Completed in 2008, the building was inspired by the form of natural diamonds. Its glass facade is visually striking and allows copious amounts of natural light to stream into the interior. 

Architects Juan Coll-Barreu and Daniel Gutiérrez Zarza incorporated a unique folded facade to cleverly address Bilbao’s strict building code that mandated stepped setbacks for buildings along the city’s main boulevards. The double-skin glass exterior offers additional benefits, including sound insulation, improved energy efficiency, and a natural ventilation system that reduces the need for air-conditioning. Though designed for practical use, the building has become one of Bilbao’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Gherkin – London, England

This glittering cylindrical building in London’s financial district is officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, but it’s more commonly called “the Gherkin” due to its resemblance to a pickled cucumber. The landmark building houses a range of financial, legal, and insurance firms, including Swiss Re, Kirkland & Ellis, and the Falcon Group. 

Its distinctive facade — made up of a steel frame and triangular glass panels — is cleverly designed to create the illusion of a spiraling form, even though none of the glass panes is actually curved. This visual trick, along with its energy-efficient features and striking silhouette, has helped make the Gherkin one of the most recognizable buildings on the London skyline.