It’s not something any traveler wants, but occasionally bags get lost or damaged while in transit. If it happens to you, knowing your rights is essential. Under DOT regulations for domestic travel and the Montreal Convention of 1999 for international journeys, air passengers have specific rights in relation to damaged baggage. Different rules apply if you’re traveling by road or rail. Below, take a look at your rights and responsibilities and find helpful tips on what to do if your suitcase gets damaged while traveling. 

Is the Airport or Airline Responsible?

When traveling by air, the airline is responsible for any damage caused while it was carrying your baggage. In the event of damage, the airline can offer to repair it, but if that’s not possible, they must provide reimbursement. If you’ve traveled within the U.S., DOT regulations stipulate that the maximum a passenger can claim is $3,800. 

For most flights overseas, the Montreal Convention comes into play. It currently sets the airline’s maximum liability at about $1,700 USD per passenger. In theory, an airline can offer more than this, but it’s not required to by law. Note that the basis for compensation is the current state of the bag and its contents, not the value of the bag as new. If you believe the TSA has damaged your bag during an inspection (opened bags will be stickered), you should contact the agency instead.

What Kind of Damage Can You Claim?

Claims can be made only for damage that is not deemed natural wear and tear. Preexisting damage is also not considered the airline’s responsibility, so make sure you are able to prove what the condition of your bags was before they left your sight. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you packaged any fragile items in such a way that it should have been possible to transport them without damage.

When Should You Take Action?

Airlines generally have a physical customer service desk near the baggage claim where you can report damage to your bags and fill out a report. Once you’ve completed this form, you will receive a reference number, which you can use for status updates about the reimbursement process. 

In some cases, there may be an alternative method for filing a report online. For instance, if you are flying with American Airlines in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands), look for a QR code displayed near the baggage carousel. Scan the code on your smartphone and log the damage either using the number on your bag tag or your AA confirmation code. United Airlines offers passengers the option of reporting a damaged bag by calling the Baggage Recovery Center at 1-800-335-2247 (International 1-281-821-3526) or by texting “BAGS” to 32050. 

Typically, you have 24 hours to report damage that occurs within the U.S. and seven days to do so for international travel. However, in some parts of the world, if you leave the airport without reporting any damage, it is assumed under law that the bag was intact and therefore the airline has no obligation to process a subsequent claim. Regardless of where the damage has been spotted, it’s prudent to always act promptly.

What About Bus or Train Travel?

Greyhound, which operates the largest intercity bus service in North America, takes a single-minded approach to transporting bags: They’re not liable. The company’s terms and conditions state that passengers must take full responsibility for the items they carry, whether they load them into the luggage compartment or bring them on board. 

Amtrak’s policy is a little more generous. However, if you take any item as a carry-on, the company accepts no liability for any damage. While you may choose to check larger items, you won’t be able to claim compensation for any damage that could be considered the result of regular wear and tear. 

For baggage handled by the Red Cap service, Amtrak’s free baggage assistance, you could receive a maximum of $50 per damaged item, while checked baggage claims typically max out at $500 per ticketed passenger. To be able to file a claim, make sure you report any damage before leaving the station and submit the necessary paperwork within 30 days.

Other Considerations Before You Depart

It’s worth taking a few additional steps prior to your trip that could prove helpful if you are unlucky enough to experience a damaged suitcase while traveling. First, keep the receipt from your suitcase and significant items you’re carrying in it, especially if it’s relatively new or expensive. This may help you prove its value. 

Second, check your empty bag carefully before you start to pack. Ensure that handles are securely attached and wheels are in full working order. Carry out any repairs before leaving for your trip, or swap it out for a different bag. 

You also should take care not to overpack, as this can place stress on zippers, fastenings, and seams. And it’s a good idea to photograph your suitcase or bag before you check it so that you have proof of the condition it was in before you handed it over. Doing so will help if you need to seek compensation or make an insurance claim.

According to a 2018 survey by YouGov, nearly two-thirds of Americans bring home souvenirs from their travels. While grabbing the first trinket that catches your eye at the airport gift shop is tempting, many travelers opt for something more thoughtful that captures the essence of their vacation. For instance, I once brought home a small cactus from Arizona (I checked airline guidelines first!), a quirky yet memorable reminder of my adventure. Souvenirs are a great way to embrace different cultures, support local artisans, and invest in your own memories. As a travel writer and frequent traveler, here are a few of my tips to help you choose meaningful keepsakes you’ll cherish for years to come.

Make Shopping a Cultural Experience

Instead of resorting to last-minute souvenir items like airport keychains, set aside some time in your itinerary for shopping. Make exploring local boutiques, artisan markets, and flea markets part of your vacation experience. Search for places that offer authentic, one-of-a-kind treasures — when in doubt, ask a local for recommendations on where to shop.

Avoiding tourist trap markets allows you to interact with vendors and learn about the history or craftsmanship behind your purchases. You’ll gain a better understanding of the culture than you would at a commercial retailer, and you’re helping the local economy by shopping at a small business. Whether it’s a handwoven scarf, a locally sourced soap, or handmade pottery, these souvenirs often carry a much richer story than anything you’d find in a chain store.

Curate a Collection

Another fun way to enhance your souvenir hunt is to start a collection. This can take the stress out of the search, since you already know what you’re looking for. Consider starting a collection of something small but meaningful, like postcards, magnets, ornaments, mugs, or coasters. Some travelers opt for artwork from local artists, such as paintings, sketches, or photographs.

Though they don’t typically fall into the above category of one-of-a-kind treasures, I enjoy collecting magnets from all the cities I’ve visited, as they’re a relatively easy-to-find keepsake. From a Dublin shamrock to a Dubai skyline, these souvenirs transport me back to those places anytime I look at them. Whether you’re admiring your wall art, putting ornaments on your Christmas tree, or picking a mug for your morning coffee, a collection offers a tangible way to relive those fond travel memories. 

Focus on Functionality

While ornaments and magnets make lovely souvenirs, you might prefer something more functional to use in your everyday life. Edible souvenirs — such as locally produced coffee, tea, jams, chocolates, or unique alcoholic drinks — are great options. Some favorite foodie finds from my travels have included Greek olive oil, Scottish shortbread, and Vermont maple syrup.

Wearable souvenirs — like scarves, sweaters, hats, and perfumes — are among my favorite keepsakes, too. Whenever I put on the sweater I purchased during a birthday trip to London, I recall all the happy memories from my adventure. If you’re short on luggage space, consider jewelry. One way to make this option more affordable is to curate your own travel charm bracelet, adding a new charm for each place you visit. 

Try Do-It-Yourself Souvenirs

To really immerse yourself in the local culture, consider partaking in a hands-on traditional experience. There are plenty of amazing traditions around the world that also give you a take-home keepsake at the end — a DIY souvenir, if you will. 

Some unique experiences include a gold panning adventure in Alaska, a bean-to-bar chocolate-making class in Peru, or learning the Japanese art of kintsugi, an ancient pottery technique. Not only are you learning something new, but you’re also receiving a unique, personalized memento — and a fun story to tell.

Save Your “Junk”

Sometimes, the best souvenirs are free. A growing trend among travelers is junk journaling. This unique type of scrapbook utilizes relics from everyday life that would ultimately end up in the landfill. This could include anything from restaurant receipts to subway tickets, maps, brochures, hotel cards, or disposable menus. 

Once you’re home, use the “junk” along with pictures from your trip to create a unique keepsake journal as a visual record of your travels. You might be surprised at how many extra memories you recall by preserving the small, often overlooked items from a trip.

Consider Packing Space

As tempting as it may be to collect keepsakes from every stop on your journey, remember that packing space is limited. Avoid bulging bags and excess airline fees by being mindful of your purchases. Focus on quality over quantity — what you’ll truly cherish and use over time, whether it’s a drawing of your favorite city or a jar of locally sourced honey. 

If you pick up something delicate or bulky, such as a bottle of local wine or a handmade vase, ask the store if they offer shipping services. Many specialty shops are happy to help mail your purchase to avoid packing mishaps. This way, these tangible memories arrive safely home for you or your loved ones to enjoy.

Travel is expensive enough, even if you stick to the basics and forgo any upgrades. So when it comes to renting a car on your trip, you’re left with an often difficult choice: Is it worth it to pay more for rental insurance? On one hand, insurance provides peace of mind, but on the other, it may seem like an unnecessary expenditure that rarely comes in handy. Before you book your next rental vehicle, here’s how to decide whether adding car rental insurance is truly worth it.

The Basics of Car Rental Insurance

When you rent a car, you may be offered a number of upsell options such as satellite radio, GPS, toll coverage, and of course, insurance. There are several variations of car rental insurance to understand:

• Collision Damage Waiver: While sometimes included in the basic rental agreement, collision damage waivers (sometimes called loss damage waivers) provide coverage in the event of any damage to the bodywork of the rental car while it is in your possession. The CDW is not technically insurance, but rather an agreement for the rental company to waive your liability for the total cost of the damages.. Be sure to read the fine print carefully as to what is covered under the CDW — damage to features like the windows or wheels is sometimes excluded (but coverage may be available for an additional daily cost).

• Theft Protection: In the event a vehicle is stolen, you won’t be responsible for paying the entire value of the car. Just be sure to check your agreement carefully, as there are ways you can invalidate this coverage, such as by leaving the keys in the ignition.

• Personal Accident Insurance: If you or anyone traveling in your rental car is injured in an accident, this option provides coverage for medical costs, such as ambulance transportation to a hospital. 

• Personal Effects Coverage: While standard theft protection covers the car itself, you can also pay for personal effects coverage in order to protect your personal belongings inside the vehicle. If this is not offered by the car rental company, you can buy it through a third-party service provider.

• Third-Party Liability: This type of coverage partially protects you against any claims filed for damaging another person’s vehicle or property, or for injuring another person with your rental vehicle. Many companies offer a basic tier plus supplemental liability protection, which ups your coverage.

• Roadside Assistance: In the event your car breaks down, buying roadside assistance from the rental company can provide you with direct service to help you get back on your way.

Protections You May Already Have

If you have either a credit card or insurance for your personal vehicle, then you may be afforded certain protections that extend to your rental car. As Consumer Reports notes, many personal automobile insurance plans will cover incidents with your rental car. 

The amount of coverage varies from plan to plan, so contact your personal insurance provider for more details. You may still end up paying a deductible in the end, which is an additional factor to consider when weighing the daily cost of coverage from the rental company.

While most credit cards don’t offer primary rental car coverage (though there are exceptions, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve), many card issuers provide card holders with a supplemental benefit known as secondary coverage. Once you’ve maxed out personal auto insurance coverage, your credit card company will cover some, but usually not all, additional claim charges. 

Check with your credit card provider to see if your plan allows you any type of primary or secondary coverage on rental vehicles. Note that typically, you’ll have to pay the entire cost of the rental with your card and decline coverage from the car rental agency in order for your credit card coverage to take effect.

Other Considerations

If you don’t have personal car insurance or a credit card that offers car rental coverage, then buying insurance from the car rental company may be a good option. Without any coverage to fall back on, you could be left on the hook for thousands of dollars in the event of theft or an accident.

Another circumstance in which you should purchase rental insurance is if the car you’re renting is worth considerably more than the one you own. Insurance provider Geico notes that “if you’re renting a car in the U.S. of similar value to your personal car, it is likely that your auto insurance coverage will be adequate for the rental.” However, expensive luxury vehicles such as sports cars wouldn’t be covered by your personal plan, unless you own a luxury car back home.

Additionally, while your existing insurance may provide adequate coverage if you’re renting in the U.S. or Canada, it can be a different story when renting a car abroad. Some countries, such as Italy, even require foreign renters to purchase a collision damage waiver. In some cases, your personal auto coverage may not be valid outside the U.S. or Canada, so it may be a good idea to add the collision damage waiver or other insurance options from the car rental provider to make sure you’re covered.

At the end of the day, while it’s an additional cost to consider, the most obvious benefit to purchasing additional rental coverage is the peace of mind that it provides. Without rental insurance, you may be left in a constant state of panic worrying about getting even the smallest scratch on your rental car. But if you do your due diligence, you may already be covered with your existing options and can forgo the extra cost. 

Peak tourism seasons are popular for a reason, but they also come with drawbacks — namely, crowded spaces, long lines, and premium prices on flights and accommodations. If you’re looking to avoid these downsides, consider traveling during the off-season or the shoulder season. “Off-season” refers to the time of year when a destination experiences its lowest levels of tourism (usually dictated by school calendars and weather patterns), while “shoulder season” refers to the time just before or after peak season. Depending on the destination, the benefit to both periods can be thinner crowds but still-favorable weather — and if you’re lucky, it might mean some significant savings, too. Here are five places worth checking out in the off-season.

Venice, Italy

During peak summer season in Venice, upwards of 110,000 tourists visit its historic city center a single day — more than double its population of about 50,000. But the Floating City dazzles year-round, and visiting in the off-season means you’ll not only avoid the majority of the crowds, but also help to mitigate the effects of overtourism that have been plaguing Venice for years.

Crowd numbers and sweltering summer temps start to drop come October, but the true off-season runs from about November to May. Winter in Northern Italy brings cooler temps, ranging from about 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and it might also feature a notorious Venice rite of passage: winter flooding, known as acqua alta (high water). 

The flooding typically occurs between October and early spring, when tides are high and Venice’s natural state of sinking causes the city’s streets and squares to fill with water. In recent years, though, dams have reduced the amount of flooding. A winter visit might mean a chance to see the city sprinkled with a dusting of snow, too.

Come winter, major attractions like St. Mark’s Square and its exquisite Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and a gondola ride on the iconic canals will be less crowded. And so will local shops and restaurants, offering a chance to fall in step with the local day-to-day rhythm. The city comes back to life during January and February for Carnival season, which might not be the best time to score travel deals, but is certainly a European experience to remember.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s autumn foliage rivals its famous cherry blossoms in both beauty and visitor numbers, so visiting during these peak periods from March to May and October to mid-December is going to be busy — and pricey. In contrast, the off-season is a serene but no less memorable time to experience Japan’s former capital. 

While snow is rare in Kyoto, it dusts the city a few times throughout the winter, transforming landmarks like the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama into tranquil, dreamlike scenes. There are also fewer crowds at popular spots like the Fushimi Inari shrine’s famous red torii gates and the centuries-old tea houses and famous Hanamikoji Street in Gion.

In winter, visitors can warm up with bowls of nourishing ramen or seasonal, multicourse kaiseki dinners. It’s also the perfect time to visit the many onsen (hot springs) in Kyoto’s nearby rural areas, such as Kurama or Funaoka. If you really want to see blossoms, try instead for February, when thousands of plum trees come to life at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Summer months see tourists flock to Iceland’s capital for its midnight sun and cultural life, but if you visit from late fall to early spring, you can discover a quieter, if not equally magical side of the Land of Fire and Ice. 

There is no lack of spectacular sights in the off-season: Winter transforms the city into a postcard-worthy wonderland, with snow-dusted colorful rooftops and the twinkling Festival of Lights. It’s also the perfect time to chase the northern lights, best viewed just outside the city limits on clear nights. 

Warm up afterward in one of Reykjavík’s many geothermal pools, and finish with people watching and a nightcap along the Laugavegur strip. Fewer tourists during the quieter months also means more opportunities to enjoy iconic landmarks such as the Hallgrimskirkja Church, a walk along Rainbow Street, or a stop at one of Reykjavík’s many cozy cafes and storied folklore sites. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Sandy beaches, lobster rolls, and classic coastal charm are all part of what makes Cape Cod a perennially popular summer destination. But visiting in the off-season, from late fall to early spring, reveals a side of the seaside spot that’s just as enchanting.

As the summer rush gives way to calm, uncrowded streets, make your way to quaint towns like Provincetown, Chatham, and Sandwich — the oldest town on Cape Cod. Landmarks such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and historic lighthouses showcase a wild, windswept winter beauty that will be all yours.

While many restaurants close during the off-season, acclaimed cuisine is still available from local favorite restaurants such as the Pheasant. The off-season also brings unique events including the Wellfleet Oyster Fest in October and Provincetown’s beloved Holly Folly, the country’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ holiday celebration, in December. 

If a brisk winter beach walk isn’t exactly your thing, push your off-season trip to early spring to see Cape Cod come alive with hydrangeas — and to go on an unforgettable whale-watching tour.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Summertime in Argentina runs from December to February. While that might be the perfect time to visit if you live in a colder climate, it does mean you’ll be faced with high prices and huge crowds — especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires. 

The off-season, from May to August, is still relatively warm, and makes for a much more laid-back time to explore the historic cobblestone streets of the elegant San Telmo and trendy Palermo neighborhoods. In the latter, you can feel more like a local, lingering in cafes, relaxing in lush green spaces, and shopping in hip boutiques without the summer crowds. 

Winter is also ideal for savoring the rich local cuisine — a bowl of the city’s traditional locro stew is a must, as is the Buenos Aires Tango Festival in August for dance and culture lovers.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a record-breaking 5.2 billion travelers are expected to fly in 2025, which is a 6% increase year over year. Many U.S. travelers are skipping tour buses and passes to well-known attractions in major cities for under-the-radar excursions, and new hotels on the horizon are following suit. These seven highly anticipated accommodations opening their doors this year will celebrate the culture, natural surroundings, and history unique to their location.

Trailborn Surf & Sound – Wrightsville, North Carolina

Opening: January 2025

The site of the new Trailborn Surf & Sound has a storied past in the coastal community of Wrightsville, North Carolina. Known for hosting grand balls and welcoming beachcombers, the Seashore Hotel and Ocean Terrace Hotel once stood on the property, before natural disasters hit and the Blockade Runner Beach Resort was built in its place in 1964. 

In 2025, the Blockade Runner will be rebranded as Trailborn Surf & Sound. The coastal landmark was reimagined with massive upgrades to the lobby, suites, and facilities. Guests will be able to rent kayaks or paddleboards to island hop on the Intracoastal Waterway, sunbathe by the new pool, or take surf lessons on the beach.

The Trail Hotel – Bardstown, Kentucky

Opening: Spring 2025

Thirsty patrons looking to explore Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail can soon check into this bourbon-themed hotel in Bardstown, known as the bourbon capital of the world. 

With 95 rooms, including eight suites, the Trail Hotel encapsulates the history of Kentucky’s distilling past and present with a cozy bourbon library lounge and a “bourbon butler” who can arrange tours, tastings, and transportation for guests. The property will also include a golf simulator, speakeasy, and a swim club. 

Orient Express La Minerva – Rome, Italy

Opening: April 2025

The luxurious Orient Express rail service connecting Paris and Istanbul captivated travelers from around the world in the late 19th and 20th centuries, inspiring Agatha Christie’s 1934 murder mystery novel and other books and films. Service was halted in 1977, but in spring 2025, the art deco-inspired train will be back up and running in Italy. 

In addition to the rail relaunch, the first Orient Express luxury hotel will be opening in the historic Piazza della Minerva in Rome. The palatial former residence dates back to 1620 and originally belonged to the Portuguese Fonseca family. 

Orient Express La Minerva will offer a Roman bath-inspired spa, an upscale rooftop restaurant serving Mediterranean fare, and marble-clad suites. A second Orient Express hotel is also planned to open in Venice, and the three-masted Orient Express Silenseas — set to become the world’s largest sailing ship — will take to the seas in 2026. 

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree – Singapore

Opening: April 2025

Nestled within the 126-hectare Mandai Wildlife Reserve in northern Singapore, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will feature 24 eco-friendly treehouses for an immersive wildlife and nature experience. Each treehouse has a private patio and was constructed with sustainability at its core. 

Guests have the opportunity to sign up for guided nature walks, wellness retreats, and responsible animal encounters at the five wildlife parks nearby: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild Asia. 

1 Hotel – Melbourne, Australia

Opening: May 2025

The sustainable vision behind 1 Hotel’s first Australian offering has garnered a lot of press, but the modern waterfront property also has an attractive exterior that’s hard not to notice. Situated on the Yarra River, 1 Hotel Melbourne features breathtaking views of the skyline and harbor, a 1,000-seat conference hall, and a high-tech wellness center. 

The hotel will also incorporate original wharf timbers, roof trusses, purlins, and columns into its blueprint — a nod to the sustainable sourcing of building materials that Aussie designers believe is the future of eco-friendly architecture. 

Faena New York – New York City

Opening: Spring 2025

Luxury hotel group Faena is well known for its colorful couture properties in Miami Beach and Buenos Aires, and in spring 2025, a swanky and sophisticated high-rise in West Chelsea joins the lineup. 

The Faena New York will feature 120 rooms and suites decked to the nines in stylish wallpaper, gallery walls, chandeliers, and eclectic artwork. Around every corner, guests should expect showstopping pieces akin to Faena Miami Beach’s enormous 24-karat gold woolly mammoth installation by artist Damien Hirst. Buzzy dining offerings will also be the perfect place for guests to experience the thrill of New York nightlife, just steps from the famous High Line. 

One&Only Moonlight Basin – Big Sky, Montana

Opening: Summer 2025

Travelers headed to Big Sky, Montana, to ski next winter can start reserving rooms at One&Only Moonlight Basin — the first One&Only resort in the United States. The hotel line carefully chooses sites for their natural beauty and cultural charm, but the Montana property will be the first winter resort in the mix — among sunnier locales in Mexico, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa. 

The 8,100-acre Big Sky ski resort in the property’s backyard. Blanketed by snow for skiing in winter, it also offers world-renowned fly-fishing, hiking, biking, and kayaking in summer. After a day outdoors, guests can warm up by the indoor fireplaces while still enjoying the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Rocky Mountains, taking a dip in the indoor pool, relaxing in the sauna, or indulging at one of six restaurants and bars on-site.