While forgotten toothbrushes and lost socks are par for the course, hotel staffers have found plenty of oddities that make you wonder, “What were those guests thinking?” A recent international survey by Hotels.com involving over 400 hotels — spanning Brazil, Canada, Japan, France, Turkey, and beyond — revealed some of the most surprising items hotel guests left behind in 2024. From pet chickens to rice cookers, these are the most unusual things forgotten in hotel rooms.

Luxury Leftovers

Guests often forget simple necessities — maybe ChapStick or a sweater — but the survey shows plenty of travelers leave behind more extravagant treasures, too. Hotels have reported finding Rolex watches worth tens of thousands of dollars and luxurious Hèrmes Birkin handbags that retail for anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000.

Perhaps the most egregious occasion of lost luxury was the story of the $6 million watch that its owner forgot. (Surely, the owner quickly returned for their pricey timepiece.) Other high-priced items include keys to a luxury car (along with its documentation), jewelry (including an engagement ring), and even stacks of cash.

Misplaced Pets

While the loss of luxury items might cause a brief panic for their owners, some forgotten items also cause alarm for hotel staffers. In one instance, a hotel worker encountered a live pet lizard. Rest assured, it was reunited with its owner, but guests should be aware that most hotels maintain a strict no-reptile policy. In another instance, a forgotten pet chick was reunited with its owner, but it’s unclear why it was staying in a hotel to begin with.

Personal Health Items

You’d expect to forget a phone charger by the nightstand, but probably not your teeth. As it turns out, forgotten dentures are among the most commonly forgotten personal health items in hotel rooms. Similarly, staffers have found individual teeth left behind. (Hopefully, they left them under the pillow for the tooth fairy.) Hotels also reported guests leaving behind a full-leg cast on two separate occasions. 

Appliances and Industrial Items

Hotels can’t always provide all the comforts of home, so some guests bring their favorite items with them — including appliances that you’d expect to find in a home kitchen but not in a hotel room. One hotel worker reported finding an abandoned blender in a room, while another was surprised to see a perfectly good rice cooker left behind.

But perhaps the biggest head-scratchers on this list are industrial items you wouldn’t ever expect to see in a hotel room: a car tire and leftover construction pipes. It’s unclear why these items were left behind, but they gave hotel workers a fun story to share with co-workers.

Most Commonly Left Items

Of course, not all forgotten items are noteworthy. According to the report, there are a few items that guests seem to keep forgetting time after time. The most common offenders are chargers and power banks, which makes perfect sense for busy travelers who need their electronics charged while on the go. 

Clothes and dirty laundry are the second-most commonly left-behind objects, so remember to double-check closets and cabinets before heading for checkout. Other frequently deserted belongings include makeup and toiletries. Still, these inexpensive items can often be replaced at a nearby store — a Birkin bag or leg cast might prove more of a challenge.

Going the Extra Mile for Guests

Fortunately, it’s usually easy for hotel staff to reunite travelers with lost belongings. Many hotels have a “lost and found” system, but some staffers go above and beyond for their guests. One hotel worker drove over 100 miles to return a forgotten passport, while another purchased a new teddy bear for a distraught young guest who lost their favorite travel companion.

If you have a habit of forgetting things while traveling, you aren’t alone. Creating a packing checklist is one of the best ways to avoid leaving something behind. Go over this list while packing for the trip and again at the hotel while packing up at the end of your journey. This should ensure you remember everything you brought with you. If you do forget something, don’t worry — call the front desk, and you’ll likely be reunited with your lost item in no time.

When you’re exploring new destinations — whether you’re backpacking through Europe, road-tripping across the U.S., or camping under the stars — the last thing you want is to be weighed down by a heavy bag full of dirty clothes. Laundry may not be the most glamorous part of traveling, but staying fresh and comfortable on the road is essential. Luckily, you don’t need a washer and dryer to keep your clothes clean. Here’s everything you need to know about washing (and drying) your laundry while you’re on the go — without sacrificing space or convenience.

Laundry Detergent

Whether you opt for the sink, a bucket, or a wash bag (more on that below), one item you can’t do laundry without is detergent. Eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets are a great alternative to traditional liquid or powder detergent. These convenient sheets not only last longer than a jug of liquid detergent, but also are incredibly practical for travel. About the size of a dryer sheet, they’re easy to pack in a sealable plastic bag and take up little space in your suitcase or backpack. Plus, you can tear them in half or quarters to adjust the amount you use. One sheet is enough for a full load, meaning a few sheets can last you through multiple washes.

Wash Bag

Say goodbye to the hassle of scrubbing clothes by hand in a bathroom sink. With the Scrubba Wash Bag, you can clean your laundry without ever getting your hands wet. Lightweight, portable, and straightforward to use, the Scrubba is a clever solution for on-the-go washing. Just toss your dirty clothes into the cylinder-shaped dry bag, add water and detergent, and seal it up. As you press the outside of the bag, small knobs inside create a washboard-like effect to scrub away dirt on your clothes. Once you’re done, pour out the used water, add fresh water to rinse, then wring out and hang your clothes to dry. 

Travel Clothesline

Now that you have an armful of dripping wet clothes, you’re probably wondering where to hang them to dry. The solution is a portable travel clothesline. Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or staying in a cozy Airbnb or a small hotel room, you can easily string it up between two trees, across a balcony, or even between a desk and a bedpost. This retractable portable clothesline is not only compact and lightweight, but also comes with built-in clips to securely hold your clothes in place while they dry. That means no more hunting for hangers or awkwardly draping clothes over furniture.

Microfiber Towel

Drying clothes is much easier when there’s a bit of fresh air or a breeze to help, but in a small, stuffy space without proper air circulation, clothes can stay damp for days — and may even start to develop a musty odor. If you’re unable to hang your clothes outside, a clever trick is to use a microfiber towel to help absorb excess water before you hang them up. Simply lay the towel over your wet clothes and press down to soak up moisture, which will speed up the drying process and reduce that unpleasant damp smell.

Heading across the pond? This year, important changes to entry requirements come into effect, which may impact inbound tourists to the United Kingdom from countries such as the U.S. and Canada. Find out why you’ll now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the U.K. 

What Is the ETA?

The ETA is a digital application that allows you to travel to the U.K. Travelers who would not previously have required a tourist visa to enter the country will now need to apply online for an ETA before they intend to travel. While it is not a visa, the ETA is a necessary step for travelers who in most cases wouldn’t previously have needed to complete any paperwork at all. 

To apply, you will need to go online and submit some personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and nationality, as well as a photograph. In addition, you’ll be asked to supply some basic information about your job and any criminal convictions you may have. A decision on your application will typically be issued within three days. A separate ETA is required for each traveler; parents will have to apply on behalf of their children.

The U.K.’s ETA works in a similar way as the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) does for eligible travelers wishing to enter the U.S. As of early 2025, the fee is £10 (approximately $12.50 USD). The U.K. government says it is introducing the system to streamline and digitize its border control process and to enhance border security.

Useful Information

Once your ETA has been approved, it lasts for two years or for the life of your passport, whichever is shorter. During that period, holders can make multiple trips and also transit the country en route to other destinations. However, it is only valid for certain purposes and not, for instance, if you intend to live in the U.K. 

The types of trips that are permitted include visits to family or friends, periods of short-term study, or tourism stays of not more than six months’ duration. Some work-related reasons are also acceptable — for example, if you’ve been asked to speak at a conference or perform at a music concert. Further guidance can be found on the U.K. government website. 

If your application for an ETA is refused, you may still be able to travel. In such circumstances, you will need to apply for a tourist visa via the usual channels. Applying for a Standard Visitor visa costs £115 ($145 USD). If issued, it is valid for six months. A Direct Airside Transit visa — which you may require if you’re changing flights in the U.K. to go through another country but not passing through border control — typically costs £35 ($44). 

When the ETA Goes Into Effect

The U.K.’s ETA requirements were originally launched in 2023 for a small number of nationalities, covering tourists from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The online authorization will now be extended to cover passport holders from a number of other countries and territories — including the U.S. and Canada. 

The ETA will also be available to passport holders from many Latin American and Caribbean nations, as well as those from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore. A full list of countries eligible and the dates that these policy changes come into effect can be found on the U.K. government’s website.

Eligible U.S. passport holders will need an ETA to enter the U.K. beginning on January 8, 2025. Without the ETA, it is possible you could be refused boarding, although some sources suggest there may be a grace period. 

Citizens of many European countries — including members of the European Union and others such as Iceland, Switzerland, and Norway — will remain exempt from the ETA until spring 2025. And finally, travelers who hold dual nationality with British or Irish citizenship will not need an ETA at all.

Nothing derails an air travel day faster than being denied boarding. Although it’s rare, there are several reasons why an airline might refuse to allow you on the plane — some of which might surprise you. From not having valid documentation to not following proper airport etiquette, here are five potential pitfalls to know that can save you from being stranded at the gate.

You Don’t Have a REAL ID

As of May 2025, federal law will require all domestic travelers in the U.S. to have a REAL ID to board flights. The requirement aims to enhance security by allowing only upgraded state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards, which are clearly marked with a star, flag, or the word “enhanced” in the corner.

The Department of Homeland Security details the process to update your ID, which varies by state, on its website. Most travelers can receive an upgraded REAL ID by visiting a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, a passport — or another document on the TSA’s list of acceptable identification — can still be used for air travel within the U.S. If you don’t have a REAL ID or another approved ID and still wish to fly, you’ll have to pay a $45 fee, which was implemented as of February 2026.

You Cut in Line

Waiting in line to board a plane is one of the least enjoyable aspects of flying. But line cutters, beware — airlines are cracking down. Ignoring boarding instructions and rules can prompt airline staff to deny boarding, as gate agents reserve the right to refuse any passenger a seat. Avoid getting sent to the back of the line — or booted from the flight entirely — by listening to airline guidance.

In late 2024, American Airlines implemented new technology that automatically flags passengers who board ahead of their zone. As a representative from American Airlines explains, “The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.” If you require early boarding for special circumstances, such as medical reasons or traveling with small children, ask the gate agent before boarding begins.

Your Passport Is Damaged

Passports are essential for international travel and, if it’s your primary form of ID, domestic travel, too. Most travelers know that an expired passport won’t get you far, but a damaged one can also be a deal-breaker.

The U.S. State Department warns that any significant damage beyond everyday wear and tear — such as a torn page, laminate peeling, or unauthorized markings like stickers or stamps — can lead to delay or denial of boarding. However, what constitutes “everyday wear and tear” is a gray area. The decision is up to the individual checking your passport, whether they’re an immigration officer or airline employee.

Even minor wear and tear on the data page (the one with your picture and identification information) can cause problems. Make sure this page is intact before every flight. If you have a well-worn passport, consider updating it before an issue arises. A passport holder is also a practical and stylish way to protect this vital document — one of our favorite designs includes a slot for an Apple AirTag for easy tracking if your passport is misplaced.

You Were Late

Everyone runs late occasionally, but it’s one of the most common reasons travelers get denied boarding at airports. Even a few minutes makes a big difference for airlines running on tight schedules, so complying with the check-in and boarding cutoffs is essential. Before your travel day, know exactly when to get to the airport and when to be at your gate.

Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, but this isn’t the minimum requirement for check-in. American Airlines, for example, requires passengers to check in at least 45 minutes before scheduled domestic departures and 90 minutes before international flights. Delta Air Lines has a slightly different domestic policy for most U.S. airports, requiring a minimum check-in time of 30 minutes before departure. You might be denied if you try to check in later than these times — particularly if you’re planning to check your bag, as there are additional specific time requirements to be aware of.

Even if you’ve checked in online, you must clear security and make it to your gate on time. Many airlines require passengers to be at the gate 15 minutes before departure — and if you’re late, even by a few minutes, you’ll likely be turned away.

You Were Bumped

Have you ever been tempted by a flight credit offer to take a later flight? When a gate agent offers this to volunteers, they want to free up some space on a flight because there aren’t enough seats. If they don’t find volunteers, passengers will be involuntarily denied boarding or “bumped” from the flight.

To maximize profits, airlines often overbook flights to account for no-shows. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to fully compensate these unlucky passengers, but the practice is still incredibly inconvenient. To avoid being bumped, check in online as soon as possible, typically 24 hours before takeoff. You might also consider joining the airline’s free frequent flyer program or booking a higher fare class, which is less likely to be overbooked. 

There’s something undeniably romantic about long-distance train travel. Maybe it’s the nostalgia for a slower pace of life, or perhaps it’s the luxurious service onboard or the epic views through the window. In any case, few routes are more synonymous with long-distance rail trips than the Orient Express, the transcontinental European train service that originally ran from 1883 to 1977. Now, there’s an exciting new development on the horizon — the iconic brand is soon making a return to the rails. Here are all the details. 

History of the Orient Express

Before it became a household name thanks to Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express, the Orient Express — developed by the Belgian businessman Georges Nagelmackers — kicked off its inaugural service in 1883 from Paris to Vienna. A few years later, the route was extended to Istanbul (then called Constantinople) — making it Europe’s first transcontinental express train service. It connected Western and Eastern Europe over the course of 1,700 miles, with stops in major cities such as Vienna and Budapest.

At the time, the Orient Express was popular for its lavish and glamorous accommodations, with salon, dining, and sleeping cars decked out with mahogany paneling, Spanish leather, and velvet draperies. According to Britannica, the train was “unmatched in luxuriousness and comfort” in its heyday. However, after several decades of declining ridership, the original Orient Express was discontinued in 1977, though the name lived on through private ventures such as the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.

Return to the Rails

Nearly 50 years later, there’s good news for those looking to relive the golden age of long-distance train travel: Accor Hospitality Group, which has taken over the Orient Express brand, announced that 17 vintage Orient Express train cars dating back to the 1920s and 1930s will be hitting the rails in 2026. 

Arthur Metteta, a researcher and rail enthusiast, discovered the carriages — formerly operating for the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express — in 2015, through a video on YouTube while he was conducting research for his Ph.D. on the history of the Orient Express. They were sitting abandoned at a train station on the border of Poland and Belarus. 

The cars were then acquired by the Accor group and reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac, with a 1920s-inspired art deco design that pays homage to the glamour of the original service. Once the service launches, guests will be treated to a stylish and intimate bar car, a stunning dining car with mirrored ceilings, and suites adorned with rich wood, leather decor, and private marble-covered bathrooms. Those looking to splurge can also book the 600-square-foot presidential suite, which comes with its own private entrance and separate sleeping and living areas.

While we have an enticing preview of what the train will look like inside, details are scant on the exact routes that will be offered and how much the trip will cost. The service was originally intended to launch in 2024, so there’s also a chance it could be pushed back again to a later date. 

In the meantime, the company has already started accepting reservations for the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Debuting in spring 2025, this elegant service will take up to 62 travelers on eight routes through 14 distinct regions of Italy. Guests can expect cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck along with luxury sleeper accommodations. 

New Luxury Hotel and Yachts

The new rail services aren’t the only exciting projects on the horizon for the Orient Express. In spring 2025, the brand will open its first luxury hotel, the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome. It occupies a historic building dating to 1620 and will feature decor inspired by the legendary train throughout its 93 rooms, along with a rooftop bar and restaurant and a Turkish hammam.

The company also announced that, in 2026, it will debut the world’s largest sailing ship, the 721-foot-long Orient Express Corinthian. Like the hotel, its design will aim to recreate the glamour of the original trains. Among other amenities, it will have a 1930s-style speakeasy and an art deco-inspired cabaret alongside its 54 guest suites.

Most travelers can probably agree: The idea of staying at a five-star hotel sounds far more appealing than spending a few nights in two-star accommodations. But some would say that stars aren’t necessarily indicative of quality. Stars also may differ depending on who’s conducting the review. This can be especially true if you’re comparing U.S.-based hotels to those abroad, where certain countries have implemented laws to standardize their star rating systems. So, how exactly do hotels get their star ratings? Here’s a breakdown of what hotel stars actually mean.

What Do Star Ratings Actually Mean?

Typically, hotels are rated between one and five stars, with the potential for half stars as well. These are different from the ratings that are based entirely on traveler reviews, on websites such as Google Reviews or TripAdvisor. There are also some hotels that have no official star rating — often smaller boutique hotels, hotels that offer unique experiences, or hotels that fall below the threshold for a one-star rating. 

According to travel website Kayak, there’s “no universal rating system” in the United States. Instead, independent travel companies, independent websites, or local tourism bureaus issue star ratings. Some of the most-trusted rating companies include Michelin, AAA, and Forbes — the latter of which helped pioneer a new star rating system in 1958, when it was known as the Mobil Travel Guide. 

Let’s break down each tier:

• One-star — A one-star rating doesn’t imply a lack of cleanliness or safety. Rather, it has to do with the amenities available. Many one-star hotels provide the absolute basics like a bed and bathroom, but rooms may lack features such as a TV and coffee maker (which you probably shouldn’t use anyway). Motel 6 and Super 8 are two popular chains you’ll find with one-star properties.

• Two-star — Budget chains like Comfort Inn and Quality Inn usually fall into the two-star tier. Rooms at these hotels generally come at an affordable price, while offering a modest array of guest amenities. This may include a TV in each room, continental breakfast, or daily housekeeping.

• Three-star — These hotels are a step up from two-star accommodations in terms of the quality of their amenities, though not necessarily their service. At three-star hotels, you can expect, for example, more comfortable bedding options, higher-definition televisions, or a business center.

• Four-star — The four-star tier is where hotels start to reach a level that could be generally described as “luxurious.” Some of the features at four-star properties may include more spacious rooms, plush bathrooms, concierge service, and outdoor pools, to name a few. Popular chains with four-star hotels include Omni and Hilton resorts.

• Five-star — Five-star hotels are the cream of the crop, providing unparalleled amenities that range from luxury spas to personal butlers and gourmet on-site dining. Rooms are likely to be decorated with designer furniture and custom art. The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton are two of the best-known five-star hotel chains in the United States.

If the hotel has, say, a 3.5-star or 4.5-star rating, that indicates that certain amenities are available beyond what you’d find at the lower tier, but not quite enough to elevate the hotel to the next tier. For example, a 2.5-star hotel may have higher-quality bedding than most two-star hotels, but a lack of any business center may stop it from achieving that three-star rank.

Star Ratings in the U.S.

While most review companies follow the general guidelines above, the lack of any standardized rating system means there’s room for those ratings to differ. Certain criteria like the quality of the bedding or the TV is subjective, and companies may debate whether a two- or three-star rating is more deserved.

Forbes Travel Guide is among the most esteemed hotel reviewers in the U.S., but its ratings are based on an internal review system. Then, there are companies like AAA, which is known for its diamond rating system. According to Afar, AAA recently replaced their one- and two-diamond tiers with a more general “approved” stamp. This was done in an effort to destigmatize hotels that people would normally look down upon for having a one- or two-star rating.

Ultimately, each reviewing agency has its own internal metrics, which may affect the consistency of hotel star ratings in the U.S.

Star Ratings Abroad

In some foreign countries, however, the rules behind star ratings are different. Chekitan Dev of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration told CNN that “in most parts of the world, the [star-rating] system is controlled by the government.” He went on to note that “they don’t update their criteria,” which makes many ratings out of date. Countries such as India impose a tax on five-star hotel properties, which sometimes leads to hotels presenting themselves as a more modest four-star option in order to receive tax breaks.

In Europe, 21 countries adhere to a star rating system called HOTREC, which analyzes 247 criteria spread out over five categories. The detailed breakdown includes everything from bath towel quality to total hours that the front desk is staffed. Euro News notes that in order to receive an official HOTREC rating, hotel owners must accurately complete a questionnaire to submit for evaluation, after which they’ll receive an official rating — or no rating at all if HOTREC deems them to be deceptive or unworthy. 

Some of the countries that abide by this system include Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Other nations such as France and Italy partially follow the HOTREC system, without full adoption. 

Rarely, hotels can be awarded a five-star “Superior” rating, which acknowledges them going above and beyond with the amenities they offer. Outside of the 21 participating nations, however, hotel star ratings in Europe and elsewhere around the world can be difficult to parse. This lack of oversight sometimes leads to hotels claiming to have a six- or seven-star rating, which is mostly a PR choice rather than based on any established criteria.