With quirky roadside stops, jaw-dropping natural landscapes, historic sites, and famous landmarks, the U.S. is undoubtedly one of the best locales for adventurous road-trippers. But with 50 states to choose from, deciding where to travel can be overwhelming. One way to make the decision easier? Choosing a highway adventure that won’t break the bank. According to the AAA, the following states have gas prices well under the national average. So, full speed ahead for these eight epic — and inexpensive — road trip destinations in the U.S.

8. Arkansas 

State average: $2.824 per gallon (prices accurate as of September 2024)

Road-trippers searching for both natural beauty and affordable gas prices need look no further than Arkansas, nicknamed “the Natural State” for good reason. Start with a drive through the Ozark Mountains, home to 1.2 million square acres of protected forests and mountain hiking trails. If you find yourself north of the Ozarks, head to Bentonville, home of Walton’s — Sam Walton’s first dime store, which would later become retail giant Walmart. Today, the original building is home to the Walmart Museum.

Just outside the capital city of Little Rock, you’ll find Hot Springs National Park. Situated in the namesake town of Hot Springs, the park features well-preserved 20th-century bathhouses that are perched over natural springs long said to have healing powers. Spend a day hiking before relaxing in one of the modern versions of these historic thermal bathhouses.

7. Louisiana

State average: $2.803 per gallon

No trip to the Gulf Coast state of Louisiana would be complete without visiting the Big Easy, and, thankfully, it’s relatively affordable to do so thanks to the state’s low gas prices. Start off with a night out in the lively French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans. From there, visit Louisiana’s castlelike Old State Capitol building in Baton Rouge or take a swamp tour in Lafayette.

Just outside of Lafayette, be sure to stop at Avery Island, the birthplace of Tabasco sauce, to enjoy a history-filled factory tour before hitting the road again. If hunger strikes on the road, head to the nearest town to try some authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine — staples include gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

6. South Carolina

State average: $2.796 per gallon

A road trip down the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina is worthy of an entire vacation, but luckily it will be a wallet-friendly one. From family activities along Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk to the quiet sunsets and pristine golf courses of Isle of Palms, there’s something in South Carolina for every type of traveler. This is also one of the most ecologically diverse states in the South, so don’t miss the opportunity to drive further inland.

In the heart of South Carolina lies Congaree National Park, a hardwood forest perfect for kayaking and canoeing. And in the northwest corner of the state are the Blue Ridge Mountains, a region dotted with charming mountain towns waiting to be explored by outdoorsy road-trippers. 

5. Texas

State average: $2.793 per gallon

As the largest state by area in the lower 48, Texas has a lot of ground to cover. Road-trippers can start the journey with an American road trip essential: Buc-ee’s. Founded in Texas, this gas station chain is known for its lovable beaver mascot and sprawling aisles of snacks and convenience items. Its location in Luling (between San Antonio and Austin) is also the current record holder for the world’s largest convenience store.

The Lone Star State has no shortage of other famous attractions, from quintessential stops like the San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo historical site to the country’s largest state fair, the State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas every fall. Still, some of Texas’ most interesting roadside sights might be lesser-known stops, such as the colorful Cadillac Ranch and the indulgent Big Texan Steak Ranch, both located in Amarillo.

4. Alabama

State average: $2.786 per gallon

Alabama offers the nation’s fourth-lowest gas prices on average, making the state a worthy contender for your next budget-friendly road trip. Begin with a stop in Huntsville, Alabama’s northernmost major city, to take in one of the world’s largest collections of rockets and extraterrestrial artifacts at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Farther south, Birmingham boasts many cultural and historic sites, including the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Civil Rights Institute, a history museum with artifacts from Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent civil rights leaders.

If you’re a road-tripper who aims to visit every state capital, the magnificent domed Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery is a must-see. Meanwhile, the state’s Gulf Coast is the perfect place to wind down after a busy trip. But if you’re looking for something a little more lively, head to the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach to see why spring breakers flock to this coastline annually.

3. Tennessee

State average: $2.783 per gallon

Tennessee is not only a music lover’s dream, but it’s also an affordable road trip destination. It’s home to the epicenter of country music in Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tennessee’s state capital isn’t only for music, though — professional football and hockey games and a diverse culinary scene make it a destination for many other interests. (Make sure not to leave without trying the famous Nashville hot chicken.)

Other musical stops on the Tennessee tour include Elvis’ Graceland mansion outside Memphis and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. As you travel the Volunteer State, you’ll also be able to take in the breathtaking scenery, including that of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee, which boasts unbeatable mountain views at every turn.

2. Oklahoma

State average: $2.766 per gallon

If you’re driving through Oklahoma, you’ll likely find yourself on Historic Route 66, which connects the state’s two largest cities, Tulsa and Oklahoma City. This well-preserved piece of Americana is perhaps the perfect route for a road trip — particularly if you’re a history buff. Travelers can learn more about the highway at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City.

Another interesting Route 66 attraction, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, is located just north of Oklahoma City — a place that has been essential to Western culture, especially films and music. Throughout the Sooner State, you’ll also encounter cultural attractions, landmarks, and museums from the 67 Native American nations that call this state home. Consider stopping and learning more about their rich heritage.

1. Mississippi

State average: $2.715 per gallon

From well-loved attractions like Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo to lesser-known stops like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Gulfport, the attractions in Mississippi do not disappoint. And neither do the gas prices. With the country’s lowest average cost to fill up the tank, Mississippi offers road-trippers an affordable opportunity to visit all corners of this historic Southern state.

Mississippi is known for its casinos and civil rights historic sites, but it was also the birthplace of blues music. Don’t miss the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale or the B.B. King Museum in Indianola to learn more about the state’s significant influence on the genre. End your trip on the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, where beach resorts, casinos, and fresh seafood await.

You interact with flight attendants every time you get on a plane, but how much do you know about the profession? For most travelers, the answer is probably not much. Before your next trip, read these six fascinating facts about flight attendants to learn more about one of the most interesting jobs around.

They Typically Don’t Get Paid Until the Doors Close

As glamorous as certain jet-setting aspects of being a flight attendant may be, their pay structure is controversial. The majority of flight attendants aren’t officially on the clock until the aircraft doors close, meaning everything that happens before that — closing the overhead compartments, helping passengers to their seats, and preflight activities in the airport — can be considered unpaid labor. This often adds up to several hours a day when cabin crew are technically working off the clock. 

This is a long-standing practice among airlines, which argue that flight attendants are compensated for their time on the ground in other ways, such as “minimum pay” arrangements. But as you can imagine, many flight attendants aren’t happy about this pay structure and have pushed for new laws to ensure they’re compensated for all their work, not just what they do once their aircraft is ready for takeoff. In 2022, Delta Air Lines became the first major U.S. carrier to offer boarding pay for flight attendants, which is currently half of their regular hourly rate. In 2024, flight attendants at American Airlines agreed to a new contract that includes a similar provision for boarding pay.  

On Long Flights, They Sleep in Shifts in Hidden Bunks

On shorter domestic flights, no one but a few lucky passengers dozing off in their seats will get any sleep. On long-haul journeys between continents, however, there are hidden crew rest compartments where flight attendants (and pilots) can catch a few z’s, as minimum crew rest regulations stipulate. Crew members do so in shifts. These small rooms are usually located above or below the passenger cabin and are off-limits to passengers, with nondescript doors that only crew members will recognize. Flight attendants are required to get at least three hours of rest on journeys lasting 14 hours, and four and a half hours on flights exceeding 18 hours.

There Are Physical Requirements, Including a Minimum and Maximum Height

Most of the requirements for becoming a flight attendant are reasonably straightforward: They have to be at least 18 years of age (21 in some cases), have a valid passport, and be in good overall health. However, if you’re under 5 feet tall or over 6 feet tall, you may have a hard time getting hired. Most airlines have a test to ensure that prospective employees can reach the overhead compartments without trouble, whereas especially tall applicants might have trouble walking through the cabin comfortably. These requirements vary by airline, as do rules regarding facial piercings and visible tattoos.

They Often Stay in Shared Accommodations Called Crash Pads

If a flight attendant doesn’t live in the city where their position is based, which is more common than you might think, they’ll often find themselves far from home the night before a shift. Rather than spend money on a hotel every time this comes up, many will opt for a crash pad instead. These are no-frills, shared accommodations — sometimes in a hotel, sometimes in a private home — typically located a few miles from an airport, where cabin crew and pilots sleep in bunk beds and share expenses. More practical than glamorous, they’ve been compared to hostels for airline personnel. Some are co-ed, while others are only for women, only for pilots, or only for flight attendants.

Flight Attendant Training Takes Several Weeks or Even Months

Though the processes vary by airline, most successful flight attendant applicants will receive a conditional job offer from a major carrier like American Airlines before enrolling in their training program. These programs typically last between three and six weeks, though some private academies take as long as 10 weeks. They cover every aspect of the job: the airline’s specific philosophy, boarding and deboarding processes, dealing with unruly passengers, and every other scenario that can arise at cruising altitude. Only upon successful completion of this training do flight attendants earn their wings and take to the sky.

You Might See Them Sitting on Their Hands During Takeoff

After flight attendants complete their final boarding checks and secure the cabin for takeoff, they pull down what’s known as a jump seat (part of a secret glossary of flight attendant terms). Then, they typically buckle up and sit on their hands. There’s a reason for that: The action is part of the brace position, which also includes placing feet flat on the floor and positioning the head as steady as possible. In the event of an emergency, this ensures that a flight attendant’s body would remain relatively rigid. This also means, should turbulence occur, there’s much less likelihood of the kind of injury that could be caused if their arm were suddenly flung into a bulkhead or seat.

If you’re tired of staying in perfectly comfortable, yet boring hotel rooms, there’s good news: Some hotels offer secluded suites that can seriously elevate your stay — but only to guests who are in the know. Some of these exclusive rooms require you to contact the hotel and submit a special application, while others will just run you a pretty penny. Either way, booking one can potentially turn your next getaway into the trip of a lifetime. Here are five “secret” hotel rooms that are worth checking into.

Suite 5000 at the Mandarin Oriental – Manhattan, New York

Located steps from Central Park, the Mandarin Oriental, New York, lives up to its five-star reputation no matter which room you stay in. But one of the most exclusive experiences at this luxury hotel is found on the 50th floor in Suite 5000. Covering a staggering 3,300 square feet of living space, this room is the pièce de résistance among the hotel’s 244 rooms and suites. A stay in Suite 5000 may run as much as an eye-watering $36,000 per night, though it’s large enough that you could split the cost with friends and loved ones. 

The exclusive suite features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms along with a powder room, a living room, dining room, kitchen, media room, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the New York City skyline. There’s even a wall made of Swarovski crystals, not to mention a curated record collection for guests to enjoy. Contact the Mandarin Oriental, New York, for more information about booking a stay in Suite 5000.

Room 711 at Union Station Hotel – Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s Union Station Hotel boasts a prime location on Broadway in the heart of Music City. What makes Room 711 extra special, though, is that you’ll share it with a permanent year-round guest. According to local legend, Room 711 is forever occupied by the spirit of a 20-year-old girl named Abigail, who tragically died on the nearby train tracks during World War II. Her ghost supposedly chose this particular room because it offers a perfect view of those very tracks. 

While some guests don’t buy into the story, others have reported hearing furniture dragged along the floor or seeing flickering lights coming from the room. All of these unusual happenings have earned this hotel a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in America. So, if you’re looking for a bit of excitement on your next getaway, contact the Union Station Hotel and ask when Room 711 is next available.

Jackie Gaughan Suite at El Cortez Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada

El Cortez Hotel and Casino, a hidden gem about a 10-minute drive north of the Vegas Strip, is home to one of the best secret suites in Sin City: the Jackie Gaughan Suite. This onetime penthouse-level residence of the hotel’s former owner is now available for lucky guests to book. Its outside balcony offers spectacular views of Las Vegas, but it’s the retro decor inside the suite that makes this room truly memorable. 

Many of the original features were picked out by Jackie himself when the hotel opened in the 1940s, such as oversized shag pillows to rest your head against and a pink marble tub with golden swan-shaped faucets. The suite encompasses 2,700 square feet of living space, and you’ll also gain access to a dedicated concierge to help make your stay all the more comfortable. Contact El Cortez to learn more about this exclusive experience.

Hilltop Villa at COMO Laucala Island – Laucala Island, Fiji

The approximately 330 islands that make up Fiji are a true tropical paradise. One of the most in-demand islands to visit is Laucala Island, where you can stay in one of only 25 suites at the luxurious COMO Laucala Island. Of those, nothing beats the secluded Hilltop Villa, which you need to either apply for or be specially invited to stay in.

This suite offers 131,319 square feet of private space both inside and outside. You’ll be surrounded by lush tropical forests as well as stunning views of the glistening Pacific Ocean, all of which can be enjoyed while taking a dip in the two-tiered swimming pool. Those lucky enough to stay in the Hilltop Villa can even arrive in style on a private runway, so you’ll feel like you’re truly isolated from the rest of the guests. Contact the hotel for more details on how to apply.

Owner’s Suite at Hotel Bennett – Charleston, South Carolina

Not only does Hotel Bennett have a great name, but it’s also home to one of the most exclusive hotel suites in the country. Spanning two stories and spread out over about 2,380 square feet, the Owner’s Suite has all the standard amenities that you’d expect at an upscale hotel. But it also comes with a private butler’s pantry (and a dedicated butler, too), a personal wine cooler, an integrated sound system, and special welcome gifts. The suite even features an 838-square-foot wraparound terrace, providing beautiful views of Charleston’s historic Marion Square, as well as the historic Old Citadel church, which dates back to the mid-19th century. Contact Hotel Bennett for more information about how to book this luxurious room.

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From the crew’s secret language to the plane’s many hidden features, the world of aviation is riddled with mysteries. This is especially true when it comes to the cockpit, which is largely off-limits unless you’re a member of the cabin crew. As airline passengers, it’s natural to wonder what happens behind those closed cockpit doors and what rules must be followed to ensure a safe journey through the skies. Wonder no longer: We’ve pulled back the curtain to reveal six secrets and rules of the cockpit.

Pilot and Co-Pilots Avoid Eating the Same Meal

Many airlines have strict regulations that forbid pilots from sharing the same in-flight meal. The logic behind this rule is that if one pilot becomes ill from eating food, then the other can safely land the plane without issue. While food poisoning on planes is rare, it does happen from time to time. In 1975, 197 people fell ill on a Japan Airlines flight from Alaska to Denmark. And on a 1982 flight from Boston to Lisbon, the pilot, co-pilot, engineer, and 10 additional crew members reportedly became sick from some spoiled pudding. While there’s no FAA regulation in the United States against pilots eating the same meals, a number of individual airlines around the world have implemented rules that prohibit it.

Most Pilots Can’t Have Facial Hair

Commercial airline pilots are almost exclusively forbidden from having facial hair, with the vast majority of airlines mandating their pilots be clean shaven at all times. The rule stems from a 1987 FAA study, which found that facial hair prevents oxygen masks from fitting firmly around the face and functioning properly. A separate study concluded that there would be a 16% to 67% leakage for anyone with facial hair wearing an oxygen mask, whether they’re a member of the crew or even a passenger. However, in recent years there have been a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, in 2018 Air Canada changed its policy to allow pilots to have beards trimmed to a maximum length of 1.25 centimeters. 

Leisurely Reading Is Prohibited

Federal regulations prohibit pilots from engaging in other activities during critical moments of the flight. It’s known as the “Sterile Cockpit Rule,” which encourages pilots to stay focused on their duties while taxiing, during takeoff and landing, and while flying the craft below 10,000 feet. Pilots can forget about reading a book or having casual conversation, because anything that could potentially distract from flying the aircraft is forbidden. However, reading a manual to help fly the plane is permitted, as is discussing matters pertaining to the trip ahead. But during these critical times, pilots must maintain their focus rather than risk getting distracted.

Pilots Have a Secret Sleeping Spot

The cockpit isn’t the only area of the aircraft that’s off-limits to the passengers. There’s also a secret rest area for members of the cabin crew to freshen up during long-haul flights. These crew bunks are often found hidden behind what looks like a lavatory door, and are typically located above the main cabin in newer aircraft, or below the main cabin and down in the cargo hold on some older models. Each bunk measures around 78 inches by 30 inches in size, and there’s also a communal area for the crew to change in and out of their sleeping clothing. These quarters allow crew members to adhere to minimum crew rest schedules and recharge away from passengers before resuming their duties.

Autopilot Is Engaged Most of the Time

Autopilot isn’t just a feature that’s employed during special circumstances — the software is actually activated most of the flight. According to an “Ask the Captain” feature from USA Today, it’s estimated that autopilot is turned on around 90% of the time on most flights, though it all comes down to personal preference. Some pilots prefer to steer the craft by hand longer than others, while some activate autopilot to let the computer do the work as soon as regulations allow. Autopilot can even be used to help pilots during the landing process, and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is currently testing a new procedure that will allow autopilot to be used for takeoff.

Planes Don’t Often Fly With a Full Fuel Tank

Airlines rarely fill the fuel tank of an aircraft all the way up in an effort to lessen the amount of total weight. However, this isn’t to say passengers ever need to worry about running out of fuel; commercial airlines are required to carry a minimum amount of fuel in order to ensure the plane reaches its destination with relative ease. But generally, the heavier a plane is, the more costly it is to operate. This is why the fuel tank is usually only partially filled before each trip.