Noticing longer lines at the airport? You’re not alone. This summer, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) set a new single-day record number of passengers screened, topping 3 million travelers for the first time. Fortunately, there’s a way to shorten your wait time at select airports. Find out how you can make a free reservation for airport security below. 

How Does It Work?

RESERVE is a program offered by biometrics company CLEAR (which also offers a separate membership program that lets travelers bypass the identity verification step of airport security). With RESERVE, any traveler can make a free reservation at the security checkpoint for select airports. There are dedicated lanes for appointment holders at airports where the service is offered, which means the lines typically move faster and the experience is more predictable. Note that if you use this service, you will go through the general security screening process — so if you’re a member of the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program, you should use those lanes instead, as you won’t be able to take advantage of benefits such as not removing shoes. 

To make an appointment, visit the RESERVE website (or the website of an available airport) and enter your flight details, the number of people in your party (up to 10), and your preferred time to go through security. Booking windows vary by location, but reservations typically open up three days before departure and a limited number of slots will be available. If your preferred time is open, all you’ll need to submit is your email address to receive a QR confirmation code — the service is completely free. Once you get to the airport, follow the instructions on your email confirmation to head to the dedicated security checkpoint. There’s a 20-minute grace period should you be running late for your appointment.

Which Airports Let You Make a TSA Security Reservation?

As of mid-2024, appointments are available at 19 airports across Canada and the United States. These include some of the busiest airports in North America, such as Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO), Seattle (SEA), and Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Note that the service is usually available only in specific terminals that may be served only by certain airlines, so be sure to read up on the details carefully. Travelers can also make reservations at select European airports. For the complete list of available airports, visit the RESERVE website. 

Also Consider a Trusted Traveler Program

While this program can potentially save time at the airport, travelers will still need to undergo the standard identity verification and security screening process — which means taking out your laptop and liquids and removing your shoes. If you want to skip those steps and save even more time, consider signing up for a Trusted Traveler Program, such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck). You’ll need to submit an application for approval and pay a membership fee, but once you’re in, you can use an exclusive line without those requirements. According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less.

CLEAR, the company that offers the free reservation service, also has a membership-based program offered for an annual fee. CLEAR Plus, available at select airports, allows members to access dedicated kiosks that use biometric technology to verify their identity. Those travelers can skip the line for a TSA officer to inspect a physical form of identification, saving even more time. And the ultimate combo? If you have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, you’ll be able to breeze through the airport like a pro.

When visiting a new city, even experienced travelers might feel overwhelmed. They may experience a pervasive fear that they’re missing out on something they really should know about, or they might make a simple mistake when they arrive that can start a trip on the wrong note. Exploring somewhere for the first time can present certain challenges, but well-prepared newbies needn’t worry. Here are eight things you should never do in a new city.

Automatically Book an Airport Transfer 

Arriving in a new city can be a daunting prospect, and for peace of mind, it can be tempting to reach out to your hotel to ask them to pick you up. But you’ll usually pay extra for the service compared to a licensed airport taxi or ride-share service. Plus, if their driver is late, there’s a chance you’ll feel vulnerable standing and waiting on the sidewalk. Instead, check to see if there’s an airport shuttle or public transportation that will drop off close to your accommodation. One exception is if you have a late-night arrival — in that case, you might prefer the reassurance of having your transfer organized up front. 

Assume You’ll Need a Rental Car

Though having your own wheels can be a boon in some cities, it’s definitely not the case everywhere. Heavy traffic and unfamiliar signage can add to your woes and send stress levels soaring — hardly the recipe for a fun vacation. So, before you arrange a rental car, it’s a good idea to do a little background research. Many European cities, for instance, have excellent public transportation networks, which provide an efficient, cheap, and reliable way to get around. If you forgo the rental car, you’ll also save yourself the hassle of looking for convenient and affordable parking during your stay.

Limit Yourself to Major Sights

There’s no rule of travel that says you need to tick off all the famous sights in a new city. No one will judge you if you don’t bother with Xochimilco the first time you make it to Mexico City, or if you eschew the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb when you’re only just getting acquainted with the land Down Under. On the contrary, it can feel liberating to deliberately choose a different path and follow an itinerary that’s personalized to your own interests. Book a walking tour of an off-the-beaten-track neighborhood, perhaps, or take a cooking class to learn more about the city’s cuisine and the history that shaped it.

Wing It When It Comes to Popular Attractions 

It’s great to be spontaneous in a new city, but not if you realize you’ve just missed out on something special. Imagine visiting San Francisco for the first time and not being able to get a ticket for Alcatraz, or making it all the way to Vatican City and not being able to see the Sistine Chapel. During the planning stage of your trip, figure out what attractions you’d be gutted to miss. A couple of months out (at least), purchase tickets or make reservations online for whatever major attractions are available. If you’re too late, all is not lost, however — you can always see if last-minute tickets are available or local tour agencies are holding tickets.

Neglect To Do Your Homework on Neighborhoods

For many travelers, familiar places often feel the most comfortable, so landing in a new city can make us a little uneasy. But in some cities, straying into the wrong neighborhood can have negative consequences for either your possessions or personal safety, particularly at night. Familiarize yourself with the current situation before booking accommodations — for example, by reading verified reviews on trusted websites — and follow local advice once you arrive. 

Trust That the Internet Always Knows Best

Guidebooks are becoming a thing of the past, as travelers increasingly turn to the internet for up-to-date information. But figuring out whether what you are reading is accurate can be tricky. Many webpages don’t display a publish date, making it hard to trust prices, opening hours, and other such information that can change regularly. Verify information from multiple sources, including the city’s own tourism board site, and double-check anything crucial with your hotel concierge, at the tourist information office, or by calling locations directly.

Forget To Check the Weather Forecast

Nothing ruins a vacation faster than being caught out by inclement weather. If you’re heading to a new city, you might not think the weather’s so important. After all, there will be plenty of indoor attractions to keep you amused if you can’t be outside. But getting between them certainly won’t be fun if you’re cold or have wet feet. It’s a good idea to plan your trip around climate averages,  but be sure to take a look at the short term forecast right before you leave home. And make sure you pack for all kinds of weather scenarios by bringing a pair of waterproof sneakers. 

Be Hesitant To Try the Local Food

In an unfamiliar environment, it can be all too easy to default to what we know — including when eating out. But on a visit to a new city, you could be passing up a great way to learn about the place and the people who have shaped it. Influences from history, local agriculture, and shared cultural traditions are all revealed through the dishes that define a place. Don’t just retreat to restaurants in busy tourist areas or chain restaurants you know from back home; instead, make the effort to seek out a bistro, taverna, pub, or street food stall frequented by locals.

Packing for a cruise — especially a long one — is a daunting task. Sunscreen, multiple pairs of flip-flops, and a generously sized tote bag for the beach are a given, but other items often make their way into your luggage that are considered to be contraband or hazardous. At the same time, there are items that, surprisingly, are allowed in your cabin. Here are the things you should consider bringing on your next cruise — and other belongings better left onshore. 

Things You Can’t Bring

Irons and steamers: If you’re hoping to keep those shirts pressed onboard, you may have to settle for wrinkled clothes. Irons and steamers are considered fire hazards, so you won’t be able to pack these items in your luggage (and unlike in hotel rooms, they’re usually not supplied in cruise ship cabins, either). Hair straighteners, on the other hand, are permitted, so you may want to use one of those instead to keep your clothes looking crisp.

Surge protectors: Cruise cabins often don’t have many outlets for charging your phone and other devices at the same time, so some passengers think it’s smart to bring a power strip. However, this item isn’t allowed onboard, as it’s another fire hazard. Cruise ships generate electricity in a different way than on land, and short-circuits are more of a concern, according to a report by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Pool inflatables: Noodles and other inflatables might seem like a great idea for a Caribbean cruise when you’re exploring sandy stretches with the little ones in tow. But they’re actually forbidden since they may disturb other guests, take up too much room on the ship, and are at risk of blowing away at sea. Also, some guests may be tempted to use them in place of flotation devices, making them dangerous in the event of an at-sea evacuation.

Baby monitors: New mothers may assume a baby monitor is safe to bring aboard, but these small devices can actually interfere with the ship’s navigation and radio systems. For the same reason, many cruise lines have also banned walkie-talkies and other devices that use radio waves.

Helium balloons: According to the Ocean Conservation Society, more than 100,000 marine mammals die each year from plastic debris, and balloons are unfortunately a big part of the problem. The latex pieces end up in animal stomachs since they are often mistaken for food, and balloon strings can get tangled around fins and flippers. Your helium balloon will likely end up in the ocean accidentally when the party’s over, so cruise lines forbid them.

Coffee makers: Small appliances are also considered a fire hazard, so if you prefer to make your own coffee on vacation, you might be in for a surprise when they don’t allow your Keurig to board with you. You’ll have to settle for a cup of joe at the breakfast buffet, pack instant coffee, or use a nonelectric coffee-making device such as a French press or a Chemex. 

Things You Can Bring

Portable fans: Given that a coffee maker is considered a fire hazard, you might be surprised to learn that a small portable fan is actually permitted on your next cruise. While size restrictions vary by cruise line, Carnival Cruises, for example, permits them as long as they are no larger than 12 inches in diameter. Typically, the fan can be battery-powered or electrical, and a quick way to tell if your fan is safe onboard is checking to see if it is UL certified.

Battery-powered lights: Want to make your cabin feel cozy? Battery-powered twinkle lights, lanterns, and other lamps are also permitted onboard. As long as they aren’t too big (staff may confiscate them at their discretion if they are deemed too large), they’re perfectly fine to pack and will instantly make your temporary home feel more like an actual home.

Condiments, spices, and coffee creamers: Many cruise lines will have different condiments, sauces, spices, and coffee creamers available onboard, depending on the countries you are visiting. But if you want to err on the side of caution and pack your own salt, pepper, hot sauce, ketchup, or mustard, feel free to bring these items. As long as they are prepackaged, you’re good to go.  

Artificial Christmas trees: Spending the holidays onboard? The good news is that you can take an artificial tree, ornaments, and other décor to get you more in the spirit. For size restrictions on trees, check out this helpful video. 

Costumes: Or, if you’re taking a cruise around Halloween, feel free to bring a costume. As long as it’s not obstructive, offensive, or violent, packing a costume can be a fun way to celebrate onboard. 

Mattress toppers: Cabin bed a little too firm? Mattress toppers are allowed on the ship so you can snooze more soundly on the high seas. Some cruise lines will offer passengers mattress toppers for an added fee, but it’s good to know you can also bring your own. 

Featured image credit: yipengge/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

As travelers, we love visiting new cities, but one thing no one likes is being stuck in traffic. So, we looked to navigational technology company TomTom, which analyzed traffic data from thousands of major cities in 2024 to find the areas with the most congestion. If you’ve visited these destinations, you can likely attest to the bumper-to-bumper conditions and annoying delays — but if you’re willing to be patient or consider alternate methods of transportation, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see. Here are the 10 cities with the worst traffic in North America for 2024.

10. Winnipeg, Canada

Time to drive 6 miles: 22 minutes, 13 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 72 hours

Manitoba’s capital city is no stranger to bustling city streets, with some 850,000 residents and 3.5 million annual tourists. Drivers in Winnipeg can expect to spend more than 22 minutes traveling just 6 miles, making it the fourth-busiest major city in Canada for drivers. Although it’s far from being Canada’s largest city, Winnipeg is home to a thriving arts scene, namely the Royal Winnipeg Ballet — the longest continuously operating ballet company on the continent — and the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. 

9. Halifax, Canada

Time to drive 6 miles: 22 minutes, 42 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 80 hours

Halifax is home to one of the world’s largest harbors — and some of the worst traffic in North America. Drivers in Nova Scotia’s capital can expect to spend a whopping 80 hours in rush hour traffic annually. Whether you’re driving to see the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove or to set out for a day of family fun at the Halifax Waterfront, be sure to pack some patience when visiting this Atlantic Canada city.

8. Toronto, Canada

Time to drive 6 miles: 24 minutes, 20 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 74 hours

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is no longer the most congested city in North America — it falls to No. 8 this year after being ranked as having the worst traffic last year. That’s not to say you’ll be able to speed down an open highway, though. While there are plenty of sights to see in Toronto, from the CN Tower and High Park to the Royal Ontario Museum and St. Lawrence Market, it will take you a while to reach them.

Home to nearly 3 million people, Toronto’s high congestion levels come down to a multitude of factors, including construction, the number of daily commuters, and streets that have been repurposed for bike lanes and patio dining, making the city more biker- and pedestrian-friendly.

7. León, Mexico

Time to drive 6 miles: 25 minutes, 32 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 69 hours

Home to stunning colonial architecture and 1.9 million residents, León is situated in the central Mexico state of Guanajuato. In the heart of downtown is the Triumphal Arch of the Causeway of the Heroes, an ornate, lion-topped archway commemorating Mexico’s independence. Though León’s drivers spend less total time stuck in rush hour traffic than residents of any other location in the top 10 cities with the worst traffic, the city earned its ranking through its high average travel time — it takes more than 25 minutes to travel just 6 miles.

6. San Francisco, California

Time to drive 6 miles: 25 minutes, 37 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 81 hours

San Francisco is known for its stunning coastal views and lively bar and restaurant scene, but with 81 hours of time spent in rush hour traffic annually, those attractions come at a cost. San Francisco has just over 840,000 residents, but the larger Bay Area is home to more than 7.7 million people — and some of the worst commutes in North America. One of the most congested stretches of road in San Francisco lies within its most famous attraction, the Golden Gate Bridge. More than 100,000 cars traverse the historic bridge on any given day.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Time to drive 6 miles: 26 minutes, 7 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 83 hours

This busy British Columbia port city is home to picturesque parks, beaches, art galleries, museums, and a burgeoning culinary scene. It’s little wonder, then, that Greater Vancouver’s population has doubled over the last four decades. Now home to over 3 million people, Vancouver sees its fair share of traffic, too. Adding to the congestion are popular year-round events such as the Vancouver International Film Festival, the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) Fair, and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

4. Guadalajara, Mexico

Time to drive 6 miles: 26 minutes, 12 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 99 hours

The vibrant city of Guadalajara is known for its local tequila, mariachi music, and, unfortunately, busy streets. Drivers here can expect to spend nearly 100 hours in rush hour traffic annually. While traffic does move slowly, patience is rewarded, with many things to see and do. Enjoy a football (soccer) game, view the murals of the Instituto Cultural Cabanas, or explore the local culinary scene, where regional specialties like tortas ahogadas (“drowned” sandwiches) and birria (a slow-cooked meat stew) steal the show.

3. Puebla, Mexico

Time to drive 6 miles: 28 minutes, 55 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 71 hours

Puebla is the capital and largest city of the state of Puebla, situated just southeast of Mexico City. Several million tourists arrive annually for the city’s rich history, including the site of Mexico’s May 5, 1862, victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War — and the reason for the holiday Cinco de Mayo. Nearby, the pre-Hispanic site of Cholula, with its Great Pyramid, is another popular site.

2. New York, New York

Time to drive 6 miles: 30 minutes, 1 second
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 94 hours

The City That Never Sleeps is also a city that never stops driving. New York City tops the list of U.S. cities with the worst traffic. It takes over 30 minutes to drive just 6 miles — an average of five minutes per mile. To mitigate the issue, the city recently implemented congestion pricing in the lower half of Manhattan, the city’s busiest area, but its future may be up in the air after a federal challenge. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that something needs to be done to improve traffic flow in the Big Apple, as over 2.5 million nonresidents visit Manhattan daily.

1. Mexico City, Mexico

Time to drive 6 miles: 30 minutes, 47 seconds
Time spent in rush hour traffic annually: 147 hours

As one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico City is home to many fascinating historical sites, but the city has expanded dramatically since its ancient past. Today, it’s home to around 22 million people — making it one of the world’s most populated metro areas. 

Due to its sprawling area, large population, and significant tourist numbers, Mexico City has the highest congestion level of any city in the world. Moreover, Mexico City drivers also spend the most hours in rush hour traffic in North America (and third-most globally), with a staggering 147 hours lost annually. But for many, the wait is worth the reward of experiencing this vibrant city.

About the data: Navigational technology company TomTom analyzed traffic data from thousands of major cities across six continents in 2024 to find the areas with the most congestion. The 501 cities in the report were ranked by the longest traffic times based on the average time it takes to travel 6 miles. The above cities had the longest traffic times in North America. Read about their methodology and find the full report here.

As one of the world’s most powerful passports, a U.S. passport grants visa-free entry into 189 countries across the globe, as of 2024. For adults, each passport is valid for 10 years — which means there’s plenty of time to cross a good chunk of those countries off your travel list before it’s time to renew. Unfortunately, the renewal process is typically time-consuming. It involves making an in-person appointment or, if you’re eligible, filling out an application and sending in your old passport and then waiting several weeks for your new one to arrive. But thanks to a new program launched by the State Department, you might now be able to save time and renew your passport online. Find out everything you need to know about online passport renewal below. 

How Does Online Passport Renewal Work? 

In September 2024, the U.S. State Department launched a new online passport renewal system, following a successful beta test that was rolled out in June. Eligible passport holders can apply to renew their passports online by creating an account on the MyTravelGov website and clicking “Renew Your Passport.” Applicants will have 30 days to complete their online application.

The application requires you to enter information about your most recent passport, confirm any upcoming travel plans, and upload a digital photo. If all requirements are met, you can submit payment online via credit or debit card and sign up for email updates on the status of your application. You can find all the details and step-by-step instructions, including helpful videos, on the State Department website. 

Who Can Renew Their Passport Online?

Currently, the biggest limitation is that the online system only offers routine passport renewal service. While you’ll be able to avoid the hassle of mailing in your old passport, the processing time will still be the same six to eight weeks. Importantly, this means you can’t use the service if you have international travel plans within eight weeks of your application date. 

Similarly, if your passport is expiring soon — keeping in mind the six-month rule — you can’t use the online service, and there’s no option to pay extra for an expedited renewal. However, you can still apply for a quicker renewal in person or by mail. 

Of note, the system is available only for renewals — not brand-new passports. You can only apply for a standard tourist passport (not a diplomatic or other special type of passport), and the passport must be less than 15 years old. You also must be at least 25 years of age, and your passport cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged. 

Furthermore, applicants cannot be U.S. citizens residing in a foreign country. You’ll only be able to pay with a credit or debit card, and you can’t change any personal details such as your name. The full list of requirements is available on the State Department website.