Nothing beats a lakefront town, especially in summer. Travelers can soak in beautiful scenery, a laid-back vibe, friendly locals, charming architecture, and a bevy of outdoor adventures. What’s not to love? If you’ve checked America’s prettiest lake towns off your list already, consider one of these five stunning lakefront towns around the world, from Austria to Argentina.

Hallstatt, Austria

The stuff of storybooks and screensavers, Hallstatt doesn’t seem a particularly plausible outpost of the modern world. There is, for starters, the fairytale waterfront — all gables and spires — backed by Alpine peaks and that gorgeously reflect in the lake’s glassy surface. And then there’s the gothic cliff-side chapel topped with the 12th-century tower — not to mention a swan-to-human ratio that tends to stand out in a village of several hundred people. Nonetheless, this place is very much a living reality, every bit as beautiful as billed. 

But yet, there’s more than meets the eye: Set at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, the village is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Indeed, an entire Bronze Age culture came to be known as “Hallstatt” thanks to its rich archeological legacy here, best represented in the town’s ancient local salt mine — reported to be the planet’s oldest at 7,000 or so years in operation. The requisite mine tour adds just one more fascinating layer to this mountainside town that feels lost in time.

Queenstown, New Zealand 

Billing itself as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown sits alongside the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s South Island. Millions of years ago, the lake started out as a valley that was scraped open by a receding glacier. Over time, the rocks and sediment left behind by the glacier dammed off the valley and created Lake Wakatipu. The lake — 48 miles long and three miles wide — zigzags like a bolt of lightning through a dramatic landscape created by the aptly named Remarkables mountain range. 

Queenstown — home to about 30,000 year-round residents — is located on the lake’s eastern elbow and is a popular hub for tourists and Kiwis in search of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. As the birthplace of bungee jumping, Queenstown is synonymous with thrills. It is also a favorite destination to experience the Kiwi invention of jet boat riding, an adrenaline-fueled venture that hurdles riders through mountain canyons while racing across the waters at speeds of up to 45 mph on gas turbine powered boats.

Bled, Slovenia 

Nestled in the Julian Alps, Slovenia’s Lake Bled, located in a town of the same name, is famous for a view that comes straight out of a storybook. A 15th-century, Gothic-style church towers over the tiny tear-shaped island in the middle of the lake and is often mirrored on the water’s surface, creating one of Slovenia’s most picturesque scenes. It’s no surprise that the lake is a popular tourist attraction for folks in search of fairy-tale charm; according to local legend, it was fairies themselves that created the lake. Angered by shepherds who allowed their sheep to eat all the grass and vegetation in the valley, fairies flooded the area. They left only the island — a sacred spot where they could convene and dance without any meddling grazers.

Whether or not you’re into folklore, you won’t be disappointed by Lake Bled and the towering medieval castles and mountain peaks that surround it. Located in Triglav National Park, about 35 miles from the capital, Ljubljana, the lake town can get crowded in summer, so try visiting during fall for stunning foliage. Or better yet, visit in winter, when a dusting of snow only adds to the lake’s fairy-tale allure. 

Lucerne, Switzerland

The storybook Swiss city of Lucerne, set along the shores of its namesake lake, is nestled in a valley surrounded by the massive, snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. Home to approximately 82,000 people, Lucerne is the most populous city in central Switzerland and a popular tourist hub thanks to its stunning surroundings and well-preserved medieval architecture. 

One of the best-preserved examples is Kapellbrücke, which translates literally to “chapel bridge” and is considered to be Europe’s oldest wooden covered bridge. Spanning Lucerne’s Reuss River, Kapellbrücke was constructed in 1333 to link the city’s old (right bank) and new (left) sections, while acting as a fortification to protect from attacks originating from Lake Lucerne. While the bridge was originally almost 900 feet long, riverbank amendments have now shortened the bridge’s span to just under 700 feet. It is one of Switzerland’s most popular (and most photographed) tourist attractions, offering lovely views of both the city and the lake.

El Calafate, Argentina

El Calafate, a charming town located on the southern shores of Lago Argentino, is best known as the gateway to southern Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park. As its name suggests, the national park is home to more than 300 glaciers, none more famous than the mighty Perito Moreno. Covering a jaw-dropping 97 square miles, Perito Moreno (named after 19th-century explorer Francisco Moreno) is one of the only glaciers in the world that is advancing instead of shrinking. 

As the glacier’s size increases, large cracks slowly form along its edges. Stand in front of Perito Moreno long enough, and you’ll bear witness to piercing cracks and booms of huge chunks of ice calving off the glacier and falling into the frigid waters of Lago Argentino, 200 feet below. The viewing platform provides a spectacular vantage point from across the lagoon, but guided tours also offer the chance to climb and trek through the glacier’s craggy caves and towering walls of ice.

The U.S. National Park System contains 429 individual sites that cover more than 85 million acres of land. These federally protected landmarks are renowned for their natural beauty and historical significance. But while it’s easy to get swept up in the wonder of visiting these parks, it’s also important to practice proper etiquette during your visit. This helps keep the parks in pristine condition and also ensures the safety of yourself and those around you. Breaking any park rules may result in serious injury, fines, and possibly even arrest. Here are seven things you should never do in a national park.

Approach Wildlife

Approaching wildlife is one of the most dangerous things any national park visitor can do, as it jeopardizes the well-being of both you and the animal. This is especially true in the case of larger, more dangerous creatures such as the bison that live in Yellowstone or the alligators found in the Everglades. You should familiarize yourself with each park’s guidelines, but in general, the National Park Service says you should keep a minimum of 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators like wolves and bears.

If you come upon an animal while hiking, keep your distance until the animal goes on its way. Getting too close may cause the animal to react to your presence by panicking or attacking, and touching an animal may result in further harm or disease. As the Park Service sums up, “Let wildlife be wild and observe from a distance.”

Take Home Natural Souvenirs

Removing rocks, plants, or any other natural souvenir from a national park site is not permitted, as your actions may negatively impact the ecology of the region. What may look like a simple rock could actually be an important fossil, and you never know what plant species may be protected. Even broken branches on the trail should be left where they are, as they may be essential tools for an endangered bird to build its nest. The only items you should take from any national park site are those purchased in the gift shop.

Leave Any Trace Behind

Likewise, the only evidence of your visit to a national park should be the footprints on the trail that you leave behind. If you’re camping, be sure to take all of your garbage and dispose of it in the proper receptacles. This especially includes food items — many creatures in the parks may struggle to digest human food, or it may cause the animals to become reliant on humans for food. Vandalism is also strictly forbidden. Never carve your initials into a tree, paint a smiley face onto a rock, or any other similar act.

Fly Drones

You might be tempted to capture the beauty of a park with aerial photography, but flying drones or other unmanned aircraft is explicitly forbidden at the majority of national park sites. This ban exists for several reasons. First, it’s meant to limit noise pollution that can bother fellow parkgoers and startle the animals. It also protects the privacy of any visitors to the park. Plus, there have been several instances of drones crashing in national parks, which poses a serious risk to the wildlife and vegetation. It’s essentially considered littering should your drone crash into a canyon or other inaccessible area.

Smoke

Some national park sites have explicit smoking bans, while others permit it. But even if you’re technically allowed to smoke, it’s still good park etiquette to keep your cigarettes in the car while out on a hiking trail. People visit national parks to take in the beauty of nature — not to inhale secondhand smoke. Ingesting smoke is harmful not just to other visitors, but also to the wildlife. Finally, leaving used cigarette butts along the trail or in the parking lot contributes to unwanted pollution and could even pose a fire risk. All it takes is one glowing ember and some dry grass to cause widespread destruction.

Ignore Signage

It may seem obvious, but it’s worth reiterating: Always adhere to any signage you see in a national park. If a sign says “trail closed,” for instance, then you should find another trail to hike down rather than proceed with caution. Signs like that are there for your safety and to help protect the delicate ecosystem of the park. Ignoring a sign could cause any number of issues, from agitating animals to damaging important plant life. These signs may also be there to warn you about a slippery or uneven trail, which may pose a serious risk of potential injury.

Bring Unleashed Dogs

Pets are welcomed at many national park sites, especially in campgrounds and marked trail areas. However, park goers should never allow their dogs to go off leash, as it increases the risk of harm to both your pet and also yourself. Imagine visiting Yellowstone and encountering a brown bear on the trail — even if well trained, dogs are unpredictable, and the situation may suddenly turn dire if your dog starts barking and charging at the bear. To ensure that everyone stays safe and happy, always keep your dog on a leash while visiting any national park.

The average hotel room contains the same old gadgets we’ve all seen before — an alarm clock from the 1990s, a remote control that only sort of works, and a hair dryer that blows way too hot. But there are plenty of other useful items you can (and should) bring to elevate a hotel stay. These nifty products include easy-to-install safety mechanisms, tools to keep your room clean, and other convenient items that promise to make time on the road much easier. Check out these five handy gadgets for your next trip.

Portable Lock

Not every hotel door locks automatically when you close it, but even those that do are still at risk of being jimmied open. The Addalock can help you sleep soundly by keeping that door firmly shut and providing much-needed peace of mind in your hotel room. To install this device, insert the metal “claws” into the strike of the door and then close the door to hold the Addalock in place. Then, grab the dangling red handle and insert the moving metal rod into the portion already attached to the door. Once installed, the door will be securely locked from the inside without any way to open it from the hallway, even for people with a key.

Virtual Private Network

Many hotel Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to cyber attacks, which puts your personal data at risk. This includes your name, credit card information, passwords, and other sensitive information. To protect against these potential attacks, it’s worth using a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt sensitive information on your computer so that it can’t be accessed by hackers. Plus, they are easy to install. Just go to your device’s network settings, search for the specific VPN you want to use, enter a username and password, and hit “connect.” Some of the most popular VPN services include NordVPN and Private Internet Access.

Travel Adapter

Travel adapters are especially useful when staying in a hotel abroad, as they’re compatible with a wide range of unfamiliar outlet shapes. But this device is also great for domestic travel, just in case you need a USB-C outlet or another connection the hotel may not have. For instance, this adapter works in over 200 countries and includes USB and USB-C slots, in addition to a slot for more traditional power plugs. You can also plug in multiple devices and charge your computer, smartphone, and tablet all at once.

Personal Toiletry Holders

Complimentary hotel toiletries can be hit-or-miss, and you may wish that you had the personal care products you use at home. Thanks to LiquiSnugs, you can. These tiny silicone bottles are easy to fill with any shampoo, conditioner, soap, or other squeezable toiletry. This allows you to bring a small portion of your preferred shampoo with you on the road rather than lug around the whole bottle. LiquiSnugs are also TSA-approved and are designed to prevent any leaking in your luggage. Plus, they aren’t just for personal care items — you can also fill them with your favorite condiment to spice up that room service order.

UV Light Sanitizer

Door handles, telephone buttons, and the remote control are some of the most germ-covered areas of any hotel room. This portable UV light from LivePure helps clean these touch points by killing 99.9% of invisible germs and bacteria. The light easily fits into any bag or purse so you can take it with you on your next trip. It’s also great to bring when you leave the hotel and use public transportation, go out to dinner at a crowded restaurant, or stop off anywhere else that you may be concerned about germs.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

While flying on an airplane, following directions, limiting loud noises, and not making a mess (hopefully) goes without saying. Still, there are plenty of other things passengers do that make flight attendants’ skin crawl — and they might not even realize they’re doing it. Here are some of the most annoying things airline passengers do, according to flight attendants. 

Talking During the Safety Demonstration 

It’s not just that flight attendants want passengers to pay attention during safety demonstrations — the Federal Aviation Administration requires it. You never know when you might need this vital information during an emergency. Wearing headphones is one thing, but flight attendants say it’s incredibly annoying when passengers talk loudly during the safety presentation. Not only is it evident that they aren’t paying attention, but they’re also distracting nearby passengers and possibly preventing them from hearing potentially lifesaving safety information.

Special Requests During Trash Time 

A simple way to make flight attendants’ lives easier is to let them handle one task at a time. During trash collection, try not to make any extra requests requiring them to return to the galley. This is especially true when asking for drinks or snacks while flight attendants are collecting trash — they can’t write down orders with both hands on the trash bag, so it’s all from memory. As one flight attendant pointed out on Reddit, “How am I going to remember that 6B wants a Coke, 10A wants coffee with three creams, 12F wants a vodka soda, 13F needs headphones, and 20D wants a beer by the time I’ve finished doing trash for 30 rows?” 

Of course, flight attendants are there to assist you, but they’re primarily focused on safety. Any other needs are secondary and should be addressed while they aren’t preoccupied. For example, try not to ring the bell for trash collection (unless you’ve made a big mess and need assistance). Flight attendants come around at least once before the flight is over. 

Invading Their Personal Space

It may seem obvious, but unfortunately, this is one of flight attendants’ most common complaints: Never poke or tap airline staff to get their attention. Instead, politely wait until they’re done with their task. You’d never poke a bus driver, waiter, or retail employee to get their attention, but for some reason, passengers don’t seem to honor personal space on planes, according to many flight attendants on Reddit. Similarly, customers should always respect crew members’ personal space in airports. 

Not Obeying the Fasten Seatbelt Sign

When the “fasten seatbelt” sign is on during periods of turbulence, both passengers and flight attendants should be seated. This isn’t a good time to ring the call bell for a drink or to get up and go to the bathroom — you could hurt yourself and others. After all, turbulence accounts for around 75% of annual weather-related incidents on commercial planes. A good rule of thumb: If flight attendants are in their jumpseats, you should be in your seat, too. 

Not Properly Disposing of Diapers 

Flight attendants work to make you more comfortable while flying with your little ones, but they ask you to extend the same common courtesy to them. Passengers should take used diapers to the lavatory and dispose of them in the trash can, and never try to flush them. And please, don’t hand the diaper to a flight attendant (yes, it happens) or try to put it in any other onboard trash bag aside from the one in the bathroom, because doing so can result in a smelly cabin. The same goes for changing diapers: Always take little ones to the onboard lavatory for that task. You might be surprised at the number of flight attendants who have witnessed parents changing diapers on a seat or tray table.

Swapping Seats

Only move to an empty seat after checking with a flight attendant first. Chances are, that seat is taken, and the passenger with that seat assignment hasn’t boarded yet. Plus, there’s often an extra charge to reserve specific seats, explains one flight attendant, who says their biggest annoyance is “seat problems.” When someone sits in a seat they didn’t reserve or pay for, it “causes a huge delay during boarding because we have to figure out who’s sitting in the wrong seat.” 

Another flight attendant adds that passengers often move to an upgraded seat, and “they get angry when they have to move to the correct seat.” Of course, flight attendants are happy to work with you if you’re separated from your children on a flight, for example, but the best course of action is to determine seating with the gate agent before you board (if you didn’t already pick out your seats during booking).

Poor Lavatory Etiquette

If you need to use the lavatory during your flight, always wait until the seatbelt sign is turned off. If you try to use the restroom before the plane takes off, you could delay the flight because everyone needs to be seated while the aircraft is taxiing. “People don’t realize we have to wait for everyone to be seated before we can taxi,” a flight attendant explains on Reddit. 

Many flight attendants have also seen passengers walking to the bathroom in only their socks — or worse, bare feet. This is not only unsanitary, but it also wouldn’t be considered normal behavior anywhere else in public. And remember to lock the lavatory door while you’re in there to avoid any in-flight mishaps and shut it on your way out. Flight attendants spend most of their time near the bathroom during flights, and they say it can get smelly if the door is left open.

Baggage Blunders

Large carry-ons such as roller bags and duffel bags go in the overhead bins, but smaller items — purses, jackets, hats, and small backpacks — belong on the floor in front of you. This is especially important on fully booked flights or smaller planes where overhead space is limited. Takeoff can be delayed while attendants reorganize overhead bins.

“When the flight is completely sold out, and we know we’re gonna run out of bin space, people will fill the overhead bin with their jackets and purses and small things that could go under the seat in front of them,” a flight attendant explains, adding that people do this even when they are specifically asked to move small items under the seat. For safety reasons, flight attendants aren’t supposed to help you lift your bags, either, so keep that in mind when putting something in the overhead bin.

What Flight Attendants Love: Courteous Customers

The best gift you can give a flight attendant is simply following their directions. This makes their job easy and keeps things running smoothly. But perhaps the second-best gift you can give them is a smile. Sadly, one of the biggest annoyances of flight attendants is that plenty of passengers don’t say “hello,” “goodbye,” or acknowledge them at all — so sometimes, simply asking how they’re doing goes a long way. Some flight attendants feel extra special if a passenger goes out of their way to give them a small gift, such as candies, a Starbucks gift card, or even a thank-you note. After all, it’s always nice to feel appreciated.

Losing your passport on vacation is a stressful scenario no traveler wants to find themselves in. Fortunately, there are measures in place to help you remedy the situation and get home quickly from your trip abroad. Follow this step-by-step guide for what to do when you lose your passport on vacation. 

Don’t Panic

Sure, it’s easier said than done, but remember that panicking will not bring your passport back. It’s important to take a deep breath, think back to where you last saw it, and retrace your steps. If your passport still doesn’t turn up, stay calm and know that, while inconvenient, there are processes in place to help you obtain a new one.

File a Police Report

Whether you suspect your passport was stolen, lost, or misplaced, your next step should be to file a report with the local authorities. Reporting the situation is less about the police locating your passport and more about you obtaining official documentation. However, this is not a mandatory step. If circumstances prevent you from doing this or your travel itinerary doesn’t allow for it, you can still apply for a new passport without an official report. 

Contact the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Next, contact the nearest U.S consulate or embassy and ask to speak to their consular section to report your passport lost or stolen. You will need to make an appointment to appear in person at the nearest location to apply for a new passport, and it could take some time to get there. Depending on the situation and urgency, the consular section may issue you a limited-validity emergency passport, which can usually be ready within one day and is good for up to one year. If there’s sufficient time, you may be issued a fully valid passport good for 10 years. Both passports have the standard $140 fee attached (as of 2024). 

Apply for a New Passport

To apply for a new passport, you will need to bring the following items with you to your in-person appointment at the embassy or consulate: a passport photo, another form of valid identification (such as a driver’s license), proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate or photocopy of your passport), your flight itinerary, a completed DS-11 Passport Application, and a DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. (In the event you can’t provide all these documents, the State Department’s website notes that consular staff will do their best to assist.) 

Given these requirements for obtaining a new passport, it’s critical that you keep a virtual copy of your passport on your phone, as well as a photocopy. It’s also advisable to carry your driver’s license with you as a second form of identification. Remember to store these important documents in a separate place from your passport and avoid tucking them into the flap or pages of your passport.

Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans

Keep in mind that embassies and consulates typically do not issue passports on weekends or holidays. If you happen to lose your passport during these periods and have an upcoming flight, you’ll likely need to reschedule. This will ensure sufficient time to obtain a new passport before your departure. (Travel insurance may be able to offset some of these costs.)

Exchange Your Passport at Home

If you were issued a limited-validity emergency passport, this can be exchanged for a fully valid one when you get home. Complete the DS-5504 form along with another DS-11 Passport Application form and submit by mail. If you’ve already paid the $140 passport fee abroad, you won’t need to pay any additional charges, unless you opt for expedited processing, which costs an extra $60.

If you’re off on a big trip, chances are you’ll have a suitcase that you’ll want to check. But even so, it’s important to give some thought to what’s going on the plane with you, especially if you’re flying long-haul. After all, you don’t want to be stuck on a delayed flight or arrive at your destination lacking important items to make you comfortable. Here are eight things you should always pack in your carry-on.

Passport and Other Important Documents

When traveling abroad, you certainly can’t get far without your passport, so keep it with you at all times (and preferably in a wallet so it doesn’t get lost within a larger bag). Along with your boarding pass (if printed), travel insurance details, and a small stash of emergency cash, you might also want to keep the booking reference for your first night’s accommodation with you. Carrying a paper copy is a good idea — if you’re delayed and your cellphone battery is perilously low, you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to charge up until after you’ve checked in.

Essential Medicines and a Hygiene Kit

Health and hygiene products are the next group of items you should always pack in your carry-on. It’s vital that any prescription medicines are carried with you on the plane so they don’t get lost in transit. And depending on your destination, you might also want to carry a copy of the prescription itself to satisfy officials of their purpose. A small first-aid kit and some antibacterial wipes or gel will also give you peace of mind while you’re on the go. Other products such as a folding toothbrush and toothpaste, stick deodorant, lip balm, and moisturizer will keep you feeling fresh, even on a long journey.

Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

On flights where you’re hoping to sleep, it’s worth slipping a travel pillow and eye mask into your carry-on. Ensuring your neck is properly supported will help you rest, and wearing an eye mask means that open window blinds or bright cabin lights won’t bother you. Just be sure to test these items before you leave to ensure they’ll keep you comfortable. Then, all you’ll need to do to catch some z’s is to buckle up over your blanket so that the flight attendants can see you’re safely strapped in if the plane encounters any turbulence.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

We’ve come to rely on in-flight entertainment to keep us occupied while we’re in the air, whether it’s the airline’s seatback offering or shows downloaded onto your personal device. Whichever you prefer, using noise-canceling headphones will help you block out background chatter so you can concentrate uninterrupted on the music, movies, or games you’ve selected. These high-quality headphones are designed with comfort in mind and are more effective than the freebies the airlines hand out, so you’ll be glad you saved space for them in your carry-on.

Phone Charger

We forget how much we rely on our cellphones — until the battery’s almost dead. Consider carrying a multicountry adpater and topping up at the gate while you’re waiting to board. And if you’re changing planes along the way, it’s worth packing a cable with a USB adapter so you can keep the battery topped up during your flight if the airline provides outlets. Alternatively, throw a portable power bank into your carry-on and recharge that way.

Refillable Water Bottle

Air travel can be dehydrating, and cabin crew members don’t always have the time during a busy flight to deliver drinks on demand. Instead, pop a large reusable water bottle into your carry-on and fill it up at an airport water fountain before you board your flight. Over time, this will save money on the cost of buying bottles of water at the airport, and you’ll also be doing your bit to save the planet by cutting down on single-use plastics.

Snacks

On a long flight, you might also consider throwing in a few healthy, nutritious snacks to keep up your energy levels. Plus, if you’re stuck waiting for an extended period on the tarmac before takeoff, you won’t be worrying about a rumbling stomach on top of the delay. It’s a good idea to be mindful of the needs of other passengers by avoiding peanuts or other foods that may trigger an allergic reaction. Also, note that spreadables count as liquids when going through airport security. Finally, depending on your destination’s customs rules, you might not be able to deplane with certain leftover snacks, so bear that in mind when working out how much to take.

Change of Clothes

While most checked bags arrive at the same time you do, there’s always a chance that you’ll arrive at your destination to find your luggage has been delayed or lost in transit. Fortunately, the majority of mishandled baggage is reunited with its owners eventually, but in the meantime, a missing bag can still have a big impact on your vacation. So, be sure to always pack a change of clothes, especially a spare set of underwear, in your carry-on. This will buy you time until the shops open or the rest of your belongings show up. Be destination-ready: If you’re heading to a beach resort, throw in a pair of flip-flops and a swimsuit; for a city break, don’t fly without a fresh pair of pants, a clean T-shirt, and some comfy waterproof sneakers in your carry-on.