travel secrets

Top 10 countries for tourism crowned by travel experts — revealing the US slipped in rank

by
Top 10 countries for tourism crowned by travel experts — revealing the US slipped in rank

A new report highlights the destinations where tourism is booming and blooming. The 2026 edition of the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) has just been published, highlighting the places that are increasingly popular among world travelers. Despite shaky economies, geopolitical unrest, and environmental concerns, the report shows that people are traveling … Read more

Secretive, high-security LA landmark will open to the public for just two days – and it’s free

by
Secretive, high-security LA landmark will open to the public for just two days – and it’s free

Want to peek under the hood of a spaceship? NASA will swing open the pod bay doors and welcome the public inside its secretive Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena next month — after three years of keeping the gates to its pioneering space technology palace slammed shut. For two days (Oct. 10–11) and at no charge, … Read more

Easily hack your PTO to almost double your vacation time in 2027 — here’s how

by
Easily hack your PTO to almost double your vacation time in 2027 — here’s how

Take it to the limit. If you made it as far as Labor Day with some vacation time left in your measly annual allotment, count yourself lucky — you’re doing better than most Americans. With employers still not required by Washington to provide US workers with any specific number of days to kick back and relax, … Read more

California’s ‘Caribbean’ getaway lands among world’s quietest islands

by

Americans are increasingly seeking the sound of silence, and they can find it on this West Coast outpost. A recent report found that 56% of US travelers want to retreat to the wilderness in blessed quiet, while global Google searches for “quiet destinations” have increased 1,268% year on year. Indeed, amid the maddening noise of the … Read more

Happy National Cheap Flights Day! Here’s how and when to score the most inexpensive deals: report

by

Another day, another Day. This week, some folks will be celebrating National Bacon Day, National Tooth Fairy Day and National Soft Ice Cream Day. But buckle up, because the greatest “Day” for affordable airfare is about to take off. National Cheap Flights Day lands on August 23 every year Studio Romantic – stock.adobe.com National Cheap … Read more

Not so ship-shape: These cruise ships barely passed CDC inspections — and one even flunked

by

Think your cruise is all buffets, blue water and bliss?  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a few less glamorous details to consider. The Vessel Sanitation Program makes surprise inspections of cruise ships stopping at U.S. ports, checking everything from hygiene to food safety to see if they meet federal health standards. Ships … Read more

Exclusive | ‘Disdain and disgust’: American sparks debate after confessing he feels ostracized abroad due to his nationality

by

Americans abroad are hiding behind a Canadian flag to avoid global scrutiny. During a recent trip to Japan, a 25-year-old South Florida man took to social media to say that he was looked on “with disdain” every time he told someone he’s from the United States. The polarizing sentiment by TikTok user Luke Hillman was … Read more

Under-the-radar California river winds boaters through vineyards, redwood forests and beaches

by

Float on. We’re in the waning weeks of summer, and the time is prime for river floating. While Sonoma County has long been a destination for food and wine, many Californians overlook the lazy currents of the majestic Russian River which winds through vineyards, redwood forests and driftwood-dotted beaches. In peak summer and early fall, … Read more

5 California towns that are dupes for these European hot spots

by

While the lure of a European summer endures, one expert says these California locations deliver old-world charm without the expense or hassle of international travel. Travel enthusiast Daniella Bragg recently highlighted a fistful of California destinations that are near-dupes of popular Euro locales. An influencer recently highlighted a fistful of California destinations that are near-dupes … Read more

Travel influencer riddled with bleeding bed bug bites after one-night stay at popular international hotel: ‘Wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy’

by
Travel influencer riddled with bleeding bed bug bites after one-night stay at popular international hotel: ‘Wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy’

This hapless traveler has encountered way more than just a few bumps in the road.    Itchy, bleeding red welts across her arms, legs, chest and face are the unsightly parting gifts Hannah Stephenson, a UK content creator, claims to have received after patronizing a Travelodge hotel infested with bedbugs.  “Stayed in this hotel for one night, … Read more

World’s hottest islands of 2026 are more affordable than you think — with two American destinations in the top 10

by
World’s hottest islands of 2026 are more affordable than you think — with two American destinations in the top 10

They’re getting more beach for their buck.  Hitting exotic sands can come as a gut-punch to one’s savings this summer, as travel costs have skyrocketed since 2025, forcing 52% of frequent flyers to forgo a getaway this year.  Budgeted globetrotters, however, need not sweat nor fret as the world’s top 10 most luxurious, affordable stays have just been revealed via … Read more

Exclusive | Couple’s ‘End of the Line’ subway series spotlights Big Apple’s ‘beautiful mosaic’ — inspiring jaded commuters to explore more

by
Exclusive | Couple’s ‘End of the Line’ subway series spotlights Big Apple’s ‘beautiful mosaic’ — inspiring jaded commuters to explore more

For NYC straphangers Asdrid Vasquez and Nick Bartolone, the end of the line is just the beginning. From Woodlawn to Wakefield and from Flushing to Far Rockaway, the Brooklyn couple love to turn long rides on the train — something most New Yorkers would studiously avoid outside of their weekday commutes — into mini-adventures. Leaving the usual … Read more

Picture-perfect California island ranks among the best in the country in annual list

by
Picture-perfect California island ranks among the best in the country in annual list

It’s a picture-perfect island. This iconic isle, known as the ‘Caribbean of California,’ has earned its place among the best islands in the continental US. The elite list of 15 islands was curated by Travel + Leisure as part of its annual World’s Best Awards. Determined by readers, the list recognizes the world’s top destinations … Read more

Booked for disaster! TripAdvisor AI accused of sugarcoating nightmare hotel reviews

by
Booked for disaster! TripAdvisor AI accused of sugarcoating nightmare hotel reviews

Think your AI travel assistant has your back? It might be packing rose-colored glasses. TripAdvisor’s artificial intelligence review summaries are under fire after an investigation found the chatbot appeared to gloss over alarming guest complaints. This included reports of food poisoning, poor hygiene and even alleged sexual harassment — while painting an overly sunny picture … Read more

US states with greatest risk of bed bugs revealed— and NY shockingly doesn’t make top 5

by
US states with greatest risk of bed bugs revealed— and NY shockingly doesn’t make top 5

If checking into your hotel is on your vacation itinerary, checking the mattress seams might be, too. A new data analysis has revealed the US destinations where travelers are most likely to come home with an unwanted souvenir: bed bugs. The new study by Casino.ca found that Michigan is America’s biggest bed bug hotspot, where … Read more

World’s best hotels for 2026 revealed — just one ‘peaceful retreat’ in the US broke the top 5

by
World’s best hotels for 2026 revealed — just one ‘peaceful retreat’ in the US broke the top 5

Vacationers seeking swanky peace would be wise to look to the far east.  With summertime escapes ranking high on the priority list for most work-worn folks, Tripadvisor’s new “World’s Top 10 Hotels of 2026” ranking reveals the best, most serene accommodations for travelers hoping to take a luxe load off. Meanwhile, 37% of US residents … Read more

Death, illicit affairs and love scams: The sinking truths about life on a cruise ship revealed

by
Death, illicit affairs and love scams: The sinking truths about life on a cruise ship revealed

When the ship hits the fan, vacationers might be dead in the water — quite literally.  No sleep, lifeless bodies and horny cheaters hunting for green cards. That’s life at sea — or so warns cruise ship crew member, Raye, and her colleague, virally unveiling the unpleasant underbelly of luxury liners.  “Things about working on a cruise … Read more

Montauk Yacht Club unveils new dining and delights, including a floating spa

by
Montauk Yacht Club unveils new dining and delights, including a floating spa

Perched on Star Island Road, at the far eastern end of Long Island, sits the iconic Montauk Yacht Club. The 106-room hotel — which originally opened in 1929 and counted Astors, Whitneys and Vanderbilts as members — has always had a lot to offer: a private beach with stand-up paddleboards, two outdoor pools (one for … Read more

Hamptons luxury trends for 2026: traveling saunas, staffing secrets

by
Hamptons luxury trends for 2026: traveling saunas, staffing secrets

Whether you want to book a ride on Blade, a private yacht, an elite nanny, a new ‘do or a portable sauna, we’ve got your elite secrets to flying high in the Hamptons this summer. Wandering saunas Bunji Box Sauna will deliver a barrel full of dry heat directly to your East End doorstop. Sammy … Read more

What are repositioning cruises? Budget-friendly hack is one of travel’s best-kept secrets

by
What are repositioning cruises? Budget-friendly hack is one of travel’s best-kept secrets

Here’s your chance to finally seas the day. If you’re a seafaring wannabe looking to take a cruise but don’t want to break the bank, look no further than one of travel’s best-kept secrets. Repositioning cruises are essentially one-way trips on a ship that moves from one seasonal route to another due to itinerary changes. … Read more