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11 Things You Shouldn’t Say at Airport Security (But Travelers Keep Saying Anyway)
“I Have Nothing to Declare” “I Have Nothing to Declare” (image credits: unsplash) This phrase is one of the most common missteps at airport security checkpoints, usually blurted out by nervous or first-time travelers. While it sounds harmless, it’s actually misplaced. Security officers at checkpoints are not responsible for customs declarations; their primary focus is … Read more
What Is the One European Country Older Americans Can’t Stop Moving To?
Why Are Retired Americans Looking Beyond Florida? Why Are Retired Americans Looking Beyond Florida? (image credits: unsplash) For decades, Florida has been the quintessential retirement haven for many Americans. Its warm climate, abundant golf courses, and senior-friendly communities made it an obvious choice. However, rising living costs, increasing hurricane threats, and overcrowded cities have prompted … Read more
7 Items You Shouldn’t Pack in a Carry-On (But Almost Everyone Does)
Large Liquids and Gels Large Liquids and Gels (image credits: wikimedia) It’s almost a running joke at airports: the traveler who gets stopped at security for packing a full-size bottle of shampoo or a giant sports drink. Yet, the numbers behind these mishaps are anything but funny. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) updated its liquid … Read more
7 Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make in a Foreign Hotel Room But Tourists Still Do
Ignoring Safety Features and Emergency Procedures Ignoring Safety Features and Emergency Procedures (image credits: unsplash) Did you know that the average cost of a hospitality data breach in 2023 was $3.36 million, up from $2.94 million in 2022? Yet beyond cyber threats, the most overlooked danger tourists face is simply not knowing how to get … Read more
6 Phrases You Should Avoid Abroad But Americans Say Them All the Time
“How Are You?” — A Phrase That Can Seem Insincere Abroad “How Are You?” — A Phrase That Can Seem Insincere Abroad (image credits: pixabay) It’s almost automatic for Americans to greet someone with “How are you?”—even if they don’t expect a real answer. But in many parts of the world, this question is treated … Read more
10 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat on a Plane But Passengers Keep Choosing Them
Garlic and Onion-heavy Foods Garlic and Onion-heavy Foods (image credits: unsplash) Garlic and onion-heavy foods are infamous for their lingering odors, which become even more unpleasant in the limited space of an airplane cabin. According to a 2024 survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over 65% of passengers reported feeling discomfort due to … Read more
11 Common Travel Habits That Seem Fine—But Could Land You in Trouble
Overpacking and Carrying Excess Luggage Overpacking and Carrying Excess Luggage (image credits: unsplash) Packing for a trip often feels like preparing for the unknown, so it’s tempting to throw in “just one more” item. But this habit can have real consequences. In 2024, airlines have grown stricter with baggage allowances, and according to the International … Read more
The 7 Green Getaways Every Ethical Traveler Should Know
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula: A Biodiversity Hotspot Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula: A Biodiversity Hotspot (image credits: pixabay) The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is a living, breathing testament to just how much life can fit into a corner of the earth. It’s astonishing that, covering just 2.5% of Costa Rica’s landmass, it shelters over 2.5% … Read more
Ranking the 50 Illinois Counties with the Shortest Life Expectancy
Life expectancy isn’t just a number on a chart – it’s a mirror reflecting how well our communities protect and nurture their residents. While Illinois ranked 23rd-highest based on life expectancy, with a newborn expected to live 76.8 years as of recent data, the reality is far more complex when you examine individual counties. Hidden … Read more
8 Things You Should Never Wear in Certain Countries (But Tourists Still Do)
Avoid Wearing Shorts in Saudi Arabia Avoid Wearing Shorts in Saudi Arabia (image credits: unsplash) Stepping off a plane into Saudi Arabia’s heat, it might seem natural to reach for shorts, but that’s a big cultural misstep. The Saudi Ministry of Tourism updated its guidelines in 2024, making it clear: both men and women are … Read more
