The article highlights 25 of the best boutique hotels across the Caribbean, showcasing a mix of classic and new properties that embody the charm, design, and personal service characteristic of boutique accommodations, along with activities and experiences unique to each island.
After testing 26 packing cubes across 14 trips, the Eagle Creek Essentials set emerged as the best overall choice for travel organization, offering durability, versatile features, and good space-saving capabilities, while options like Amazon Essentials provide budget-friendly alternatives, and specialized cubes from Thule, REI, and Aer cater to specific needs such as compression, water resistance, or backpacking.
The article offers updated travel strategies for 2026, emphasizing local experiences like board games and third-culture dining, exploring neighborhoods through activities like padel, prioritizing vibe over traditional sights, and choosing flexible, experience-driven dining and accommodation options. It also advises careful selection of travel planners and social media sources to enhance trip quality.
Air traffic control staffing shortages due to the government shutdown have caused significant flight cancellations and delays, but improvements are underway as more controllers return to work and a potential shutdown end is near. Flight reductions at major airports will continue at 10% until safety data improves, and full airline network recovery may take several days after the shutdown ends. Controllers are expected to receive most of their pay shortly after reopening, but ongoing political delays could cause further disruptions. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses and consider early morning flights for fewer delays.
The FAA is reducing flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown, leading to potential delays and cancellations. Airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refund options, and travelers are advised to stay informed, be flexible, and consider alternative travel plans, especially for upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving.
The Mexico City Grand Prix is a vibrant event that combines thrilling F1 racing with the city's rich culture, food, and festivities, offering visitors a unique experience of celebration, local traditions, and scenic sightseeing before, during, and after the race weekend.
American Airlines is removing metal bag sizers at boarding gates across the US to streamline the boarding process, allowing passengers to carry on larger or slightly oversized bags without immediate checks, while still enforcing size limits at check-in. This change benefits travelers by reducing hassle and potential delays.
Natalie Exum emphasizes the importance of cleaning travel gear, especially suitcase wheels, which can harbor dirt and germs from various travel environments, highlighting the need for proper hygiene practices for travelers.
Neskowin is a small, quiet beach town on the Oregon coast, ideal for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty, with limited accommodations and dining options, but stunning beaches, scenic hikes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tracee Ellis Ross discusses her love for solo travel, her meticulous 'bring it all' packing philosophy, and her new Roku show 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross,' highlighting her adventures and insights on traveling alone around the world.
A 2025 analysis by Nomad highlights the world's worst tourist traps based on negative TripAdvisor reviews, with Wall Drug and Fisherman's Wharf in the US topping the list, and European sites like Las Ramblas and Temple Bar also ranking high for disappointment and overcrowding.
Travelers should carefully check the legal restrictions, proper storage, and necessary documentation for medications before traveling abroad to avoid legal issues, ensure medication efficacy, and maintain health during their trip.
To make vacations cheaper, consider alternative destinations like Montreal instead of Paris, stay outside city centers, and explore budget accommodations such as hostels or house-sitting, while also being flexible with travel dates to save money.
People are using creative strategies like booking off-peak, last-minute deals, house swapping, credit card points, and house sitting to save hundreds or thousands of pounds on summer holidays amid rising travel costs.
The article emphasizes the importance of respecting local customs and etiquette when traveling abroad, including learning basic phrases, understanding tipping practices, dressing appropriately, and behaving respectfully at religious sites to avoid being rude and to enhance the travel experience.