#travel-tips

#travel-tips

Semi-private flights, also known as fly-sharing or charter-by-the-seat services, are realistically the cheapest way to fly private, as they allow you to pay for one seat rather than the entire aircraft.

Visiting only one island limits the experience in the Maldives, as the archipelago consists of nearly 1,200 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Island-hopping is essential to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the region.

"A visit to the Palace of Versailles is truly a walk through history, not to mention one of the most beautifully preserved palaces one can visit."

The flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is one I'll never forget, and I'd do it again just to eat kaya toast once more.

One of the biggest mistakes passengers make is arriving at the bag drop or ticket counter with luggage that exceeds the airline limit, resulting in a mad dash to repack and shift items between bags.

The act of scooping up leftover sauce, oil, or butter from your dish with bread is so ingrained into Italian culture that there's actually a name for it: Fare la scarpetta, which translates to 'make the little shoe.' The bread, which is dragged around the plate to collect every last bit of flavor, is a cherished part of the dining experience in Italy.

A recent SITA Baggage Insights Report shows that as of early 2025, the global baggage mishandling rate is approximately 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers, with Europe the worst-performing region at 12.3 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers.

The longest flight in the world-the 19-hour non-stop from New York's JFK to Singapore's Changi airport-is no easy feat. It was me, myself, and I against 9,537 miles in the air, on my way to the glitzy Lion City for a reporting trip. The flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is one I'll never forget, and I'd do it again just to eat kaya toast once more.

The biggest cause for slowdowns at checkpoints is when passengers simply forget the TSA's key rules. Those who try to bring prohibited items like liquids over 3.4 ounces and firearms through the checkpoint will ultimately slow down the process. Small oversights can add up quickly, and even the most well-traveled passenger can recall a time when they forgot they had a half-filled water bottle or a small pocket knife, leading to extra time in line.

For a true sense of freedom and escape, nothing quite compares with an island getaway. Whether it's island hopping in Greece, exploring a Scandinavian archipelago by kayak or simply getting on a ferry to the Isle of Wight, we'd love to hear about your favourite European islands. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a 200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property the company has more than 3,000 worldwide.

The city is remarkably walkable - there will be no need to take public transit or taxis once you've dropped your bags at your hotel - but there are a few key things to know when visiting Skopje, including the best places to get rakija, the historical sites that'll help you understand the country better and where to find the best speakeasy-adjacent casinos.

Ever found yourself staring at flight prices, watching them jump around like a nervous cat? Last month, I was booking a trip to Prague (one of those cities where you can practically taste the history in the cobblestone streets), and I noticed something odd. The same flight I'd been tracking for days suddenly dropped by nearly £80 when I checked it on a Tuesday afternoon.

Before hitting the road, download or print a map with directions in case you lose cell service. Also, be sure to fill up on gas, water, and snacks because gas stations are limited on this route. Plus, you'll want to check the weather prior to making the drive, since the winter months can mean snowy road conditions with the route's high elevation.

Rushing to get on board with your carry-on may seem like a good idea (there's only so much overhead bin space, after all), but attempting to take shortcuts during the boarding process can actually delay your travels even more. "We understand that boarding can make people anxious, but I promise: If you have a seat assignment, you will get on the plane,"

My husband and I visited Niagara Falls on both the US and Canadian sides. My favorite experience was on the American side, but there was more to do on the Canadian side. For the best trip, I recommend spending time on both sides of the Falls. When researching a trip to Niagara Falls, you'll notice there's a fairly heated debate about whether the Canadian or American side is better.

Imagine getting on your bus and finding torn seats, a dead charging point, and a driver already running late. A quick look at reviews would've saved you the trouble. Checking bus reviews and ratings takes seconds, yet it's still a common bus booking mistake many travellers make. Why reviews matter Reviews from real travellers tell you: If the bus is clean and well-kept Whether the seats are actually comfortable How punctual the operator usually is How the staff treats passengers Pros and cons you won't see in the description

The moment someone notices a foreign accent, they'll immediately switch to English-and be polite about it. Especially in large cities like Nice, Paris, and Marseille, those working in hospitality are conversational in English and happy to practice. If you do speak some French, they'll find your accent américain charming. But don't be offended if they continue the conversation en anglais.

A recent study by sexy toy brand Lelo found that 41 per cent of British men have used a sex toy and, according to Smile Makers, more women in the UK own a vibrator than a dishwasher. Still, the world isn't exactly stigma-free regarding pleasure products, and it's a reasonable request not to want attention drawn to your favourite toys.

"We experienced a symphony of color, altitude and awe," Joe said. "From the crisp, pine-scented air, the journey felt like an untamed invitation to embrace nature's grandeur."

Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest times to travel, and thanks to multiple factors, this year could devolve into chaos. Travel companies and federal officials have already warned that if the government shutdown continues, travelers could face a continuation of reduced flights, as well as the always possible risk of disruptive weather. For those who are still planning to travel, travel professionals advise taking certain steps to maximize your chances of a smooth experience.

Former FBI special agent Tom Simon, who spent 26 years investigating financial crimes and national-security matters across the U.S., says he has a straightforward philosophy when it comes to business travel: the people who deserve recognition the least often get it the most, while those who deserve it most are routinely overlooked. And so, through much practice, Simon says he's developed a trick to getting some of the best rooms in any hotel, which he calls a "gift" for frequent travelers.

Europe is the most visited continent in the world, welcoming 747 million tourists in 2024, according to The UN's World Tourism Organization. Yet, the number of travel faux pas you can expect to see tourists make while strolling the streets of Milan, meandering through ancient ruins in Athens, or cruising around the Mediterranean remains pretty high considering the increase in visits to Europe's major cities.