TSA Rules for Flying with Gifts

Here’s how to avoid having to toss your special gift or souvenir whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, and a few alternative items to consider purchasing instead.

1) Avoid Toys That Look Like Weapons

This might seem like a no-brainer when it comes to TSA rules, but airports intercept a lot of toy or replica weapons that appear to baggage scanners to be the real thing. At the security line, there’s a fine line between toys, sports equipment, and weapons: Toys resembling guns, swords, and explosives are sure to spook your security screener; but sporting equipment like bats and lacrosse sticks that could be used as a weapon will be snagged as well.

What to Do Instead: Your best bet is to check all sporting items, and to avoid packing anything resembling a weapon. “In general, it’s best to avoid packing toy or replica weapons in carry-on luggage,” TSA Spokesman Michael McCarthy told me. “These items should be placed in checked luggage or left at home when possible.”

2) No Alcohol Over 140-Proof

A lesser-known item that’s banned from both checked and carry-on bags, strong liquors over 140-proof (70 percent alcohol) like absinthe or 151-proof rum are prohibited from planes by the Federal Aviation Administration. Don’t plan on gifting a bottle of absinthe you got in Amsterdam or bringing back some 151-proof liquor from a distillery visit; TSA can confiscate it on behalf of the FAA, regardless of which bag you packed it in.

What to Do Instead: Your souvenir doesn’t have to be jet-fuel strong—try grabbing a less flammable local spirit, or opt for a subscription service to enjoy wine varietals from around the world without having to pack them: Vinebox delivers wines tailored to your tastes starting around $80 per month, and makes a great gift.

3) Skip the Gift Wrap

Getting a jump on wrapping isn’t a good idea if you’ll be flying with gifts. Anything wrapped in paper, like presents or food items like pies (which are allowed, but subject to extra screening) are likely to be unwrapped for inspection if agents can’t tell through the scanner if it violates TSA rules.

What to Do Instead: Use gift bags instead of wrapping gifts. Gifts wrapped in festive, easy-open gift bags can be easily rewrapped if necessary and won’t violate any TSA rules.

4) Leave Toy Holiday ‘Crackers’ Behind

I’m not talking about snacks: Those English-style cardboard Christmas crackers that pop and explode with tiny gifts like paper crowns are prohibited from planes and therefore against TSA rules. While they’re a fun tradition and could seem like a great souvenir if you’re returning from the U.K., they’re banned from aircraft, meaning they’ll likely be tossed from your checked or carry-on bags.

What to Do Instead: These can usually be purchased online or back home, if you’re really set on having them for your holiday celebrations.

 5) Minimize Carry-on Liquids

Don’t forget that 3-1-1 TSA rules also apply to traveling with gifts. Bottles of wine or spirits will have to be checked unless they’re under 3.4 ounces, and the same goes for cologne and perfumes that are over the liquid limit. Also remember to avoid aerosol items that could be considered flammable.

What to Do Instead: If you’re not checking a bag but want to purchase a gift bottle of perfume or wine, buying at the duty-free shop beyond airport security is your only option. Make the best of it by getting something you can’t at home, or that’s more affordable when it’s tax-free.

6) Declare Animal Products Like Cheeses with Customs

This one doesn’t fall under TSA rules—solid cheese is fine to pack for domestic travel. However, international food souvenirs like meats and cheeses could get tossed per customs and agriculture regulations on animal products if they aren’t declared or if they violate requirements. Splurging on fancy cheese or charcuterie to gift with local wine probably isn’t worthwhile if it won’t make it home.

What to Do: To be safe, make sure you declare all animal-derived food items at customs, and keep creamy or water-packed cheeses under 3.4 ounces if they’re in your carry-on bag. Or, if you don’t want to risk wasting money on international items that could easily get confiscated, sign up for a subscription service that will ship both your favorite international items and new ones to try, like Try the World, from $40 per month.

 7) Snow Globes

Even if you’re flying with gifts that aren’t necessarily meant to be opened, they can still be discarded under TSA rules if they contain liquid over the 3.4-ounce limit. TSA rules state that snow globes bigger than a tennis ball should stay behind.

What to Do Instead: If you’re not already shopping online, it’s the way to go.

The post Flying with Gifts: The TSA Rules You Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Aardvark Book Club

The Aardvark Book Club is the perfect gift for the person who insists on packing a “real” book instead of a Kindle. This subscription ships a new hardcover book every month—as Aardvark’s website says, “Our books won’t die on a trans-Atlantic Flight.” 

Don’t worry about getting stuck with something you’ve already read—members get to pick their own book each month, with plenty of options to choose from in a wide variety of genres. 

Trade

Know someone who loves discovering cool new coffee shops on their travels? Give them the same experience at home with a subscription to Trade. Trade offers over 450 coffees from roasters around the country. Simply answer a few questions, and the coffee team will build a subscription based on your exact preferences (dark roast or light, ground beans or whole, etc.). 

We love that you can change the frequency that your subscription ships, so if you’re going to be out of town, you won’t return to a stockpile of coffee on your doorstep. 

Try the World

Foodies can sample their way around the world from their own kitchen with Try the World’s subscription box. Each box features an assortment of unique snacks from cuisines from around the world. Want to get excited for an upcoming trip or relive a past adventure? You can select which countries you’d prefer to see in your box. 

Simplicity Teas

Help the globetrotter in your life unwind after their last trip with a soothing cup of tea. Simplicity Teas boxes come in two sizes, Mini and Deluxe, with each featuring a selection of loose leaf teas, a reusable tea infuser, and brewing and tasting instructions. Each package, depending on the size, is good for roughly 20 to 40 cups of tea per month!

Spice Madam

Gift your favorite foodies the Spice Madam subscription box so that they can bring culinary travel home to their own kitchens. They’ll receive a curated box of global spices, recipes, a downloadable soundtrack to cook to, and fun facts every month.

Scentbird

For a taste of travel-sized luxury, you can’t go wrong with gifting a Scentbird subscription. Each month, Scentbird sends subscribers a generously-sized tester bottle of a perfume or cologne of their choice. Users can start with a quiz to narrow down their fragrance preference and see top suggestions, or browse the entire catalogue. Best of all, the tester bottles are TSA-compliant, so they can throw them in their carry-on.

TheraBox

Sometimes, the only thing the jet setter on your list needs is some time to unwind. Help them transform their time at home (however short) into a personal oasis with the TheraBox self-care subscription. Each box is packed with full-sized items, with an average value of $200+ per box. From aromatherapy to relaxing face masks, this box will help travelers recharge before their next big trip.

VINEBOX

Send the vino-lover on your list a package from VINEBOX. Available in one-, three-, and six-month subscriptions, each package includes six 100ml glass vials of wine sourced from small vineyards worldwide. Recipients can level up their wine knowledge with sommelier-led tasting videos and pairing recommendations.

That Road Trip Mom’s Escape and Explore Box

Designed “for RVing and road-tripping families,” the Escape and Explore Box from That Road Tripping Mom is a subscription that the entire family can enjoy. Each box contains items based on the monthly theme, such as “Getaway Game Night” and “Autumn Adventures.” Subscribers will receive anything from snacks to keep them energized as they hit the road to gear and accessories to make their outdoor adventures safer, cleaner, and more comfortable.

The Wordy Traveler

If you have a bookworm on your list, then consider this subscription box. Choose between options like The Backpacker, the Full Suitcase, and the Overflowing Suitcase, each featuring a different number of books and other small items such as coffees, teas, fine art prints, and more. Subscribers can choose to receive fiction books, non-fiction books, or a mix of both.

Little Passports World Edition

Give the gift of travel to any kid on your list. The Little Passports World Edition subscription box starts with the “Explorer Kit” and continues monthly, every 6 months, or every 12 months. Items include a wall-sized map, activity sheet, passport, souvenirs, and access to online games. It’s recommended for ages six to 10.

Explore Local Box

Travel the U.S. without leaving your house. The Explore Local Box provides the perfect inspiration to those who are always itching to go on their next trip. Subscription boxes are sent monthly and include locally made and sourced food and specialty items from that month’s city. The box also includes a fact sheet about the city and the products in the box.

The post 12 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best Coffee Makers

The best coffee makers will make your drink just how you like it—in just a few minutes.

Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS

Capresso’s CoffeeTEAM TS makes it easy to have fresh-ground coffee without all the hassle of grinding your own beans—simply pour whole beans into the gadget’s air-tight hopper (so it doubles as a storage spot for your beans) and press a button to brew the coffee. The built-in conical burr grinder will perfectly measure and grind the beans for you before making you an amazing cup of coffee. In my tests, I found that the Capresso delivered consistently excellent coffee every time I used it, no matter how much I was making. I also liked that the grinder can be adjusted depending on how light or dark the beans you’re using are.

This coffee machine is programmable, so you can choose your grind settings, the number of cups, and the time that you want it to brew.

The Capresso now comes in white and stainless steel, so you can pick a model to match your kitchen. Pair it with one of Capresso’s bags of coffee beans, which are micro-roasted in small batches in Brooklyn, New York, and ideal for use in the drip coffee maker.

Cafe Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker

If you take your coffee seriously, look for a coffee maker that’s been certified by the Speciality Coffee Association. This organization puts at-home coffee makers through a series of rigorous tests, including brewing time and water temperature, to make sure it makes a quality cup.

We tested the Cafe Specialty Grind and Brew, one of just a few coffee makers to earn this coveted certification. The Cafe delivered a truly barista-quality cup of coffee at home, thanks to an adjustable burr grinder with six settings, flexible temperature control, and customizable brew strengths.

Travelers will love that the coffee maker is WiFi-enabled, so you can use the SmartHQ mobile app to start brewing a cup of coffee as soon as you step off your flight home. You can choose to brew a single cup right into your travel mug, or make an entire pot of coffee for a group.

My favorite feature of the Cafe is the removable water tank. I hate that other coffee makers don’t allow you to clean the water tank thoroughly and that you can’t see any build-up that has accumulated inside. The removable design allows for easy cleaning.

Breville The Grind Control

Freshly ground coffee just tastes better, which is why the coffee you get at a cafe feels like more of a treat than what you make at home. Recreate that experience at home (without all the effort) with Breville’s The Grind Control. Featuring an innovative adjustable built-in grinder that’s surprisingly quiet, The Grind Control allows you to choose your grind level based on the type of beans you’re using for the best possible cup. Eight different strength settings allow you to customize your cup of coffee that’s as strong or mellow as you like.

Program The Grind Control’s autostart setting to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee that feels like it was made by a professional barista.

The Grind Control can brew into the included carafe, your own cup, or a travel mug—making it perfect for busy travelers.

OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Pour-over coffee tastes great but requires lots of time and patience to make. Unless you have OXO’s pour-over coffee maker which makes the process as simple as making tea. The innovative design comes with a built-in water tank, so all you have to do is put the filter and grounds in the bottom and hot water in the top. You’ll have a perfect cup of coffee in minutes.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a favorite among serious coffee drinkers, and it’s surprisingly easy and quick to use—plus this tiny gadget takes up zero counter space in your kitchen. The AeroPress can make regular coffee as well as espresso shots, and clean-up takes seconds. The included paper microfilters filter out all the grounds and grit, or you can use a more eco-friendly reusable stainless steel filter.

Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter

Brew a great cup of coffee in less than five minutes with Bodum’s easy pour-over coffee maker. Available in a 17-ounce, 34-ounce, or 51-ounce carafe size, it makes exactly as much coffee as you need. You’ll never have to buy another coffee filter again—the kit includes a reusable stainless steel mesh filter that filters better than paper and helps extract the aromatic oils from the beans.

Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer

Wake up to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee with Hamilton Beach’s 2-Way Brewer. Just add the grinds the night before and program the coffee maker to start at whatever time you like, and it will automatically have a cup of coffee waiting for you when you wake up. Sleeping in? The warming plate will keep the coffee hot until you get to it.

To save on dishes and clean-up time, you can brew directly into your mug—or into the 12-cup carafe when you’re making it for multiple people.

Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Make your own espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with the touch of a button with this coffee maker from Mr. Coffee. The 15-bar pump system brews rich and strong espresso shots, and the automatic milk frother makes creating foam super simple. Just fill the easy-to-clean water and milk reservoirs and pick the drink you want from the touch panel, and the machine will do the rest.

The Best Coffee Delivery Services

A good cup of coffee starts with having the right coffee beans. These coffee delivery services will bring freshly roasted beans or even ready-to-drink coffee directly to your door.

Steeped Coffee

Campers (or anyone who needs a good cup of coffee on-the-go) will love Steeped Coffee. These unique coffee bags brew like tea, so all you need is hot water and a mug to get your java fix. Steeped partners with over 500 speciality roasters to offer a wide variety of blends, so you can choose from French roast, decaf, etc.

The coffee is roasted and then triple nitro sealed before being put into the brew bag, keeping the grinds fresh. All you have to do is put the Steeped brew bag in a cup, add eight ounces of hot water, and dunk the bag for 15-30 seconds (or longer if you want stronger coffee). Then, let the coffee brew for five minutes until you have the perfect cup.

Beanz by Breville

Breville makes one of the best at-home coffee makers around, and the company wants you to have good, fresh beans to use in it—so it created its own coffee delivery service, Beanz.com. Choose from a selection of curated coffees from the nation’s best small batch specialty roasters, or leave it up to the experts with a Barista’s Choice subscription. This plan will send you coffee that’s tailored to your taste preferences and equipment at a frequency of your choosing.

No matter which option you go for, your beans will be roasted to order so you receive only the freshest coffee.

Coffee of the Month Club

AmazingClubs’ Coffee of the Month club makes a great gift for the coffee-lover in your life—guaranteed. The subscription comes with a “they’ll love it” guarantee that promises your money back if you’re not satisfied.

Each month, the recipient will receive a curated selection of freshly-roasted Arabica beans from award-winning growers around the world. The shipment will include a fun newsletter with entertaining coffee facts, information about the beans, and brewing tips.

Redemption Road Coffee

Do something good with your morning cup of coffee when you buy your beans from Redemption Road Coffee. The company sources specialty grade coffee from farms round the world, and partners with the farms to give back to charity. Buy the dark roast from Malawi for example, and support the Mzuzu Coffee co-op which provides their workers with free health care and education.

Choose from whole beans, ground coffee, canned cold brew, or pods to have your coffee delivered just the way you like it.

Don Pablo Coffee

Travel the world through your morning cup with coffee from Don Pablo. Don Pablo sources specialty beans from coffee destinations around the world (including Brazil, Guatemala, and Colombia) and slow-roasts them in small batches, resulting in flavorful and fresh beans that are then shipped directly to you.

You can customize your coffee by roast (light, medium, or dark) and also choose between whole bean or a variety of ground styles (including drip, pour-over, espresso, or cold brew). Don Pablo has a wide variety of coffee to choose from, including low-acid, organic, and decaf options. No matter what kind you pick, your coffee will be fresh and delicious when it arrives.

Grady’s Cold Brew

Get a taste of New Orleans without trekking all the way to Cafe du Monde with Grady’s Cold Brew. Made for those who like their coffee strong, Grady’s is a dark-roast coffee that’s blended with a hint of chicory to give it that special New Orleans flavor. Order it in ground-coffee form or in Grady’s genius cold brew bulk bean bags that let you make cold brew in bulk without all the time and mess. Or, treat yourself to an even easier way of making cold brew—Grady’s all-in-one Spouch, a ready-to-pour pouch with a spout filled with bean bags. Just add water and brew for 12 hours.

Nora’s Naturals Coffee

Make your coffee do more for you than just wake you up in the morning. Nora’s Naturals Coffee sources single-origin coffee that’s grown in volcanic soil so it delivers a high amount of antioxidants in every cup. The coffee is grown in Nicaragua and hand-roasted in Santa Barbara before being shipped out to you. Chose your desired roast (dark or light) and between whole bean or ground for every bag.

Bean Box

A Bean Box subscription lets you customize your experience from the ground up, letting customers choose between whole bean or freshly ground, quantity (one or two 12 ounce bags), and frequency (every week, every two weeks, or every month). Subscribers can also choose from fun flavor profiles for their deliveries, like Dark & Toasty or Light & Bright, or roll the dice and let their Curation Team choose the best blend for you.

Looking to treat yourself or your friends? Bean Box also offers curated coffee boxes, like the World Coffee Tour or the Chocolate + Coffee Tasting Box, along with a Coffee of the Month Club membership.

MistoBox

Try out coffee from all over the country with a MistoBox subscription. You’ll be paired with an expert coffee curator who will learn your tastes to match you with the perfect beans every month. MistoBox sources coffee from more than 60 of America’s award-winning artisan coffee roasters and delivers freshly-roasted beans to you each month. Allow your coffee curator to surprise you, or pick what sounds good from nearly 600 different choices of coffees and add them to your Brew Queue to try.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle produces small-batch, sustainable coffee that is roasted to order and shipped within 48 hours. Their selective library of blends is curated by certified Q graders to ensure that their coffee is high quality and boldly flavorful.

Customers can choose to receive deliveries weekly, every two weeks, every three weeks, or monthly, with options ranging from single-origin coffee and traditional blends to instant coffee and cold brew.

Hawaii Coffee Company

Hawaiian coffee is famous for a reason—it’s smooth and delicious. Treat yourself to 100 percent Kona coffee from the Hawaii Coffee Company, or to the more affordable (but still easy to drink) 10 percent Kona Blend.

Trade

Take a virtual tour around the U.S. via your taste buds with Trade’s coffee subscription service. Take a short quiz about your tastes and preferences, and Trade will help you discover new flavors and roasters from across the country. You’ll get great coffee as often as you want it, plus help support small coffee roasters.

If you don’t want to commit to a subscription but want to widen your caffeine horizons, Trade sells one-time purchase Starter Packs that let customers try out the roasts they have on offer. At the time of writing, Trade was offering up to four free bags of coffee with purchase of a Starter Pack.

Driftaway Coffee

A Driftaway Coffee subscription starts with a five-profile tasting kit. You’ll rate each coffee in your kit, and Driftaway will use that data to match you to your perfect coffees for future deliveries.

The coffees are sourced from small coffee farms, and each delivery will include a story about the origin of the coffee.

Need to get your coffee situation sorted out at home ASAP? Get one of Driftaway Coffee’s Work From Home Coffee Kits, which include the tasting kit, a coffee maker (an Aeropress, a Hario V60, or a Moccamaster) and a Porlex Mini or Baratza burr grinder.

Volcanica Coffee

No matter what kind of coffee you like, Volcanica Coffee is sure to have it. Shop by categories like blend, region, decaf, organic, low acid, rainforest, shade grown, cold brew, and more.

Or try one of the many gourmet flavored coffees, which contain no sugar and come in flavors like bourbon scotch toffee, gingerbread, french vanilla, and Island Breeze.

Intelligentsia

Never run out of coffee (or tea) again with Intelligentsia’s subscription service. Choose the amount you want delivered and how often, and if you want whole beans or pre-ground. Browse the Intelligentsia coffee or tea offerings and pick the ones you like, or tell Intelligentsia which flavor notes you want, and it’ll pair you with the perfect beans.

Coffee is available from around the world, with a focus on ones that are currently in season. Don’t want to commit? You can buy bags of coffee without the subscription.

goodboybob

goodboybob roasts its coffee every Tuesday and ships it out every Wednesday, so your beans are guaranteed to be fresh. The classic subscription starts from $18 per delivery and is sent out every month, and you can choose how many bags, which coffees, and which roast you want.

Or treat yourself to the rare subscription, which starts at $150 per month. This delivery features hard-to-find, award-winning coffees that are worth the price tag. These roasts are shipped in a custom, reusable wooden box and come in jars to keep the beans extra fresh.

Atlas Coffee

Spice up your morning coffee routine with Atlas’ Coffee of the Month Club. The service curates micro-lot coffees from around the world and sends you a fresh 12-ounce bag each month. Your box will include freshly roasted coffee beans, a flavor notes guide, a fun postcard from the coffee’s country of origin, and brewing tips. You’ll expand your palate and discover new coffees that you won’t find in a store.

The post The Best Coffee Machines and Delivery Services appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Food You Can’t Finish

If you decide that a long flight is the time to enjoy a special treat, more power to you. Just make sure you have time to finish it—or that you’re okay with throwing it away before you land if you’re on an international flight. In most countries, you’ll have to declare any food (even packaged items) before entering, and something that you’ve opened up might not make it in.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat usually won’t be allowed in, due to agricultural concerns. (The U.S. Customs and Border Control Agency offers this helpful guide, but other countries will have different rules.) Know that this rule applies even to food that you were given on the plane—if you toss the banana from your in-flight breakfast into your backpack, you’ll need to declare it upon arrival in another country.

Instant Soups

Some people will tell you to bring a cup of noodles or other instant soup aboard a flight for a filling meal. Once in the air, you can ask the flight attendant for boiling water during meal service. Although a mug of hot soup may sound enticing, it’s a bad idea to keep a cup of scalding liquid near your lap when turbulence could strike at any second.

Plus, many prepackaged ramen cups have close to half of your daily recommendation of sodium, which certainly won’t help you fight jet bloat.

I actually tried out this trick on a flight once, and the flight attendant told me that she did not recommend consuming the hot water offered on planes, as it comes from water tanks that are not cleaned regularly. (Keep this in mind next time you order coffee or tea as well.)

Noisy Foods

Crunch… crunch… crunch. Put down the chips or raw vegetables—your seatmate does not want to listen to you chew. Crunchy foods can sound louder than a jet engine when you’re basically chewing right in your seatmate’s ear. Remember that the person next to you has nowhere to go, so save the noisy foods for when you land.

Messy Foods

If you’d struggle to tackle what you’re eating on a full-sized table with actual metal utensils, don’t attempt it on a tiny tray table with flimsy plastic forks and minimal elbow room. Airplanes aren’t given a deep cleaning between most flights, so you might be leaving crumbs or other leftovers behind for the next occupant of your seat.

Smelly

If you’re tempted to bring hardboiled eggs, tuna fish, or other strong-smelling food aboard, stop and think about whether everyone trapped in the small cabin with you wants to smell what you’re eating. (The airlines are big offenders on this one, too—often offering a fish option at dinnertime.)

Greasy Foods

Grabbing a fast food meal can be the cheapest and easiest airport option, but it’s really not the best choice for flying. A greasy meal ticks both the “smelly” and “messy” options, and the often-high sodium content of fast food options can make you swollen and bloated, making you uncomfortable for the rest of the flight.

Peanuts

Tiny packets of complimentary peanuts have mostly disappeared from planes due to the growing number of peanut allergies worldwide. If the only snack you’ve packed is a peanut butter sandwich or bag of nuts, you might not be able to eat it if the flight crew announces that there is a serious peanut allergy onboard.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 7 Foods You Should Never Eat on a Plane appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Uncooked rice can contain a bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can sometimes survive the cooking process. According to FoodSafety.gov, if rice is not kept at 140 degrees when it is left out for two hours or longer, any remaining bacteria can multiply and make you sick if you eat that rice.

Symptoms will set in quickly (anywhere from 30 minutes to 15 hours after eating) and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. You’ll be sick for about 24 hours if you fall victim to Bacillus cereus.

Bad Buffet Warning Signs

I asked Janilyn Hutchings, a Certified Professional in Food Safety, what signs to watch for at a buffet to make sure the food you’re eating is safe. Hutchings advises to look for these three red flags:

1. Food that’s supposed to be hot isn’t hot.
2. Food that’s supposed to be cold is thawing or melting.
3. Buffet workers put new food on top of old food instead of replacing an entire container of old food with a new container of fresh food.

Which Foods Should You Avoid at Buffets

Rice falls into the category of Time or Temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS). According to Hutchings, these are foods that have high carbohydrate and protein levels, are neutral or slightly acidic, and contain moisture. Other foods in this category that you’re likely to find on the buffet include sliced melons, cut greens, and meat.

The post The Surprising Item You Should Skip at the Buffet to Avoid Getting Sick appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that all trips and single supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

Explore Madeira, Portugal, on Foot

Sweeping coastal views, sleepy fishing villages, and sheltered forests await on one of Exodus Travels’ Madeira walking tour itinerary. The eight-night trip includes leisurely walks of up to nine miles a day along some of Madeira’s most breathtaking hiking trails. The trip ends with free time to explore Funchal, the island’s historic capital. Exodus will match you with a roommate, or you can pay a modest single supplement for your own room. Departures are available every month throughout 2024.

See Morocco from the Mountains to the Desert

Overseas Adventure Travel is one of the best tour operators for solo vacations, thanks to free single supplements on most trips. That includes one of its most popular tours, the 15-night Morocco Sahara Odyssey, which takes you through the narrow streets of ancient medinas, over the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, and through the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Unique experiences include lunch in a Berber home and a couple of nights under the desert sky in a private tented camp. This trip has available departures in May and between August and December 2024.

Camp in Utah’s National Parks

Join REI on a stunning eight-day journey through the national parks of Utah. Hike and camp in Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks as you learn about the nature, geology, and cultural history of the region from REI’s experienced guides. The package includes access to group cooking gear and first aid kits, a tent, and a sleeping pad. Check out their gear list for more information on what to pack.

Explore Northern India’s Icons

See the Taj Mahal and much more on this dedicated solo trip to India from Intrepid Travel. The seven-night itinerary starts and ends in bustling Delhi, where you’ll discover the city’s oldest mosque and have free time to explore on your own. Then you’ll head to Jaipur to visit royal palaces and soar above the city in a hot air balloon before visiting the 14th-century village of Karauli and touring the magnificent Taj Mahal. Intrepid will match you with a same-gender roommate so you can avoid paying a single supplement. This trip departs on select dates between May and December 2024.

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

A bucket list trip for many avid hikers, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro can seem like a hefty task to undertake by oneself. However travelers partaking in World Expedition’s Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route will feel anything but alone. With dozens of experienced guides, porters, and chefs to support you on the trek and a group of like-minded adventurers by your side, travelers are sure to come out of the 10-day experience with new friends and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Discover Ireland Your Way

Not big on group tours? Consider Great Value Vacations’ Irish B&B Getaway package, which includes airfare, a rental car, and accommodations at bed and breakfasts around Ireland, allowing you to wend your way through the countryside at your own pace. Highlights include dramatic coastal roads, lively villages, and historic castles. The itinerary can be customized for six to twelve nights, and you may depart any month of the year.

See Japan by Train

Hop on a bullet train to speed between destinations around the country on G Adventures’ Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo tour. Travelers can visit shrines in Kyoto, explore the Harajuku district of Tokyo, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko where, weather-dependent, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji. Some G Adventures tours offers a single supplement option, however on most tours travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Spot Rare Wildlife in Madagascar

Keep an eye out for lemurs, chameleons, boa constrictors, and numerous rare birds as you travel with Explore! through Madagascar: The Lost Continent.  In addition to wildlife-watching treks through the island’s national parks, this itinerary also features a walk along a spectacular canyon, a visit to Madagascar’s oldest palace, and a stay in a local community guesthouse. Explore! will match you with a same-gender roommate if you don’t wish to pay a single supplement. This trip has departures between May and November 2024.

Enjoy Nature in Costa Rica

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica with Road Scholar’s nine-night Taste of Costa Rica package. Highlights include river rafting in the Sarapiquí River, Latin dance lessons, a walk through a cloud forest, and a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Road Scholar is currently offering single rooms at no added cost on this itinerary. This trip has several departures between May and December 2024.

Discover the Best of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

There’s a reason Tuscany and neighboring Umbria are two of Italy’s most beloved regions. Discover them for yourself on Insight Vacations’ Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany tour, an eight-night voyage to destinations such as Florence, Assisi, Siena, and San Gimignano. You’ll enjoy a pasta-making demonstration in Baschi, then learn about traditional textile weaving in Perugia and visit a family-run olive mill in Assisi. If you do not opt for a single supplement, you will be matched with a roommate of the same gender. Departure dates are available in April, May, June, August, and September 2024.

Have an Adventure with Fellow Women

If you, like many female travelers, feel safer and more comfortable in the company of other women, consider booking a trip with Adventure Women, which offers active, women-only tours to destinations around the world. Most of the company’s clients come alone, so you’re sure to find common ground with your fellow travelers. Solo vacations for 2024 with availability at press time include a biking and boating tour through Vietnam, an active adventure in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, a Serengeti wildlife safari, and more. You can choose to be matched with a roommate or pay a little extra for your own room.

Sarah Schlichter wants to take every one of these solo vacations. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 11 Amazing Solo Vacations to Take in 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips

By the time your mom or her mom reaches her golden years, you really start to appreciate the chance to travel together, because it’s easier to recognize the moments passing. Though there may be some comical generational differences in travel style, there’s no better way for women young and old to bond than traveling together on a mother-daughter trip.

Here are some of the best mother-daughter vacations to delight moms and daughters of all ages, no matter when you travel together.

Jolly Trolleys and Golden Gates: San Francisco, California

Everyone should see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge at least once, and a mother-daughter trip to San Francisco is the perfect excuse for doing so. Bike or walk across the bridge to get out of the fog, and have lunch with a view in the whimsical town of Sausalito.

Pair a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with a CityPASS, which includes admission to some of the most popular Bay Area attractions, like the California Academy of Sciences and the Aquarium of the Bay, and the option to add on a cable car pass.

While roaming around Pier 39, have a bread bowl of clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, made with San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread—you won’t regret it. Nor will you regret the decadent chocolate sundae you’ll have at Ghirardelli Square after.

Where to stay: Book a room at Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf for a memorable stay central to the city’s most famous attractions.

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Vinos and Velos: Cycling from Dijon to Beaune, France

For an active vacation paired with exquisite wine and a whole lot of grandeur, try a mother-daughter bicycle tour through the Burgundy region. Explore the French countryside at your own pace while stopping along the way to taste a sampling of France’s finest fermented grapes.

Start in the historical town of Dijon at the Place de la Liberation. Pedal past rolling vineyard hills and storybook chateaus on your way to the charming town of Nuit-Saint-Georges. Take a break while you’re there to appreciate a taste (or two) of the region’s Premier Cru red wines, made from Pinot Noir grapes, and go truffle hunting at one of the local farms.

End your bike tour in the fairy tale town of Beaune. Its main square has been hosting an unmissable Saturday market since the early 13th century.

Where to Stay: Kick off your stay at La Cour Berbisey, a hotel built inside a 17th-century building in the heart of Dijon. After you’ve had your fill of biking, end your journey at Abbaye De Maizieres, a 12th-century cistercian Abbey converted into a boutique hotel.

Sipping, Sampling, and Shopping: Denver, Colorado

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Denver is becoming such a popular destination for mother-daughter trips. If you want to shop, dine, partake in a libations tour, take in the arts, or do all of the above, you can do it in Denver.

The city’s most popular area for strolling and shopping is the neighborhood around 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square. You can dine your way around Denver with stops at Rioja, Tamayo, Avanti, and North Italia, and then drink your way around on a boozy tour. There are plenty of guided tasting tours that will take you to places like Laws Whiskey, The Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery, Colorado Cider Company, and Denver Beer Company.

Where to stay: At the MOXY Denver Cherry Creek, you’ll enjoy a fun and modern stay. The space encourages guest interaction with a full bar and an impressive assortment of lobby games, from shuffleboard to Hungry Hungry Hippos.

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Relax and Rosé All Day: Calistoga, California

While Napa may get all of the shout-outs, the best place to stay in California wine country is Calistoga. It sits at the base of Mount Saint Helena, about 25 miles northwest of the town of Napa. In Calistoga, you can do all of the iconic things mothers and daughters daydream of doing on a mother-daughter trip, like getting daily spa treatments and drinking Rosé all day.

Volcanic ash, mud, and mineral baths are the specialty spa treatment of this town. What better way to celebrate the unique bond between a mother and daughter than taking a mud bath? You can also get a proper massage treatment at Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs and the recently renovated Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. Basically, you can walk from one end of town to the other in spa flip-flops, getting one treatment after another, and no one would blink an eye.

Take off your shoes and get stomping at Grgich Hills Estate, which offers daily grape stomping during the harvest season. Go for a royal tour and wine tasting at the Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-inspired Tuscan castle that features barrel-tasting and a torture chamber. No trip to Napa would be complete without taking a ride on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. Book the Vista Dome for one of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have. The three-hour journey includes a gourmet meal and wine, of course.

Where to stay: You’ll find a stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort to be reasonably priced and wonderfully retro.

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Shamrocks and Smiles: Road Tripping Around Ireland

Haven’t you always wanted to take a mother-daughter trip to Ireland? Want to kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the Ring of Kerry, or perhaps behold some sheep roaming lush green hills of the countryside? Take a road trip from Dublin that passes through Cork, Killarney, Dingle, and Galway, and you’ll delight in exploring these sights.

Visit the nearby town of Kinsale and take the easy hike to Charles Fort. Spend a day in Killarney National Park, and make time to visit the historic sites of Dingle before heading to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, which is known for its traditional pubs and live Irish folk music.

Where to stay: Stop by the Hayfield Manor in Cork for a quintessentially Irish stay, complete with gourmet dining and afternoon tea service.

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All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Melissa McGibbon’s travel accomplishments include circumnavigating the globe on a ship, having dinner at Fidel Castro’s house in Havana, skiing steep chutes in Canada, and downhill mountain biking in Peru. Follow her on Twitter @mcmliss.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 5 Incredible Mother-Daughter Trips You’ll Always Treasure appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Let your tastebuds determine your next vacation destination—these seven tasty food trails are worth traveling for. 

Butler County Donut Trail, Ohio

Homer Simpson’s dream trip can be found in Ohio, where the Butler County Donut Trail offers a sweet path between 13 mom-and-pop donut shops. Don’t forget to pack your passport (your Donut Trail Passport, that is) and get it stamped at each stop—a full passport can be redeemed for a free tee shirt showing off your accomplishment. 

Need help planning how to conquer this sugary challenge? A designated Donut Trail concierge can help you plan your trip. Just call 513-860-0917 to be connected.

Vermont Maple Creemee Trail

It’s not hard ice cream or soft serve—it’s something better. The creemee is a summertime staple in Vermont, and in a state famous for its maple syrup, the most iconic flavor of the treat is a maple.

As the name implies, a creemee is even creamier than soft-serve ice cream, and it’s softer than hard ice cream. Made from simple ingredients, including local milk and maple syrup, the creemee is pure summertime magic.

Follow the Vermont Maple Creemee Trail to sample the best around the state. Many stops are located at maple sugar houses, where you’ll also find plenty of maple candy and syrup.

North Carolina Historic Barbecue Trail

Experience the whole hog of North Carolina cuisine on the state’s Historic Barbecue Trail. The North Carolina Barbecue Society created the 15-stop culinary challenge to highlight the best restaurants in the area.

Along the way, you’ll sample both Eastern (which involves the entire pig) and Lexington-style  (just shoulders) barbecue roasted over pits of wood or charcoal.  

Hoosier Pie Trail, Indiana

A simple yet delicious filling made from sugar, butter, flour, cream, and cinnamon is sometimes called Hoosier Pie. This staple is Indiana’s unofficial state pie, so if you find yourself in the Hoosier State, you must try some.

Sample this regional delicacy and classics like coconut, apple, and chocolate pies at the 32 stops that make up the Hoosier Pie Trail. 

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Trail

Before you embark on Lousiana’s Cajun Bayou Trail, download the official passport and get it stamped at each stop you visit. Once you’ve collected just five stamps, you can redeem the passport for a free t-shirt that proudly displays your accomplishment. 

The food trail travels up and down the Bayou, showcasing the region’s best local cuisine, emphasizing seafood and spicy dishes. Bonus stops include festivals and events like the Wild Game Supper or French Food Festival.

Kansas City Taco Trail, Kansas

Kansas might not be a destination you associate with good Mexican food, but a trip down the Kansas City Taco Trail will change that. The trail takes hungry visitors to nearly 60 local taquerias, where you can try a wide variety of tacos from birria to barbacoa.

Sign up for the Kansas City Taco Trail here, and you’ll receive a mobile passport and map of all the best stops. Check-in on the passport each time you eat at one of the taquerias, and you’ll be automatically entered to win prizes. Complete the entire trail, and you’ll get invited to an exclusive Taco Party hosted by Visit Kansas City.

New Mexico True Breakfast Burrito Byway

New Mexico claims the state is the birthplace of the breakfast burrito, so start every day of your vacation in the Land of Enchantment with a hearty meal on the True Breakfast Burrito Byway. 

The breakfast burrito is ubiquitous around New Mexico, but the food trail highlights the 37 best of the best restaurants that serve the handheld delight.

The post 7 Tasty American Food Trails to Try appeared first on SmarterTravel.

From swimming at Barton Springs and hiking up Mount Bonnell to the nightly bat show above Congress Avenue Bridge, check out our favorite things to do in Austin, Texas.

Stroll Around Zilker Metropolitan Park

Dubbed Austin’s “most-loved” park, Zilker Metropolitan Park sits on the banks of the Colorado River and spans over 350 acres. Some of the city’s most famous draws are here, including Zilker Botanical Gardens and Barton Springs. There are also trails and plenty of open space for strolling and picnics. 

Set aside a day to explore all this lovely park has to offer. Art lovers can browse the works of sculptor Charles Umlauf, and garden enthusiasts will love the scenery of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Kid-friendly activities include a ride on the miniature train encircling Zilker Park (free for kids). Make new friends when you watch a musical at the theater or during an afternoon volleyball game.  

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Carpenter Hotel is 11-minutes from Zilker Metropolitan Park and offers contemporary rooms with red-brick interiors and private terraces. This prime location puts you close to downtown attractions.

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Cool Off at Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool is a popular swimming spot that has brought Austin locals and tourists together for generations. Located in Zilker Metropolitan Park, this beautiful blue pool is fed by underground springs. The water temperature stays a cool 68 degrees year-round making it the best place to lounge on hot summer days. There are grassy areas to relax, bathhouses, and even an exhibit to learn about the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and the area’s history.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is a luxury hotel with upscale amenities and rooms that offer stunning views of the surrounding grounds. This lakeside property is pet-friendly and has a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy a romantic dinner.

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Coffee at Walton’s Fancy & Staple

A-list movie star Sandra Bullock owns Walton’s Fancy & Staple, a cute cafe on 6th Street with a rustic-chic interior. Enjoy a creamy latte and pastries here to take a break from exploring. 

There’s also a flower shop in the building, so you can pick up a bouquet for your partner if you’re on a couple’s trip. If you’re not quite ready to continue strolling the streets of Austin, grab a window seat to observe the people and activity around you.

Nearby Recommended Hotel:  Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown is an artsy hotel across from Walton’s in downtown Austin. Vibrant decor, modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and free bikes to explore Austin make Canopy a perfect stay.  

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Lady Bird Lake Trail

Lady Bird Lake trail (as locals call it) is a scenic 10-mile trail in the center of Austin that loops around Lady Bird Lake. This trail is perfect for walking, running, hiking, or biking. A mile-long boardwalk offers stunning views of downtown’s skyline and many scenic spots to relax and picnic along the water’s edge.

Pack a basket to spend a leisurely evening resting in the peaceful quiet of the trail, or rent a kayak for some time in the water. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Regency Austin faces Lady Bird Lake and offers a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a sundeck. The onsite eatery serves hand-crafted cocktails and locally inspired fare.

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Tour the Texas State Capitol

In the heart of Austin stands the Texas State Capitol—14 feet taller than the US Capitol building in Washington, DC. This historic landmark proves that everything really is bigger in Texas. Join one of the free official tours of the building, Mondays to Sundays, to learn about Texan history while admiring the grounds and ornate architecture. If you’d rather go at your own pace, pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour of the Capitol. 

The Capitol was restored in the 1990s. Its intricate design, beautiful terrazzo floors, and star-crested rotunda will surely leave you smitten. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Austin at The University / Capitol is a 7-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol. This hotel also puts you in the city’s center and is close to popular live music venues and bars.

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See All of Austin From Mount Bonnell

Officially known as “Covert Park,” Mount Bonnell is home to the highest point in Austin—a 775-foot limestone outcrop. It offers sweeping panoramas of the city, Lake Austin, and surrounding hills. The path to the top is easy (you can do it in flip flops) and consists of 102 steps that you can scale in 20 minutes.

On clear days, Mount Bonnell is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the lake and share drinks with locals.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Moxy Austin – University is an eclectic-style hotel in the campus district less than 3 miles from Mount Bonnell. Share drinks with friends at the bar in the lobby.

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Visit the LBJ Presidential Library

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum pays tribute to the 36th president of the United States and is one of the most intriguing presidential libraries in the US. A 10-story tower on 30 acres within the University of Texas campus, the library houses historical artifacts and quirky exhibits from the ’60s and ’70s. 

Get a unique perspective of American history during President Johnson’s administration with exhibits like an in-depth study of the Vietnam War. You can also listen to LBJ’s recorded phone conversations, see a replica of his Oval Office, and laugh at jokes told by his life-size animatronic.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Austin – University Area offers easy access to attractions within the UT campus and 6th Street.

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Go Two-Stepping at the Broken Spoke

Ready to bring out the Texan in you? It’s time to go two-stepping. Two-stepping is a popular dance accompanied by country music and is one of Austin’s best pastimes. Head to the Broken Spoke to watch some live boot-scooting or try it yourself. They offer two-step lessons from Wednesdays to Saturdays so you can pick up a new dance skill to impress everyone back home.

After showing off your moves on the dance floor, enjoy an ice-cold beer and a plate of Spoke’s famous chicken-fried steaks.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Colton House Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel perfect for couples and solo travelers. Its rooms are spacious and modern and decorated with stunning artwork.

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Take a Spooky Tour in a Hearse

Skeptics and believers in the paranormal alike will enjoy the dark and ghostly tours Haunted ATX offers. See the eerie side of Austin in style with your friends in a converted hearse or a van covered in spooky art. You’ll visit historic locations and hear tales of the paranormal activity detected in these haunted landmarks. 

The tours typically last 3 hours, so it’s a complete experience, and you can bring your own drinks. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Rooms at Sonder at East 5th are fitted with large windows and simple but tasteful furniture. If you love big, open spaces that catch lots of sunlight, book a stay here. 

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Snap a Pic With the I Love You So Much Mural

The famous green wall of Jo’s Coffee bears a simple but beautiful message—the spray-painted words “I love you so much.”  It is a great spot to take cute photos if you’re visiting with your partner or pet. 

Located on the bustling South Congress Avenue, it gets pretty crowded here. Still, even on the busiest days, you’ll only have to wait about 15 minutes for your turn with the wall.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hotel Magdalena has well-appointed rooms with a contemporary feel. The hotel’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, with bright southwestern-inspired decor, a poolside bar, and sundecks.

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Spend an Evening Watching Austin’s Famous Bats

If you’re visiting Austin in the summertime, don’t miss the magnificent sight of 1.5 million bats flying out from their home on the underside of Congress Avenue Bridge. One of its unique quirks, Austin is home to North America’s largest bat colony in an urban area. The Mexican free-tailed bats settled here after Congress Bridge’s 1980 renovation created crevices that made a safe bat refuge. Every evening at dusk, these nocturnal animals take off to rid the city of pesky insects like mosquitoes. 

Observe the bat show from the water on Lady Bird Lake for the best view, or watch safely from the Statesmen Bat Observation Center next to the bridge. The spectacle lasts about 45 minutes, but you can pair your viewing with other activities in the area. Downtown Austin is very lively, so there’s always something fun around.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The LINE Austin is set in a modernist mid-century building that used to be a jazz club. Fitness enthusiasts can take part in the free yoga and fitness classes.

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Go Shopping at Allens Boots

Get a whiff of rich leather and the old west when you walk into Allens Boots on South Congress Avenue. With shelves holding thousands of pairs of cowboy boots made from exotic skins and premium leather, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Find what complements your boots by browsing their cowboy hats, Wrangler jeans, leather jackets, belts, and jewelry collection. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, don’t be shy to try on one or two booties. A visit to this vintage store selling premium footwear is an experience in itself.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: South Congress Hotel is a trendy hotel on South Congress Avenue in Austin. It offers several dining options, including an upscale Japanese cuisine restaurant.

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Attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin City Limits (ACL), Austin’s biggest music fest, is held every October in Zilker Park over two consecutive weekends. This event brings together over 100 big names and local artists. Enjoy the best of rock, pop, and hip-hop in an electrifying atmosphere. 

If you’re not visiting in October, enjoy live music at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Home to the award-winning “Austin City Limits” series, this theater seats over 2,700 people and is known for superb acoustics. If you can’t get seats to a show, book a tour of the venue. You’ll learn about ACL history and visit the Jack & Jim Gallery on the balcony. Tours typically last 90 minutes.

Nearby Recommended Hotel:The Driskill Hotel is a 15-minute walk to Moody Amphitheater. The hotel was built in the 19th century, and some rooms feature unique architectural details and furniture. There’s a bakery and grill house onsite that serve regional fare.

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The post The 13 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel.

Here’s what the survey found:

Cutting the Line Is Ok

About to miss your flight? According to Kayak’s survey, 57 percent of travelers will have sympathy for you (and will let you cut the line) if it’s the difference between making it to the gate in time or being left stranded.

Unattended Children Should Be Banned

Letting your kids run around the airport (or plane) freely in the hopes they’ll burn off some energy? 90 percent of respondents ask that you rein them in, voting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during travel.

Don’t Stand on the Moving Sidewalk

If your personal pet peeve is people who ride the moving sidewalks at the airport (rather than walking on it), you’re not alone—57 percent of travelers feel the same way. 

Just remember, moving sidewalks are a huge help to people with mobility issues—so try to extend some grace and patience when travelers aren’t walking on them. 

Clapping When the Plane Lands Is Annoying

Your fellow passengers ask you to hold your applause when the plane touches down. A close margin of 51 percent of flyers thinks this measure of appreciation is “pointless” because the pilots can’t hear you.

The Middle Seat Doesn’t Get Both Armrests

A surprising 57 percent of passengers have no sympathy for the person stuck in the middle seat, saying the armrests are up for anyone to grab. 

Reclining Your Seat is Acceptable

Go ahead and lean back (just please, do it the right way) next time you fly. A vast majority (88 percent) believe that the recline button is offered for a reason.

Leave Your Socks On

Fellow flyers don’t want to see (or smell) your bare feet. Seventy-six percent of passengers voted that people should keep their socks on during a flight.

The post The 7 Most Controversial Travel Opinions appeared first on SmarterTravel.