#travel-tips

#travel-tips

"The tops of our mountains may not be as dramatic as some of the peaks on the west coast of Scotland, but for me, it's the recesses that are really magical," says Lotti Papastavrou Brooks, referencing the lochs, coires, and glens within the park.

I packed everything I wanted to keep with me in my roomette in a smaller bag, including snacks, entertainment devices, toiletries, and clothes to sleep in.

Trader Joe's Trek Mix is a favorite for road trips, containing cashews, almonds, and chocolate chips. It’s filling and satisfies a sweet tooth without being overly salty.

If you've attached a Pebblebee Clip to your luggage, you can pop it out and put it in your pocket for when you grab dinner by yourself while you're traveling.

"Thieves tend to target visitors who are not familiar with local customs. You should also be aware of common scams that are typical in certain cities or countries."

Cassis is an incredibly unique town in the South of France near Marseille. It happens to not only have beautiful beaches and cute winding streets: it's also right next to Calanques National Park, a breathtaking natural area with miniature fjords with turquoise waters.

Kylian Mbappé, the first-ever wellness ambassador for Fairmont Hotels, emphasizes that well-being is a holistic approach: moving, recovering, breathing, and recentering, which can be practiced anywhere.

Letting the airline pick your seat might feel like the easiest option, but it often means ending up in less desirable spots-like middle seats, back rows, or areas near bathrooms and galleys.

"We always recommend that clients photograph their luggage before a trip, including the exterior of the bag, the luggage tag, and the contents inside," Rob Merlin, a travel advisor at SmartFlyer, stated. This practice not only aids in identification but also provides peace of mind and serves as evidence for insurance purposes in case of loss or damage.

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.