first of travel

Art & Culture Travel Blog

History of travelling: how people started to travel.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar
• Cultural Tourism

Although we often have a feeling like people are travelling for the last few decades only, the truth is – people are travelling for centuries. Old Romans were travelling to relax in their Mediterranean villas. At the same time, people in Eastern Asia wandered for cultural experiences. I’ve got so fascinated with the history of travelling, that I did my own little research on how people started to travel. And here is what I’ve learned.

History of travelling

I was always curious about the reason people started to travel. Was it for pure leisure? To relax? Or to learn about new cultures, and find themselves along the way?

I wanted to chaise the reason all the way to its source – to the first travellers. And hopped to find out what was the initial motivation for people to travel.

According to linguists, the word ‘travel’ was first used in the 14th century. However, people started to travel much earlier.

While looking at the history of travelling and the reasons people started to travel, I wanted to distinguish the difference between travellers and explorers. Most of the time, when thinking about travel in history, people like Marco Polo or Christopher Columbus are coming to mind. However, they weren’t really travellers in a modern sense. They were explorers and researchers. So, to really learn about how people started to travel, I wanted to focus on ordinary people. Travellers like you and me, if you wish.

Romans and their roads

First people who started to travel for enjoyment only were, I’m sure you won’t be surprised, old Romans. Wealthy Romans would often go to their summer villas. And it was purely for leisure. They could, of course, start doing that because they invented something quite crucial for travelling – roads. Well developed network of roads was the reason they could travel safely and quickly.

However, there is another reason that motivated people in Antiquity to travel. And I was quite amazed when I learned about it.

It was a desire to learn. They believed travelling is an excellent way to learn about other cultures, by observing their art, architecture and listening to their languages.

Sounds familiar? It seems like Romans were the first culture tourists.

⤷ Read more : 20 Archaeological sites you have to visit in Europe

Travelling during the Middle Ages

It may come by surprise, but people started to wander more during the Middle Ages. And most of those journeys were pilgrimages.

Religion was the centre of life back in the Middle Ages. And the only things that connected this world with the saints people were worshipping, were the relics of saints. Pilgrims would often travel to another part of the country, or even Europe to visit some of the sacred places.

The most popular destinations for all those pilgrims was Santiago de Compostela, located in northwest Spain. People would travel for thousands of kilometres to reach it. To make a journey a bit easier for them, and to earn money from the newly developed tourism, many guest houses opened along the way. Pilgrims would often visit different towns and churches on their way, and while earning a ticket to heaven, do some sightseeing, as well.

Wealthy people were travelling in the caravans or by using the waterways. What’s changing in the Middle Ages was that travel wasn’t reserved only for the rich anymore. Lower classes are starting to travel, as well. They were travelling on foot, sleeping next to the roads or at some affordable accommodations. And were motivated by religious purposes.

⤷ TIP : You can still find many of those old pilgrim’s routes in Europe. When in old parts of the cities (especially in Belgium and the Netherlands ), look for the scallop shells on the roads. They will lead you to the local Saint-Jacob’s churches. Places dedicated to that saint were always linked to pilgrims and served as stops on their long journeys. In some cities, like in Antwerp , you can follow the scallop shell trails even today.

Below you can see one of the scallop shells on a street and Saint-Jacques Church in Tournai , Belgium.

Grand Tours of the 17th century

More impoverished people continued to travel for religious reasons during the following centuries. However, a new way of travelling appeared among wealthy people in Europe.

Grand tours are becoming quite fashionable among the young aristocrats at the beginning of the 17th century. As a part of their education (hmmm… culture tourists, again?) they would go on a long journey during which they were visiting famous European cities. Such as London , Paris , Rome or Venice, and were learning about their art, history and architecture.

Later on, those grand tours became more structured, and they were following precisely the same route. Often, young students would be accompanied by an educational tutor. And just to make the things easier for them, they were allowed to have their servants with them, too.

One of those young aristocrats was a young emperor, Peter the Great of Russia. He travelled around western Europe and has spent a significant amount of his time in the Netherlands. The architecture of Amsterdam and other Dutch cities definitely inspired a layout of the new city he has built – Saint Petersburg . So, travelling definitely remains an essential part of education since Roman times.

⤷ Read more : 15 Best museums in Europe you have to visit this year

The railway system and beginning of modern travel in the 19th century

Before the railway system was invented, people mostly travelled on foot (budget travel) or by water (the first-class travel at that time). However, when in the 1840s, an extensive network of railways was built, people started to travel for fun.

Mid-19th century definitely marks a real beginning of modern tourism. It’s the time when the middle class started to grow. And they have found a way to travel easily around Europe.

It’s coming by no surprise that the first travel agency, founded by Thomas Cook in England, was established at that time, too. He was using recently developed trains together with a network of hotels to organise his first group trips.

⤷ Read more : The most interesting European myths and legends

History of travelling in the 20th century

Since then, things started to move quickly. With the development of transportation, travelling became much more accessible. Dutch ships would need around a year to travel from Amsterdam to Indonesia. Today, for the same trip, we need less than a day on a plane.

After the Second World War, with the rise of air travel, people started to travel more and more. And with the internet and all the cool apps we have on our smartphones, it’s easier than ever to move and navigate your way in a new country. Mass tourism developed in the 1960s. But, with the new millennium, we started to face the over-tourism.

We can be anywhere in the world in less than two days. And although it’s a great privilege of our time, it also bears some responsibilities. However, maybe the key is to learn from history again and do what old Romans did so well. Travel to learn, explore local history and art, and be true culture tourists.

History of Travelling , How people started to travel , Travel

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

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7 Must-Know Tips for First-Time Flyers

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Flying on an airplane for the first time — or the first time in a long while — can be an exciting, life-changing adventure. But it can also be incredibly stressful.

You want to head for the gate with the swagger of a seasoned traveler, but that's hard to pull off when you don't know how much it costs to check a bag, or what to expect when you go through airport security.

So how can you deal? Reviewing these tips before takeoff can boost your confidence, making your trip easier and more worry-free.

Best advice for first-time flyers

1. check the airline's luggage requirements.

It’s easy to overpack — but if you do, it could cost you. Before your flight, visit your airline’s website to review luggage size and weight restrictions, as well as baggage fees. While these vary by airline and fare paid, here's what you can typically bring with a standard fare on a major airline:

Two carry-on items for free: one full-size carry-on the size of a small rolling suitcase or smaller, and one small personal item, such as a purse or backpack

One checked suitcase (often, one weighing under 50 pounds) for $25 to $30. Checking additional bags could cost more

If your carry-on bag is too bulky, you may have to pay to check it. Likewise, if your checked bag is over a certain size, you may have to pay a higher-than-usual fee to check it. It's best to avoid these surprises, if possible.

"If you’re a nervous flyer, little things can really set you off,” says Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie of New York City, founder of the travel blog The Globetrotting Teacher . “Even if it’s not a big deal, and you get to the check-in counter, and they say, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s a $30 bag fee,’ and you weren’t expecting that, that could just be something that rattles you."

Remember, if you pack light enough , you could avoid baggage fees altogether.

Having an airline credit card can mean waived checked baggage fees, as well. For example:

on American Express' website

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

First checked bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation. Terms apply.

First checked bag free for you and a companion traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to four others traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to three others traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to six others traveling on your reservation.

2. Pack essentials in your carry-on

If you’re packing anything that’s hard to replace — say, prescription medicine, contacts or glasses, or important paperwork — put it in your carry-on bag. This way, you won’t be without that item in the rare event your checked bag goes missing. You'll also want to pack some in-flight entertainment, such as your laptop, headphones and a book or magazine.

Just make sure you’re following the Transportation Security Administration’s rules for what you can pack . You can’t, for example, bring a big bottle of contact lens solution in your carry-on, but you can bring a 3.4-ounce bottle. And keep in mind that if your carry-on bag is too big to fit under the seat in front of you, you may have to check it. More rules may apply if you're flying internationally.

» MORE: 10 ways to minimize mix-ups on your first trip abroad

“The overhead compartments fill up quickly,” says Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, an online travel agency based in Calabasas, California. “If you’re in the back of the plane, you might find that there’s no more room, and you’ll have to do a gate check of your bag at the last minute, which isn’t particularly fun." Checking your bag at the gate means your full-sized carry-on bag will travel with the other checked bags during the flight, rather than in the overhead bin.

3. Arrive at the airport two hours early

Catching a plane isn’t like catching a bus; it’s a much longer process. In fact, the TSA recommends showing up at least two hours before takeoff for domestic travel, and three hours for international travel.

Ultimately, you need to give yourself enough time to get your boarding pass, check your bags and go through security before your plane starts boarding. Sometimes, that takes 10 minutes. Other times, especially during peak travel times, it can take much longer.

It’s worth keeping in mind that boarding the plane isn’t a free-for-all, either. Airlines typically start boarding passengers 30 minutes before takeoff in groups. Generally, a boarding time will be printed on your ticket.

4. Keep your ID handy

Decades ago, airport security was relatively lax. “There was one point where you could just walk up to a gate, whether you were flying or not, whether you had ID or not,” Klee says. Nowadays, TSA agents check IDs for passengers over 18.

Save time by having your ID card, driver’s license or passport handy as soon as you step foot into the airport. You’ll need it when checking bags and going through security, and you don’t want to hold up the line while rummaging through your wallet.

5. Wear easy-to-remove shoes

Going through airport security might be the most stressful part of flying — but if you know what to expect, the whole rigmarole can feel much less taxing. Typically, unless you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , you have to:

Remove your shoes (unless you’re 12 and under or 75 and older)

Empty the contents of your pockets and remove your hat, belt, jacket, wallet and bulky jewelry

Remove your laptop and liquids from your bag

Send these items — and your carry-on bag — through an X-ray machine

Walk through a metal detector or a body scanner (or opt for a pat-down)

Preparing for this — say, by wearing shoes you can easily slip on and off and making sure the items in your carry-on are TSA-compliant — can make the process faster.

WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

6. Respect other passengers' space

These days, flights are generally fully booked, and most seats offer limited legroom. This might stress out your fellow flyers, so be sensitive.

“If any of your stuff or body parts are going into another space that’s not yours, you really have to be mindful of that,” Sills-Dellegrazie says. “It can be as simple as, you put your ponytail over the top of the seat and now it’s hanging … across someone’s TV screen, and you don’t even realize it."

Similarly, if you wear perfume or cologne, eat smelly foods or listen to loud music, you might unintentionally upset the person sitting next to you. Of course, you can't plan for everything — maybe you're traveling with an upset child, for example — but do what you can to avoid an in-flight faux pas.

7. Have a backup plan ready

Now for a game of “worst-case scenario,” first-time flyer edition: What happens if you miss your flight or your flight gets delayed or canceled ?

First, take a deep breath.

If you miss your plane because of unforeseen circumstances, such as a major traffic delay, the airline will often put you on standby for the next flight without charging extra. Just remember that you generally need to notify the airline within a couple of hours of missing your flight to get rebooked for free.

If it looks like you'll miss a connecting flight , check the smartphone app offered by your airline or the screen in the airport to find out which gate your flight departs from, and whether you've actually missed it. If the flight is delayed, you may still have a chance to board. If you miss the connection and the airline was responsible, you can generally also rebook that flight free of charge — and maybe even get some free meal or hotel vouchers for the hassle.

Smart travelers mitigate the risks of unexpected travel disruptions by booking their flights using a credit card with travel insurance or purchasing a separate standalone travel insurance policy .

In general, be proactive. Have the airline's customer service phone number handy in case you get stuck in traffic, so you can call as soon as possible. Or if you're already at the airport, go to the customer service desk and asking about rebooking. Missing a flight can be a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your travel plans.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

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The Best Places for Your First Trip Abroad

By CNT Editors

For most Americans, their first trip abroad will be over a neighboring border—on, say, a family trip to Toronto, or maybe spring break to Cabo. You don't even need a passport to swing that. (Don't get too excited: You need a passport card still.) No matter where you go, you'll be out of your comfort zone—and that's half the fun, right? How far do you want to push it? We canvassed our network of editors and international contributors to get their best recommendations for your first trip abroad, whether you're on a budget and want to stay close(r) to home; you're ready to blow some hard-earned cash; or you want to get as far away as you possibly can. Here's a little inspiration.

File under: Passport With Training Wheels

When you visit Canada, it’s kind of like you’re going to Europe or Asia without leaving the continent. Montreal lives "la belle vie" in French and English, with Francophonic sidewalk cafés, boho enclaves, Gothic architecture, and decadent cheesy dishes (bonjour, poutine). Vancouver has a Hong Kong-esque skyline and some of the best Chinese (and Vietnamese, and Malay…) food in the region. And then there's the conversion rate—it's hard not to love Canada. —Megan Spurrell, community editor

Costa Rica manages to feel both safe and thrilling: There are plenty of expats, so you barely need to speak Spanish, and everyone’s there for the outdoor adventures (surfing! zip-lining!). Plus, it's not too far from the U.S. and flights tend to be affordable. —M.S.

Hear me out on this one: Ecuador is a great gateway trip to South America. Reasonably inexpensive to visit (both on the ground and with flights), it attracts lots of young professionals from Europe to Australia who are on a quarter-life crisis escape. It's also culturally and linguistically familiar (especially its Old Town) yet plenty different, and will keep you on your toes. Fly into Quito and take easy-to-use buses to explore the surrounding areas, like the cloud forests of Mindo and waterfalls of Baños. It's just the right amount of adventure. —Meredith Carey, assistant digital editor

File under: I’m Not Totally Broke—Let’s Go to Europe!

You'll live out every cinematic travel fantasy on a first trip to France, taking leisurely walks around Paris —breaking for goûter, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth; diving into the opulence of nearby Versailles ; and indulging on a tour of the historic, and very romantic, neighboring Champagne region . —Corina Quinn, senior editor

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

The U.K. feels like such an obvious suggestion—but for good reason. Aside from the added bonus of not having to grapple with a new language, you have grand old towns like Bath and Edinburgh that feel like movie sets, dramatic countryside to explore, and the whole of Europe just a low-budget flight away if you want to tack on a weekend somewhere else. Sure, London is expensive, but the free museums , booming food scene , eclectic markets, and easy-to-navigate Tube system more than make up for it. —Lale Arikoglu, digital lifestyle editor

I have a hard time imagining the drawbacks of making Italy your first destination abroad. The natural and manmade beauty, the warmth and hospitality of the people, not to mention the food (comfort in a bowl: pasta! risotto! gelato!)—Italy has a way of making you feel right at home. For a first-timer, do the Grand Tour: Rome , Florence, Venice, and Naples if you have time. You can save deeper exploration of the regions and coasts for a return visit. You'll most certainly be back. —C.Q.

Melbourne, Australia

File under: Get Me As Far Away As Possible

For my first solo international trip abroad, I packed up one giant bag and moved to Melbourne , Australia for six months. (I'm a risk-friendly overachiever.) Despite the distance, many college kids will feel at home in the laid-back, flat white-loving, easy-to-navigate city (that comes with its own trolly!), which is also full of artists, comedians, musicians, and creative restaurateurs making the city hum. It's a bit like Boston in that regard—but with a better accent. —Laura Dannen Redman, deputy digital director

Southeast Asia

Is there anything that screams “first big trip” more than a month spent backpacking Southeast Asia? Countries like Thailand and Vietnam are primed for young travelers—and young budgets. You can work your way through the best street food of your life in Bangkok for just a $1 a plate, or rent a motorbike for the equivalent of $10/day in Sa Pa and get your adrenaline pumping as you zip around rice paddies (just please, please wear a helmet). I felt incredibly safe traveling with just one friend, and there is such a well-established backpacking trail you're never really alone. —M.S.

Intense, colorful, and totally unlike anywhere else, Morocco has a huge range of places to visit—cosmopolitan Casablanca, heady Tangier—and is affordable enough that you can take your time exploring. —Paul Brady, articles editor

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• Airlines + Airports

20 Tips First-time Fliers Need to Know

Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, here's how to make your first flight more enjoyable.

Congratulations, you’ve booked your first flight! Pat yourself on the back, because there are only a few more steps between you and a seamless flying experience. If you’re like most people, exploring something new — like the cabin of an airplane — can be daunting. While not every first-time flier will mistake the emergency exit for the bathroom, there are some common errors newbie travelers frequently make. To help you have a smooth and stress-free journey, we've compiled 20 tips first-time fliers should know.

Book a specific seat.

If you prefer aisles or windows to middle seats, be sure to choose your seat early. Select your preferred option when booking your ticket or log onto the airline’s website before your flight. Many airlines list the airplane model on their ticketing page, but you can also use a third-party site like SeatGuru to view seat maps. Don’t see a spot you love? Sign up with the website ExpertFlyer , which alerts you when your seat of choice frees up and is available to book.

Download your airline's app.

Skip the long lines at the airport by using your airline's app to check in, grab your boarding pass, and head straight to security. You can also use the app to check your flight status, including delays, cancellations, or gate changes in real time. Many airlines let passengers access in-flight entertainment through their app, so download it in advance if you want to watch movies on your own device.

Buy travel insurance.

Even if you plan everything perfectly, things can go wrong when you travel, from flight delays to lost luggage. Travel insurance can compensate you for some of these expenses and, at the very least, provide you with peace of mind. Whether you're looking to purchase flight insurance or a comprehensive plan that covers medical expenses like emergency evacuation, plenty of options are available. Some credit cards offer some degree of protection, such as lost baggage or flight cancellation insurance, so it's worth checking your perks before your trip.

Pack light.

The general rule when you pack for a trip is that you don’t need as much as you think you do. Traveling with only a carry-on can save you time at the airport and help you avoid the hassle of lost luggage, but you'll want to pack efficiently to maximize space. We've got a handy-dandy carry-on packing list to make sure you don’t overthink it.

Make sure your carry-on is the right size.

Domestic and international travel each have a different set of rules when it comes to carry-on bag sizes. Before you head to the airport with your carefully packed bag, check your airline’s carry-on size restrictions and if you have an additional tote, make sure it qualifies as a personal item.

Avoid packing large liquids in your carry-on.

If you’re not checking a bag, remember that carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols have to be 3.4 fluid ounces or less and fit in a clear, quart-size bag. We recommend using a TSA-approved toiletry bottle set to transport your shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids without any issues.

Check your passport expiration date.

There is nothing quite like the panic that comes from booking a spontaneous vacation and realizing your passport is expired — or not realizing that you need a passport to visit Canada or Mexico. Adding to the challenge is that some countries won’t allow you to visit within six months of your passport’s expiration date in case you take an extra-long vacation. In short, it never hurts to check your passport’s expiration date and, if necessary, renew it before your next big trip. Also, if you're flying domestically, make sure your state-issued ID is valid for travel per TSA's identification rules .

Review your itinerary.

Traveling between time zones or around the world can be confusing. That’s why it always pays to take a tip from Santa Claus and make a list and check it twice. Go through your itinerary, confirm your airport (Did you book Heathrow or Gatwick? JFK or Newark?), your connection times (How long does it take to get to the train station? Which time zone is that?), and your plane tickets, including whether or not your name is spelled correctly on your documents.

While you’re working your way through the list, confirm your reservations for everything from hotels, flights, trains, buses, and tour groups.

Arrive at the airport early.

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before an international flight or two hours before a domestic flight. If you're a first-time flier, give yourself extra time, especially if you’re flying during the holidays, traveling with kids, or checking bags. You can speed up the process by checking in online, booking a business class ticket with priority check-in privileges, flying with a carry-on only, or signing up for TSA PreCheck or Clear , which allows you to get through security faster. 

Figure out your phone plan.

If you're flying out of the country, contact your service provider in advance to buy data roaming and an international calling plan. If you do not want to use your phone while traveling abroad but have it with you, shut off the data roaming on your device or risk a hefty phone bill. Download travel apps before your trip and use them when you’re on the hotel’s Wi-Fi or purchase a local SIM card so you text, call, and use data while abroad.

Be respectful of your fellow passengers.

Plane cabins are cramped spaces, so it's important to be mindful of how your actions impact the people around you. There are several unwritten rules of airplane etiquette, such as wearing headphones while listening to audio, avoiding smelly food and fragrances, and sticking to your assigned seat. Most of these are common sense, but it's a good idea to review some of the unspoken rules of air travel , especially if it's your first time flying.

Adjust to your new time zone as soon as possible.

If you're traveling across time zones, you'll likely experience jet lag. To quickly recover, get a head start on resetting your body's internal clock by adapting to your new time zone during the flight (or even a few days before you depart). On a long-haul flight, set your watch or phone's clock to the new time zone so you can sleep when it's nighttime in your destination and arrive feeling relatively refreshed. Plane cabins are notoriously dry environments, so staying hydrated and avoiding caffeine and alcohol while in the air can help you mitigate the effects of being at a high altitude.

Don't exchange too much money before you travel.

It’s a good idea to have some of the local currency on hand when you land, but don’t overdo it. Too much cash invites disaster if it’s stolen or lost. Figure out your budget and grab some cash at your bank or an airport ATM. If you do run out of cash, it’s easy to withdraw more at a local bank or ATM in most countries.

Alert your bank of your vacation plans.

There are few things more frustrating than having your credit card frozen when you’re on vacation because your bank thinks your card has been stolen. While most banks are now sophisticated enough to know when you're traveling based on your recent purchases (e.g., flights, hotel reservations, etc.), you may want to notify your credit card company’s fraud department that you’re leaving the country just in case.

While you’re on the phone with your credit card company, ask them to send you a credit card with a chip in it (if you don’t already have one). While most places can still swipe your card’s magnetic strip, many countries are relying on chip technology for things like train ticket machines, gas stations, and food purchases. Having a chip card option can make your life easier when you travel.

Bring backup entertainment.

Most airlines offer free onboard entertainment, including movies and TV shows you can watch on a seatback screen or your personal device. Some carriers have limited options, so it's a good idea to check your aircraft's amenities while booking your ticket. In any case, it's wise to bring a book, laptop, or tablet you can use in case the in-flight entertainment system isn't available. Make sure you pack your charger or a portable power bank in your carry-on and bring your own headphones for better sound quality.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Whether you're taking a red-eye or a shorter domestic flight, you'll want to dress comfortably for the journey. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing, including an extra layer in case you get cold on the plane, as well as shoes you can easily slip on and off while going through security. Vacation is not the time to break in a new pair of kicks, so make sure you wear a tried-and-true comfy pair to the airport.

Bring your own snacks.

Don’t wait until you get to the airport to buy snacks for your flight. The restaurants and stores after security are notoriously pricey and often have limited options. Instead, pack your favorite nibbles that comply with the TSA’s rules. Stick to solid food items that don’t require refrigeration, such as protein bars or dried fruit and nuts.

Schedule a recovery day.

Many of us have limited vacation days, meaning we have to cram a lot of sightseeing, culture, food, and relaxation into an incredibly short time span. While you might be tempted to hit the ground running as soon as you land, scheduling some downtime after your flight can help you fully recover from any fatigue or jet lag. The same goes for the flight home — if you can, take a day off to relax and unpack before diving back into your usual routine, or you might end up needing a vacation from your vacation.

Use credit cards for purchases.

Back in the day, travel lore was to stick to cold hard cash (or traveler’s checks) while abroad. These days, the best exchange rates are often found using your credit card. When the sales clerk asks if you want the charge in dollars or the local currency, always opt for the local money as you’ll usually end up with a better rate.

That said, check whether your credit card charges foreign transaction fees and, if it does, apply for a new one before your trip. Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Platinum American Express are just two options that don't charge these fees.

Don't panic if things go wrong.

Follow Douglas Adams' advice from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy : “The most important thing a traveler needs to remember whether making their way through time and space or simply to Cleveland is this: Don’t Panic.” Things happen both at home and on the road and while missed connections, lost train tickets, or disappearing hotel reservations can be incredibly frustrating, panicking helps nothing. Stay organized and keep a cool head. By the end of the trip, you’ll probably have a great story to tell.

40 Useful tips for first-time travelers

If you’re traveling for the first time, there is no doubt you have a lot of questions. Wondering how it’s going to be like, what you need to know, how to behave and generally what to expect on your trip.

I’ve been there, in fact, everyone has been there! And having made my share of mistakes during my first trip, I feel like I’ve advanced so much as a traveler and I am confident that I can now give travel tips to first-time travelers or at least push them in the right direction by sharing a few things I’ve picked up during my traveling journey.

So in this post, I’ll be sharing with you some of the useful tips for first-time travelers to help you prepare for that amazing trip that you’ve been planning for a while.

Essential tips for traveling abroad for the first time

1. don’t expect things to be like they are at home..

I mean that’s the point of traveling – to discover new places and experience the ways of life in other countries. And if every place was just like your native country, there wouldn’t be any point in traveling.

2. Be open to learning new things

One of the advantages of traveling is that it widens our world plus our thinking horizon. So be open to learning new things especially if you don’t have them back home.

Whether it is learning a new language, picking up a new hobby, be ready to learn something new along your traveling journey.

3. Don’t judge but rather try to understand things/situations you might come across.

Since obviously the way of life might be different or certain things done differently in the place you’re traveling to, don’t be a “jerk” that looks down on people because they live differently.

Instead, try to understand why things are done that way and then you can choose to adapt to them or simply just ignore them. I mean not everything is for everyone.

4. Try to learn the basic words/ language of the country you’re traveling to.

Learning a few basic words of the local language of the country you’re traveling to will go a long way. In my experience, locals will always be more friendly and helpful if you speak a few words of their language.

No, you don’t need to speak it fluently but your efforts to compose a sentence won’t go unnoticed.

Before you go for that international trip, make sure that you’ve done all these things here.

5. Manners and respect are required everywhere- don’t forget them.

This is like an international trait and there is nowhere in the world where it is ok to disrespects people. So if you’re traveling, do not forget your manners whatsoever.

And remember, people, are more likely to treat you the way you treat them. So if you try to be rude or disrespectful, no one will want to associate with you.

6. Be flexible

As a traveler, you need to learn to be flexible. Things are gonna go wrong somehow, plans are gonna get changed, the weather is gonna change (sometimes abruptly). but regardless of what happens, always be willing to change plans.

If you had planned an outdoor adventure and it rains, do not keep sobbing the entire day – instead, find something else that can be done indoors.

7. Respect the local culture

I am sure you wouldn’t be happy if a tourist came to your home country and started disrespecting your culture. So be more welcoming and instead of disrespecting the native culture, try to immerse yourself into it – or better yet, try learning about it deeper.

8. Interact with the locals

There is no better way of learning about a new country than interacting with the locals. This is also the best way to discover the hidden gems of the place since in most cases not so many tourists talk about them and they’re also rarely in guide books. 

Literally just interacting with the locals will give you a better understanding of the country in terms of getting recommendations and understanding their way of life better.

9. Buy travel insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important travel essentials you need to have as a first-time traveler. Anything can go wrong while on the road, from losing your stuff to falling sick.

If you don’t have travel insurance, it might be hard to get medical care in a foreign country and this is where travel insurance comes in to save the day. 

Though it might seem like its just “expensive for nothing”, it might be the only thing that saves you that $1000 camera.  Actually it is said that, If you can’t afford travel insurance, you certainly can’t afford to travel.

The Travel Insurance I recommend for all kinds of travelers (except those above 75 years) is World Nomads . It’s easy to request a quote online and it works in over 160 countries worldwide.

10. Protect your passport like your life depends on it (because it does, in a way).

As a foreigner in a new country, your “life” and security literally depend on your passport. So keep it as safe as possible.

You can buy this Travel neck Pouch/ passport holder to keep it safe when you’re traveling with it or a Pacsafe to lock it away together with your other valuables when leaving it back at your hotel.

Ps: Many blogs advise travelers to always walk with their passports, but in my opinion, this is wrong. The chances of you losing it when on your daily adventures is high. So I say, carry your passport only and only when you need to use it. But for security reasons, make a photocopy of it which you can take with you everywhere.

11. Be ready for the culture shock

Whether you travel to Africa , Asia or Europe , you’re bound to find cultures that are totally opposite of what you’re used to back home. So as a first-time traveler, be ready to see things out of “your norm” and try as much as possible to embrace them.

12. Always trust your instincts

One of the things that has saved many people whether traveling or not is trusting their gut. If something feels wrong to you, trust your instincts and move away from it.

Traveling is no different, you’ll be faced with a number of situations and they’re sometimes not black and white. So, if you’re not sure of what to do, just calm down, listen to your inner self and go with it! (Well unless you’re absolutely sure that your instincts are always wrong lol).

13 . Eat at places where the locals eat from

The easiest way to find the best and cheap eats is by eating from where the locals eat. This is where my previous point of interacting with the locals comes in since the only way to know where the locals go is by asking them directly.

For whichever kind of food you want to try, ask the locals to lead you to the best cuisines – I mean they know their country more than anyone else.

14. Stay safe at all times

While traveling, do not compromise your safety for adventure. If the streets are not safe to walk in at night, sacrifice going to a club or find a safer way of going there.

If an adventurous activity might be a danger to your life, it’s better to stay safe and alive than ticking it off your bucket list. Remember, this varies from individual to individual, so what might be safe for others might not be for you depending on each one’s health conditions.

You can also check out these travel safety tips to make sure you stay safe throughout your travels.

15. Do not put off the off-the-beaten paths

As first-time travelers, we always want to see the most popular tourist sites in an area. Of course, even if it’s me, I would want to see the Eiffel tower when I visit Paris , but this doesn’t mean that you have to completely write off visiting the hidden gems

I would actually advise you to visit the most popular sites and then embark on the off the beaten path if you still have time but not just leaving the country immediately after seeing the famous places.

16. Don’t let your trip get ruined when bad stuff happens or if something goes wrong

Bad things happen, that’s how life is and sometimes we can’t really control them. But when one bad thing happens, do not let it ruin your entire trip that you planned for so long.

Accept the fact that it happened and if you can fix it, do so but if you can’t, dust yourself up and move onto something else. Something like having the time of your life in a new country because you’re never going to have another first time in that particular destination.

17. Don’t take people’s photos without their consent especially if you plan to post them on the internet

One thing I’ve learned is that most people just don’t like their photos taken by strangers at all. I am that kind of person actually. If you want a photo of me, ask nicely and chances are high that I will say yes.

So unless you’re absolutely sure that its ok or it’s just a random photo, try not to take people’s photos without their permission especially if you’re planning on using them on social media.

Traveling has taught me that locals are always nice to tourists, so all it takes is asking nicely and politely and explain a bit as to why you want to take their photos and you’ll be blown away by how many will say yes to you.

18. Travel light but do not leave the essentials behind.

First-time travelers in most cases pack their entire home for a trip that will last a couple of days. I know this because, for my first trip to Egypt , I literally packed things I could use for 2 months for a trip of one week (arrrgg…. talk about being a first-time traveler and a heavy backpacker). But as time went on, I learned how to pack light and it is soo liberating.

So the earlier you start learning the tips of packing light, the better. This post that I wrote when I finally got a gist of traveling light will show you all the tips and tricks to packing light and its advantages.

However, packing light doesn’t mean leaving behind the travel essentials. So below are some of the travel items you should never leave behind when traveling.

A universal travel adapter : Since different countries use different adapters, I’d advise you to buy one universal travel adapter to cater for all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have it yet.

–  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times.

–  Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel   because it is super lightweight, easy to wash and dries easily.

–  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers.

–  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps to be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag.

19. Be aware that scams are everywhere and that they can happen at any time but the best thing you can do is to learn how to avoid them

Honestly, they’re likely to be travel scams everywhere you travel to and the only thing you can do is to be aware of them beforehand and know how best you can avoid them.

20. Always distribute your cash in different areas

This travel tip will save you from walking hundreds of kilometers back to your hotel. It is always prudent to prepare for the worst when traveling so distribute your money in different places so that if in an unfortunate incident you get pickpocketed, you still have some more cash on you in other places.

Or to even up your game, you can purchase this anti-theft money belt from amazon . It is a good way of keeping money in places that even pickpockets cannot reach.

21. Smile and be kind but don’t be afraid to say NO if need be

A smile and kindness go a long way when traveling especially for the first time – and not just traveling but anywhere else.

And since you’ll be meeting a number of “strangers”, smiling and showing a sense of kindness will draw more people to you who are even likely to offer help if you need it.

Nevertheless, while you keep your cool and smile, don’t be afraid to say NO when someone starts harassing you in a certain way. In places like Cairo where sellers are aggressive, don’t hesitate to say no immediately and walk away.

22. Make copies of your travel documents and always note down the address of your hotel

I always do this when traveling and it’s not just a tip for first-time travelers but also seasoned travelers. Making copies of your travel documents will save you thousands of troubles in an unfortunate incident that you lose your original copies. In the same way, having your hotel location can be very helpful.

23. Take more than one credit/debit card

Traveling is really all about being prepared and taking caution at all times and the best way to ensure that you’re financially secured is by carrying more than one credit/debit card.

In case you lose one, you can still use another one. And although it’s uncommon, if one card can’t be accepted at a particular ATM machine for whatever reason, you’ll still have something to fall back to.

24. Don’t expect places to look exactly as they looked like in photos on Instagram

Have you ever come across photos of your country on the internet and wonder whether they actually took the photo from a different place? There are chances that it could be the same for other destinations too.

Photos are sometimes gonna be different according to the lighting, zoom, and so many other photo editing techniques. So don’t be astonished if a popular place looks slightly different compared to the photos you’ve seen making rounds of Instagram. Reality can’t be edited but photos can.

To give you an example, the “Gates of Heaven ” in Bali, Indonesia is so different in real life compared to how photos portray it.

In most photos, you’ll see a reflection of the gate on the water – to make it look like there is water on the ground but in reality, there is no water at all.

However, even though some popular sites are exaggerated in photos, some others are totally underrated. Like the Victoria falls in Zimbabwe , there is no photo that can really show how magnificent the falls are.

25. Carry emergency cash

I know I’ve talked a lot about money issues in this post but it’s because money is one of those factors that can make your trip memorable or disastrous.

If your budget for the entire trip is around $3000, carry an extra $500-$1000 for emergencies and use it only and only in cases of emergencies.

26. Look for ways to save money while traveling

Except if you’re a “rich kid” that doesn’t care about how much you spend on what, its important to find ways you can save some bucks.

Whether it is cutting out eating at expensive restaurants or sleeping at fancy hotels, any money saved can help even increase the time you can travel for in that country.

You can find other ways to save money while traveling from this post . Trust me, any money saved is always important- but you already knew that!

27. Don’t be afraid to splurge a bit especially when it comes to once in a lifetime experiences

It might be shocking that I am just from giving you tips for traveling on a budget and now am talking about splurging.

Trust me, some things require a bit of splurging especially for once in a lifetime adventures . If you had an activity on your bucket list for so long, don’t feel bad going a little above your budget to do it- for all we know, another opportunity to go back to that particular place might not present itself again.

Related: Common mistakes to avoid while traveling

28. Public transportation is the cheapest way to travel around (in most cases).

Whether you’re traveling to India , Paris , Istanbul or any other place in the world, public transportation is the cheapest way to get around especially in big cities.

So if you want to travel cheaply, public transportation is the way to go. Even though it might not be as comfortable as private transportation in some places, it will save you a couple of bucks and you’ll experience the life of the locals even more.

29. Travel the way you want and not how everyone else tells you because honestly, everyone travels differently.

When it comes to traveling, everyone has their own style. Some are slow travelers (staying longer in places before moving onto the next one), some prefer tackling a number of destinations in a few days, some travel solo, others in groups. Not everything is gonna suit you as an individual.

So before you choose to take on other people’s traveling styles, make sure they suit your personal needs. Travel the way you’re comfortable with not what others suggest because we all have things we are comfortable with and they might be different from others’.

30. Try the local food of the country you travel to

What is traveling to a new destination without trying out their local food? So try as much as you can to taste the local dishes of the places you travel to after all food is an extremely important aspect when it comes to learning the traditions of the country.

Even though it might look and taste different from your native food, it’s worth giving it a shot to see what the locals crave.

31. Stay in contact with your family and friends back home.

I understand that there are some people that just want to disconnect from their home when they travel but as a first-time traveler, it’s important to stay connected with them and keep them updated on your whereabouts so that in case of emergencies, they know where to start from.

32. Get a universal travel adapter. Don’t buy a new one for each country you visit

First-time travelers always make a mistake of wanting to buy a different travel adapter for each country they plan to visit. But no, it shouldn’t be done like this – this is extremely costly and not practical when it comes to packing since you want to pack as light as possible.

So what you need to do is to buy a universal travel adapter that works everywhere around the world whether Europe, Asia, Africa or America. This universal travel adapter is what I recommend before you go for your first international trip.

33. A first aid kit goes a long way, make sure you don’t forget it.

The sad reality is that accidents can happen but to make sure you’re prepared for simple and minor accidents, don’t leave behind a first aid kit.

Whether it is to stop bleeding, prevent infections when you get a cut, you’ll be happy you took this first aid kit .

34. Ask for help when you need it

As a first time traveler, you’re likely to find yourself needing help whether its direction or how to do certain things.

Regardless of whatever it might be, request for help and I assure you, you’ll be able to find someone kind enough to help out.

35. Have fun but know your limits.

This applies especially to young people who want to party, drink and have fun in their youthful years. There is totally nothing wrong about wanting to live your best life but know exactly where to stop especially when it comes to drinking.

Don’t get so drunk that you reach a point of throwing up everywhere or blacking out. Know your limits and try not to cross them in the name of having fun.

Related post: Things to know before staying in a Hostel for the first time

36. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes while traveling because that’s how you learn

37. do not flash around your expensive items around.

38. Get familiar with the “break the ice questions”

As you travel, you’re more likely to keep getting questions like where are you from, where are you traveling to next, or which countries have you traveled to so far.

Do not get tired of them as they are a good way of starting a conversation with other travelers.

39. Food poisoning and diarrhea are common when traveling

Food poisoning and diarrhea are common especially when traveling to new places with totally different dishes. So wish your stomach good luck and enjoy the ride.

40. Break out of the shell and interact with other travelers.

This will help you make new friends as you travel or even find other travels whom you may end up traveling with.

If it’s your first time traveling abroad, I hope these general International travel tips gave you an idea of what to expect, what to do and generally how to behave in order to have the best first trip of your life.

More travel tips to know

• How to plan an international trip from scratch
• What to pack for a weekend getaway
• Things to pack for a hostel stay

* The adventurous feet is a proud member of the Amazon Associate and other affiliates. This means that if you purchase anything through this website, I might get a small commission without any additional cost to you*

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First Time Flyer Guide and Checklist: Top 50+ Tips

From the first time I can remember flying as a kid, my parents would have me “lead” them around the airport and ask me to figure out what we had to do next. Even still, I was a nervous wreck on my first solo trip as an 18-year-old! But the trip went smoothly, and I quickly realized how EASY it can be to fly . This post gives advice for first-time flyers and a detailed airport guide and flying checklist to alleviate any stress before flying for your first time.

What Is It Like Flying for the First Time?

Flying for the first time is not nearly as scary as it feels like it will be!

Did you know that air transportation is actually the SAFEST form of travel?

My best piece of advice for first-time flyers is to be prepared for their flight (just follow this guide!) and know what to expect because the most stressful part of flying for the first time is getting through the airport.

Once you are on the plane it’s just a matter of relaxing until you land!

The actual experience of being on an airplane, I think, can be quite fun. Take off and landing will feel a bit like being on an elevator or a very calm rollercoaster. The airplane will begin to “taxi”, which is where they drive around the airfield to get into the proper position on the runway. Then, the plane will speed up and lift off.

When you get close to landing, there will be an announcement letting you know to prepare for landing. Landing is much quieter than take-off, the only thing you might feel is a small jolt when you touch down.

There may be some turbulence during your flight, this is normal! Turbulence happens when the airplane goes through a patch of irregular air. The captain may warn you first if there is a big patch of turbulence, but for the most part, it will just feel like light bumps and is nothing to worry about.

The ONLY Checklist You NEED for a Trip Abroad

Even after traveling the world… I STILL use this list before every trip!

Unsubscribe at any time.

How Do You Calm a First-Time Flyer?

It is normal for people to feel anxious about their first flight. If you or someone you are traveling with is on their first airplane, the best way to calm them is to prepare them. Become familiar with the process of going through the airport and what to expect during the actual flight.

Something that helps me is reminding myself that air travel is the safest form of travel, it’s FAR safer than driving even, which we do all the time.

If you want to know the statistics: There is 1 fatal accident per 16 MILLION flights. With fatal car crashes, the odds are 1 in 144. Insanely higher! So just remember that you are much much safer on an airplane.

Tips for First Time Flyers With Anxiety

Anxiety is normal for many people who travel by air. Even I can get a bit anxious on a plane, and I have been on more planes than I could even begin to count in my life. Here are a few helpful tips for a first-time flyer’s guide to experiencing anxiety:

• Get to your gate early. A big part of people’s anxiety starts with worrying about missing their flight.
• Being at your gate early lets you settle in. Take a walk, do some light stretches, or start listening to a calming book or music.
• For some people, having a drink or two (just don’t go crazy!) beforehand might help to calm the nerves – it’s why airport bars are popular!
• On the plane, if turbulence or something is making you anxious, practice calming breaths and clearing your mind of the anxious thoughts.
• Some flyers find it comforting to walk the plane and do some light stretches in the back.
• When we hit especially bad turbulence, I focus on breathing in and out slowly and repeating a phrase that calms me down. Often, I have to repeat, “It’s just a bit of turbulence, we’ll be through it soon.” Even though I logically know turbulence is completely normal!
• If you are prescribed anxiety medications , make sure to take your meds regularly or ask your doctor about how to take them to help specifically with flight anxiety.

ONE OF THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR FIRST-TIME FLYERS Memory Foam Neck Pillow + Eye Mask + Ear Plugs

Can I Use My Phone on a Plane?

Yes, you can use your phone on a plane if it’s in airplane mode. Some airlines and flights may ask that you turn your phone off completely during take-off and landing, especially if there is a bout of bad weather or the airport is busy.

For the most part, you can use your phone throughout the flight so long as airplane mode is turned on. This means you will not be able to use data but will have all other phone functions. Most airlines nowadays offer WiFi onboard the plane , but almost always for a fee.

What Do You Do at an Airport for the First Time?

This first-time flyer guide will outline what to expect for flying and exactly what to do at the airport step by step. Some airports are big and confusing, others are small and straightforward. Either way, once you know what to do at the airport it will be easy to navigate any airport , as they all follow the same structure.

Enjoy being at the airport! Maybe I’m just an oddball travel junkie, but I think airports are so much fun. There is great people-watching and seeing the destinations on the boards makes me think about all the possibilities of places to visit and how big the world is.

BUYING PLANE TICKETS FOR YOUR FIRST FLIGHT

1. how to pick your destination.

If you don’t already have a destination in mind but know you want to take a trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Weather – What time of year are you trying to travel? Look up the weather of your possible destinations during this time of year.
• Length of flight – For your first flight it might be better to pick somewhere closer that has a shorter flight.
• Price of flight – If you aren’t familiar with flying, you won’t have much of an idea of the price range of flights. Use a search tool such as Skyscanner to check for destinations and see what options for pricing you will have.
• Accommodation availability – There is nothing worse than buying a flight somewhere and THEN realizing there aren’t many options for places to stay or the options are out of your budget.*
• Be spontaneous – My favorite thing to do is pull up Skyscanner’s “Search Everywhere” tool and see what cities or locations have the best deals and cheapest flights. This is the perfect tool for someone who has a time frame in mind for a trip, but no idea where to go.

❗ *Still looking for accommodation? I use HostelWorld to find the best global hostels and Booking.com to find the best global hotel deals.

International vs Domestic Flights:

As a first-time flyer guide, it will be easier to pick somewhere domestic. However, first-time flyers shouldn’t be afraid of going international! There are so many amazing places to see, don’t limit yourself to staying local . For your first time going international, try to pick somewhere with a familiar culture and/or a language you speak.

💡 Browse through some of my destination guides for inspiration , and take a look through my travel resources page for the best tools that I use for both domestic and international trips.

2. How to Buy Plane Tickets

Once you know where you want to go, the next step is keeping an eye on flight prices. If you have an airline you have been recommended or have researched and would prefer to use, it’s best to just keep an eye on their website directly .

Otherwise, do some initial searches on flight prices to see if they are in your budget. If they are a little high, or you are far enough out you have the flexibility to see if the price will drop, then set up a ‘flight alert’ on Skyscanner to get notified when the ticket price goes down.

3. When to Buy Plane Tickets

Generally, you want to book plane tickets well in advance of your trip. Occasionally you can find great fare drops right before the flight, but that is a pretty risky gamble as they usually actually spike in price the last few. days before a flight.

For domestic flights, roughly 3 weeks to 3 months is a good time to buy tickets.

For international flights, give yourself even more time. Book at least one month out, but the best times to book range from three to five months out.

Keep in mind the time of year you will be flying in too. If you are flying during popular travel times such as the holidays or the summer, you probably want to look at flights even further out.

Another tip : I book most of my flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Flight prices tend to drop by a little bit during the week.

4. Where to Look for Plane Tickets

There are quite a few flight search engines that claim to find the best prices. Buying affordable plane tickets is the art of finding the right timing, staying patient, and researching across platforms.

The best way to buy plane tickets is to buy directly from the airline if they have a decent price for the flight. Otherwise, these are the flight search engines that I use and recommend:

Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights):

This is a FREE email list that sends you flight deals and fare drops from your home airport. I highly recommend everyone to sign up for this free service, you never know when they will send a deal for somewhere you are looking to go.

This list is perfect for the spontaneous traveler who doesn’t have a destination in mind. I have found many great deals through Going , and my friend once found a roundtrip ticket to Australia from Los Angeles for under $500!

➡️ CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR GOING

Skyscanner :

This is my favorite flight comparison tool for finding the best deals on flights. Skyscanner searches across airlines to find the cheapest flights. Plus, I love that you can search “everywhere” and “anytime” to find the cheapest flights. If you are flexible on the days you can fly, while searching you can see what days have the lowest prices.

➡️ CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SKYSCANNER

❗Is Skyscanner legit? Read my review of Skyscanner HERE

Google Flights :

This is another favorite tool of mine to check for cheap flights across airlines. Google Flights is easy to use and reliably provides great deals.

5. Understanding Flight Add Ons

Of course, buying plane tickets is never as straightforward as it should be. Airlines will upcharge for just about everything nowadays.

While buying your ticket you will have plenty of places where the airline tries to add on features (i.e. extra legroom, meal service, baggage options). You can look through each option and decide what you want to add to your flight, or simply skip through and stay with the base rate.

6. Choosing Your Baggage Needs

Pretty much every airline nowadays will charge you a fee for checking a bag . Most airlines will allow you one carry-on (a small suitcase size and has to fit in the overhead bins) and a personal item (either a purse or as large as a standard backpack).

The budget airlines might not even allow you a carry-on without an extra fee or weight restrictions.

Usually while buying your ticket the airline will give you the option to choose how much baggage you will be bringing. Otherwise, check the airline’s website for their policy on baggage and what they allow to be carried on board. You will also be able to check online for the restrictions on dimension and weight that each airline allows.

🔻 One of the BEST travel carry-on backpacks! 🔻

Some flights will have a randomized seating selection, meaning it is the first available seating when you get on the plane. Most airlines let their passengers pick their seats ahead of time but may charge you to pick a seat and will certainly charge extra for better seats.

If you are traveling alone or are comfortable having your seat pre-assigned by the airline you might be able to save some money on not choosing a seat.

FIRST-TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR YOUR FLIGHT

8. have the proper identification for flying.

To fly within the U.S. you will need a valid form of identification. As of May 7th, 2025 every passenger over the age of 18 will need to have a “Real I.D.” or a passport .

Depending on your destination and vaccination status, you may also need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.

9. Buy Travel Insurance

Any time you travel you should always have travel insurance to cover you in case of an emergency. This is different from your normal health insurance and covers emergency travel situations such as delays, lost baggage, natural disasters, etc.

I use and recommend SafetyWing for medical and travel insurance. It is affordable, reliable, and flexible insurance that is specifically designed for digital nomads who will be traveling long-term, though it mostly covers emergencies which is perfect for short-term travelers and first-time flyers as well.

For an idea of how much insurance will cost you, use the tool below. Or, to purchase insurance directly from SafetyWing, CLICK HERE.

10. Know When Flyers Need to Be at the Airport

Domestic flyers:.

The standard recommendation for domestic flights is to arrive 2 hours before your flight.

This is to give you plenty of time to check in, check your bag, make it through security, and arrive at your gate before boarding starts.

As a first-time flyer’s guide, I encourage you to stick to this recommendation to give you plenty of time to make your way around the airport without worrying about being late.

However, if you are not checking a bag and you are at a smaller airport, you might have more wiggle room and could probably arrive an hour and a half to one hour before your flight, depending on your comfort level.

International Flyers:

The standard recommendation for international flyers is to arrive 3 hours before your flight.

11. Research How to Get To and From the Airports

If you aren’t familiar with where your airport is, research how long it will take you to get there and how you plan on getting there. If you need to park your car at the airport, you should know where to park it and how much it will cost.

Same thing on the arrival side, make sure you know how you will be getting from the airport to your accommodation at your destination.

❗ Do you need to rent a car for your first time flying? I recommend DiscoverCars for finding the best deals on rental cars during your trip.

12. How to Dress for Your Flight

People dress in a wide range for flights from comfortable to business-appropriate , so there is no right or wrong way to dress for your first time flight.

I recommend layering for your flight (or at least having a light sweater handy in case you get cold on the plane) and wearing clothes and shoes that are easy to remove for security.

Take into consideration the climate of where you land as well.

13. Prepare Your Entertainment

Some flights will have an entertainment system built into the seats. For shorter flights, your airline either won’t have in-flight entertainment or you might have to pay for it. For long flights (especially international ones) the airline might have free movies, TV shows, music, etc.

Beyond in-flight entertainment and bringing your own reading material (i.e. books, magazines), I recommend doing the following before your first time flying:

Download Apps:

If you want games (especially if you’re traveling with kids) or other apps that you can access without WiFi, make sure to download them ahead of time.

Download Books, Movies, Podcasts etc.:

I always make sure to download entertainment for myself onto my phone so I can use it in airplane mode. You can download shows on your Netflix app, or Podcasts and Books off of various apps.

Airport WiFi:

Almost all airports should have free WiFi available . If you have a smartphone, I recommend downloading the app (where applicable) for your airline. Often you will be able to use the app to be alerted to any flight or gate changes.

14. Pack Snacks

If you want to save some money on airport food, pack snacks! Most food should be fine to go through security, they may just ask you to take it out.

15. Prepare Your Foreign Currency

If you are traveling internationally, you might want to exchange some money ahead of time . Your local bank should be able to exchange foreign currencies. There is no need to travel with too much cash as that can be risky and exchange fees likely won’t be in your favor.

Get enough ahead of time that you have money for transportation and maybe some food and ‘just in case’ cash. Using ATMs or money exchanges at the airport upon arrival can be overpriced .

⭐️ But PRO TIP , get the Charles Schwab debit card (it’s free to open a checking account ) to receive unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals worldwide. This card has saved me so much money while traveling!

FIRST TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO CHECKING IN FOR YOUR FLIGHT

16. checking in online.

You can either check in ahead of time or do it in person when you arrive at the airport. Most airlines will send you a link to check in to your flight 24 hours in advance .

You can typically confirm your seating and verify flight details or any add-ons at this time. If you check in online or through the app, you will receive a mobile boarding pass. Simply show this pass on your phone at security and the gate or print it out in advance.

Personally, I always check in online ahead of time if I have the option. Not only does it save time and the hassle of waiting in more lines at the airport, but I also like knowing that I am set for my flight in advance.

17. In-Person Flight Check-in

If you choose to check in when you arrive at the airport you will be looking for your airline’s check-in counter that lists your flight destination. You will be walked through the check-in process and able to check your bags at this point.

18. Checking a Bag vs. Only Carry-Ons

If you need to check a bag you will look for your airline’s bag drop-off or check-in counter . Most airlines have a designated bag drop area now for online check-ins. Though you still might have to wait in the check-in line, so give yourself plenty of time on arrival.

If you only have carry-ons and have already checked in online, you can continue straight past your airline’s counter and on to security.

19. What to Do After Checking in

After you check-in, your next step is to head through security. Usually, at this point, you are just following the signs to get in the right line for security.

20. Asking for Guidance at the Airport

Don’t be afraid to ask for help at the airport! There are plenty of workers between those at the check-in counter, security, professionals with badges walking around the airport, etc. They know the airport very well and will gladly guide first-time flyers in the right direction if they get confused.

FIRST TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO AIRPORT SECURITY

Airport security may seem like a daunting and complicated process, but you will get the hang of it quickly after the first time or two. Here is a first-time flyer’s guide to making airport security a breeze:

21. Make Sure All the Liquids in Your Carry-on Are Under 3.4 Ounces

You would be surprised how many liquids you might accidentally try to pack without thinking about it being a liquid. A few items to remember to watch the size on are: shampoo, conditioner, soap, sunscreen, any alcohol you are gifting or bringing with you, anything you are currently drinking, nail polish remover, vaseline/gel chapstick, some makeup, perfume, gel or spray deodorant, etc.

Some airports also require all of your liquids to fit in one quart-size clear bag which they may provide.

22. Don’t Pack Aerosol Cans (Bug Spray!)

Aerosol cans are not allowed through TSA. Though I have (accidentally) gotten away with it a few times, this includes even simple things like bug spray.

>>> TIP: use  Picaridin lotion  instead, or  bug-repellant wipes . 

23. Double Check the TSA’s List of Prohibited Items While Packing

Take a look at the TSA list of prohibited items while you are packing your carry-on. Familiarizing yourself with the list may save you some time and money from having to throw items away at security.

24. Have Your I.D. And Boarding Pass Out

You will have your I.D. and boarding pass checked before entering security. Have it out and ready to hand off as the line for security sometimes moves quickly.

25. Be Prepared to Take Your Shoes Off

In the U.S., most passengers need to remove their shoes for security. Those with TSA PreCheck , older than 75, or kids 12 and younger will not need to remove shoes.

26. Jewelry and Security

Small jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, and rings can stay on through the scanner, but remove anything big and metal that might set off the sensor.

27. Take Any Personal Electronics Out of Your Bag (i.e. Laptop, iPad)

Remove any electronics and place them in the bins. If you have your laptop in a computer bag or case it will need to be fully taken out.

28. Take Off Your Belt

29. take off your jacket, 30. put your phone in the bin, 31. double-check your pockets, 32. make sure to drink or dump the water from your bottle, 33. listen to security personnel, they will help with what to do.

34. Moving Through the Scanner

Once all your belongings are moving through the security conveyor belt, you will be asked to step through a full-body scanner. Usually, you will spread your feet out and lift your hands above your head.

Next, you will be directed out of the scanner. Pause for a bit upon exiting until the security personnel clears you to pick up your belongings.

35. Pat Downs

On occasion, the scanner may pick something up, even if there is nothing there, or perhaps you forgot to remove something metal. The security personnel may use a handheld scanner or will lightly pat you down (following specific guidelines and boundaries to not be inappropriate).

It is a passenger’s right to refuse to be pat down, but you will not be allowed to fly if you don’t comply with TSA security checks.

36. What to Do if Your Bag Is Flagged

Having your bag flagged is not usually a big deal either. Little things might get picked up in the scanner that security wants to double-check, or perhaps you forgot a liquid that is too big.

Security personnel will ask you to step aside and ask to inspect your bag. You may have to pull some of your things out to let them search for what set off the alarms. Usually, this happens very quickly and you are on your way.

37. Duty-Free at the Airport

If you are questioning whether you can bring something on the plane or not, it is always a safer bet to just leave it at home and buy it at one of the many shops that are past security and what is known as “duty-free.” Duty-free refers to items that you do not have to pay import, sales, value-added, or other taxes on.

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FIRST TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO BOARDING AND THE FLIGHT

38. reading your boarding pass.

Once you exit security, your next step will be to head to your gate . Your boarding pass (the printed version, not so much when it’s on your phone) usually lists your gate, the time that boarding starts, and your seat number.

39. Checking Airport Boards and Signs

There will be big electronic boards throughout the airport that list which flights are at which gate and if they are on time or delayed. I always cross-check my boarding pass with the electronic signs, because your gate might change.

Follow the signs around the airport that direct you to your gate. Again, when I arrive at the gate I check to see that my flight is indeed listed at the gate .

If you get there especially early, your gate might still be showing the flight before yours, in which case you will have to wait and keep an eye on the large boards to make sure nothing changes .

40. At Your Gate and Waiting

Once you reach your gate you are waiting until boarding starts. Find a seat and relax! Or, wander through the shops, find something to eat, or take a light walk to stretch your legs before your first flight.

41. Boarding Your Flight

Boarding zones:.

When your flight is ready to start boarding, the airport personnel will make announcements over the speaker or from the desk. Flights (especially larger ones) typically board by zone . Watch and listen for your zone to be called before getting in line to board. Your boarding pass will note what zone you are in.

Boarding Pass and I.D. Out:

Most flights at this point just check your boarding pass (since your I.D. was already checked at security), but I always keep my I.D. handy just in case.

42. Checking Carry-on Bags

If the flight is full, your flight might ask for volunteers to check their carry-on bags or will require some people to check bags if they don’t get enough volunteers. If they ask you to check your carry-on they won’t charge you (unless it is oversized and won’t fit in the cabin) and it’s not a big deal.

You will simply pick up the bag upon arrival as if you checked it like normal. Just don’t forget to take anything out of the bag that you might need during the flight!

43. Getting on the Plane

When you get on the plane, there is usually a flight attendant at the front who will guide first-time flyers to their seat or answer any questions. Otherwise, just walk to your seat and make sure to check above the seat for the letter that corresponds to the window, middle, or aisle seat.

There is a figure of a person on the diagram to show you where the aisle is.

Storing Baggage:

If you have a carry-on, put it in the bin above your seat. Make sure that it is rotated the proper way so it fits and the door will close over it. Put your personal item under the seat in front of you.

44. Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode

All electronics should be put on airplane mode before take-off, this is to ensure there is no interference with the airplane’s signals. Unless told by your flight attendant, you don’t have to turn your electronics all the way off.

Airplane WiFi:

Airplanes nowadays typically have WiFi available for passengers to purchase. You can ask your flight attendant what options they have available.

45. Listening to Airplane Emergency Measures

Flight attendants will either display or play a video about the emergency and safety measures of the aircraft. As a first-time flyer, you should pay attention to this guide in the very slim chance there is an emergency.

Don’t be alarmed by the message , they are required to go over safety but airplanes hardly ever encounter any issues.

46. In-Flight Service, Snacks, and Meals

Depending on your airline and the length of the flight, you might be served a snack and beverage or even a meal or two. All airlines have paid food options available that you can browse.

Budget airlines, especially on shorter flights, have started not giving anything out for free – this is why I recommend packing your own snacks! If you aren’t sure, ask your flight attendant what their options are.

47. Stay Hydrated

Flying always dehydrates you, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to help prevent jet lag.

48. Relax and Enjoy!

Landing and what to do after your flight.

After landing, you may have to wait in your seat for a bit as the plane makes its way to the proper gate. The plane will deboard row by row from the front, just sit tight and wait your turn to exit.

49. Following Signs to Exit

When you exit the plane, you will want to follow the signs to the baggage claim and exit. If you didn’t check a bag, just head straight to the exit.

50. Understanding Baggage Claim

Once you reach baggage claim, there will be a few conveyor belts. Look for the one marked with your flight’s information, or look for an electronic board that has information. Depending on how fast you reach baggage claim, you may have to wait a bit.

51. Pick-up, Taxis, and Rideshares

Most airports now (especially bigger ones) have separate areas for passenger pick-up and Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft, etc.). Follow the signs for what you need.

Some airports (such as Los Angeles) may even have you take a shuttle to get to the rideshares, in which case you shouldn’t call your ride until you make it to the designated area and know where to wait.

52. Layovers and Connecting Flights

If you have a layover or connecting flight, there will be separate signs pointing you in the right direction back towards the gates. Some airports will have you pass through security again, but many will not.

When you are checking your bag, make sure to ask if your bag will be checked through to your final destination . If you are on the same airline for both flights, this is pretty standard practice.

It can get a bit trickier when you switch airlines. If you need to pick up your bag, you will have to head to baggage claim and then back to the ticketing counter to check it for your next flight.

FIRST TIME FLYERS’ CHECKLIST

Summary: tips for flying on a plane for your first time.

Preparing for your first time flying is extremely helpful, but no two flights are ever the same , so don’t stress the little details too much! Each airport has its quirks and layouts, so follow signs, ask for help if you need it, and reference this first-time flyers guide.

For travel junkies like me, airports are fun to find interesting restaurants, fun souvenirs, or to people-watch and dream about your next vacation. Plus, it opens up a world for you to explore if you can get comfortable flying (especially now that remote jobs are changing the way we travel ). Enjoy your first flight!

Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad? CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!

Janelle Axton is a travel consultant and owner of Make the Trip Matter, a service dedicated to helping people create a lifestyle around frequent travel and extended time abroad. She grew up in California and spent time living abroad in Ireland in addition to traveling to over 25 countries.

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Traverse With Taylor

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33 Helpful Tips For Traveling Internationally the First Time

Traveling abroad for the first time and not sure what you need.

I’m a European travel expert, and over the past decade, I’ve traveled internationally a ton. Meaning, I’ve figured out how to travel well, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes, too! In this blog post, I’ll provide some international travel tips and advice for first-time travelers to help make their journey smoother and more enjoyable. From packing essentials to cultural etiquette, I’ll cover everything you need to know to have a successful and memorable international adventure.

Traveling internationally for the first time is an exciting yet daunting experience. It’s a chance to explore new cultures, taste new cuisines, and create lasting and life-changing memories. However, it can also be overwhelming to navigate unfamiliar customs, languages, and currencies. I took my first international trip in 2014, and it was an unforgettable experience. But I did it all wrong. Between 5 countries, countless cities, and way too many currency changes, I messed up plenty. Long story short, having the advice below as a first time international traveler could’ve helped my trip run so much smoother and be even more fantastic than it was.

Planning a Trip Soon? Use My Favorite Resources Below!

Booking a Flight : Use Skyscanner to find the best prices! Accommodations : I love Booking.com ! Travel Insurance : SafetyWing Is the best in the industry! Things to Do: Use Viator for amazing experiences ! Car Rental: In Europe, I recommend DiscoverCars

Logistics & International Travel Tips For Planning Your First Time Abroad

The logistics of travel documents and planning can be one of the most daunting parts of adventuring internationally for the first time. Here’s what you need to know:

✔️ 1. Get Your Passport in Order!

First, get a valid passport. And then… Understand that some countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months AFTER your return date , or you will not be permitted to board your international flight. Even if you’re returning on March 6th and your passport expires on March 26th…it’s a no-go. Don’t even try. Seriously…my friend and I were at the airport, ready to head to Barcelona, and were denied boarding because her passport expired earlier than 6 months after our return. (Hi, Jen! Still love you, though!). Don’t let that happen to you. It is a HUGE disappointment (And annoyance as you’re unpacking).

✔️ 2.Make Copies Of Your Passport + Other Important Documents!

Have physical AND electronic copies of your passport. The last thing you want is to be stranded with no passport in a foreign country. Thankfully, extra copies of your passport can help prevent delays and will be helpful in getting a temporary passage from an embassy. You’ll also want to have copies of any other important documents. I generally store these in my luggage and in my carry-on. Just in case I get separated from my checked baggage.

✔️ 3. Register Your Trip With the International State Department (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)

Register your trip locations and dates with The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will notify appropriate United States embassies and consulates that you are traveling abroad. It can be exceptionally useful in a few events: ⭐ If there is an emergency or catastrophe, the embassy will know to look for you in that country and can easily assist you. ⭐ If you happen to lose a passport or need other assistance, they will already see the record of your trip. You can register with the International State Department here .

✔️ 4. Plan Your First Time Traveling Internationally, But Don’t Overplan It

Have a fantastic itinerary for your first trip abroad, but don’t schedule yourself down to every last minute. It can be tempting to pack your days full of amazing things to do, but you want to leave some time to explore on your own. You’re apt to walk past a store you’re dying to check out or see a cute bakery that makes your mouth water. If you have a jam-packed itinerary, you won’t be able to stop and smell the roses or wander around.

✔️ 5. Print Confirmation Paperwork

Have hard copies with you for all of your major bookings: flights, hotels, trains, tours, car rentals, etc. In the era of wifi and cell phones, many people rely on email confirmations in the event of confusion. However, it is pretty much guaranteed (Newton’s law or something like that, right?) that the moment you need access to your email, wifi and phone service won’t be working for you. Plus, you don’t want to have to sift through confirmations while you’re dealing with a frustrated gate agent. Have a folder with printed confirmations, and whip that baby out in the event of an issue.

✔️ 6. Purchase Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself from losing out on a ton of money. Most first-time travelers don’t realize just how much travel insurance does. It covers you in the event of most cancellations, weather delays, lost luggage, health emergencies, and many other nuanced situations that can delay or ruin your international trip. I only ever purchase travel insurance through SafetyWing. Their flexible policies and customer service have always made the process easy and reliable.

Tips: What to Pack

Pretty much everyone I know (including myself) has either under-packed or severely over-packed the first time they were traveling internationally. This is how to do it the right way!

✔️ 7. Consult a Packing List

An international travel tip you can’t afford to skip: Research what you need to take with you ahead of time! You do not want to take your first trip abroad and forget something absolutely vital that you had no idea you needed. Like, seriously, who knew you needed a power adapter just to plug in your straightener or phone charger? Yep, you do! Don’t get caught without the tools you need to make your first trip abroad a success. Similarly, a travel passport wallet is one of the top travel items I recommend everyone have on hand.

✈️ Need a full packing list for your first international trip? Here’s everything you need to take with you!

✔️ 8. Spend The Money on Good Luggage

Save yourself the trouble. Buy good luggage! There is (almost) nothing worse than traipsing around a foreign country with broken luggage. You know- walking to your hotel, dragging (or carrying) all of that stuff you just had to have with you on your trip.

Pro Travel Tip: You want luggage that rolls all ways and is reliable. I personally love this soft-sided set , but if you prefer a hard-sided suitcase, this Samsonite one is also a great choice!

✔️ 9. Mark Your Luggage Visibly

Buy something to mark your luggage with! Because basically everyone in the world travels with black luggage. Have you ever seen a packed baggage carousel? In the massive sea of black bags, you know what stands out? Bright colors. Flashy tags. I generally go for my personal favorite… Pomchies! Little pom poms that snap right onto your luggage handle. I can’t make myself buy anything but black (sorry not sorry!), but, if you’re really into being visible, you can always purchase a colored suitcase, too!

✔️ 10. Don’t Overpack

Do not cram your suitcase full on your way to your destination. This will prevent you from being able to purchase souvenirs or other items you decide you want to bring back. Trust me, I have had to pay $150 to check a suitcase full of extra things (granted, it was planned). Leave room in your suitcase; you need less than you think you do.

✔️ 11. You Need to be Able to Carry Your Luggage

An often overlooked travel tip: You WILL need to walk with your luggage at some point during your travels. Therefore, you don’t want anything more than a backpack (personal item) and a suitcase. If you can’t walk through a street to your hotel with it in one trip, you should not pack it. You will feel like a pack mule and regret it.

⭐ The first time I took her abroad, my mom brought a TON of stuff. Like…multiple small bottles of bath bubbles (because we had time for that 😂) and could not get across the s treets of Amsterdam without help. She was frustrated, and so were we (Hi, Mom!). Don’t be that person.

✔️ 12. Bring a Bag to Carry During the Day

Having a crossbody bag or other small bag for daily explorations is one of my top tips for traveling internationally for the first time. Your backpack or personal item from the plane is too big to carry around cities during the day. Plus, many places, for example, churches or historical sites like the Anne Frank House , will not let you take large bags inside with you. A crossbody bag or a belt bag is a perfect option because it is secure and compact, yet large enough to carry a few must-have items with you like money, chapstick, or sunglasses.

✔️ 13. Invest in Great Shoes

You cannot travel abroad as a first-time international traveler without comfortable walking shoes. When traveling, you’ll walk so much more than usual-especially if you are traveling to larger cities like Paris, Krakow, or Edinburgh . Buying comfortable shoes guarantees that you’ll be able to have an enjoyable trip. The alternative is getting blisters, being uncomfortable, and, depending on how badly your feet hurt, being unable to walk around the next few days.

✔️ 14. Know What Will Make Your Long-Haul Flight More Comfortable

There are international travel tips that you can use to make that long flight a bit more bearable. Plan ahead and figure out what YOU would like to bring. This can vary for just about everyone. I personally always have with me things to do ( a book , my airpods, etc.), chargers, snacks, water, toiletries, a change of clothes, a face mask for moisturizing, and fuzzy socks so that I can take off my shoes but not touch the nasty airplane floor -ew . Whatever will make you comfortable- bring it along!

All Things Money, Cards & Currency

It often goes unnoticed that one of the largest things to plan for when you’re traveling internationally for the first time is how you’ll access money and how you’ll get local currency. Luckily, I’ve perfected this process for you step-by-step!

✔️ 15. Don’t Exchange Money Ahead of Time

Wait a beat and exchange your currency locally once you arrive at your destination. Exchanging ahead of time in the United States will not get you the best bang for your buck. Plus, you don’t want to carry around a ton of extra cash during your flight or lengthy travel. Talk about an easy way to lose your money…yikes!

Tip: I generally do exchange money at the airport just so that I have local currency right away. However, you’ll find the best exchange rates at local banks.

✔️ 16. But…Carry Cash

You need to have cash in the local currency. Pre-Covid, cash was king in many countries- especially in Europe. Although countries are moving towards being cashless now more than ever, there are still many times you’ll need cold hard dinero. Smaller cafes and restaurants, local artisans, and street food vendors are just a few of the places you DEFINITELY want to visit that likely won’t accept card or touchless pay. Trust me, missing out on an experience you really want just because you don’t have cash is THE WORST.

⭐ Europe Tip: You’ll want to carry cash AND coins as most countries in Europe only have paid public toilets ! Take it from someone who has been there…you don’t want to be wandering around Paris trying to find a bathroom at the last minute just to find out you need a Euro and you don’t have one. It is awful. And embarrassing.

✔️ 17. Bring a Credit Card (With No Foreign Transaction Fees)

Bring a credit card along with you on your trip- preferably one that has no foreign transaction fees. Although you can use cash, you will also frequently need to use a card too in order to avoid stopping by ATMs constantly. Taking out cash charges a transaction fee, whereas a credit card with no foreign transaction fees will be free to use. Just be sure to choose the local currency at checkout in order to get the best conversion.

✔️ 18. And Bring an Extra Credit Card, Too!

Stash an extra credit card in your suitcase or in your hotel safe. That way, if the notorious European pickpockets get you, or you lose your wallet, you won’t be completely out of luck. You’ll still have an extra card stowed away for an emergency!

✔️ 19. Notify Credit Card Company That You’re Traveling

Let your credit card company know where you are traveling and when. Depending on your bank and the type of card you have, you might be told to skip this step. But, I HIGHLY recommend you do it anyway. I once forgot to tell my credit card company that I was traveling, and they shut off BOTH of the credit cards I had with me. I was stuck in Amsterdam without access to money. I had to three-way call my parents and my bank to get it fixed- a nightmare you don’t want to add to your first international trip. Save yourself the headache and call!

Technology Tips to Use Before Your First International Trip

Things like apps and how you’ll use technology abroad are important pieces to consider prior to your travels. They can both make traveling significantly easier and more convenient!

✔️ 20. Plan For Your Phone

Decide whether or not you need an international phone plan. Most carriers offer daily rates for unlimited data and calls internationally. For instance, the AT&T plan that I use charges me $10/day for international access. Verizon offers a similar option. You can simply call your phone carrier and ask them what their options are and put this plan on your device.

Tip: If you have an iPhone, you may decide you do not need a phone plan. You’ll be able to utilize wifi at public places, hotels, and other locations in order to access apps, iMessage, Facetime, or communicate via WhatsApp. However, you won’t be able to text or call.

✔️ 21. Check the Weather. Then Check it Again.

You need to keep tabs on the weather in the country you’re traveling to…and you need to pack for it. Download your favorite weather app and check a few weeks or months in advance just to get an idea of what you might need to start purchasing. Then, check a week or two in advance as you start setting things aside to pack. Finally, double-check the weather the week of your trip as you’re packing. This will tell you what types of clothing to pack and whether you need any additional items like heavy boots or a particularly weather-durable jacket.

✔️ 22. Know a Few Phrases

Learn some key words and phrases in the native language prior to your first international trip. Being able to use common courtesy in a foreign country will go a long way toward making traveling internationally for the first time so much easier. People all over the world genuinely appreciate when you attempt to say hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and good morning in their native language. In addition, you do not want to get caught in a situation where you need a bathroom badly and cannot find one. Always know how to ask for a restroom. You don’t have to be an expert! Just try to learn a few phrases.

✔️ 23. Use Google Translate

Don’t be afraid to utilize tools like Google Translate to help you out! If you grab the app ahead of time, you can download specific languages so that they can be used offline. Meaning, whether you have an international phone plan or wifi at the time or not, you’ll still always have access to the translations. While many countries speak English in tourist areas, this can be useful if you come across a language barrier!

✔️ 24. Download Offline Maps Ahead of Time

It’s a great idea to download city maps from Google Maps ahead of time so that you can use them offline as well. This will prevent you from getting into a situation where you are unsure of directions or where to go and have no way of finding your way around. Regardless of service, you’ll be able to search locations and instructions for travel. This article has easy directions on how to download these offline maps.

You’ve Made It! On-Trip Tips

Finally, some of my tried-and-true tips for how to maximize your time abroad in the best ways.

✔️ 25. Try Local Grocery Stores

When you’re traveling abroad for the first time, you want to try all the foods, right? Look, it sounds a little out there, but this is like my FAVORITE tip for traveling internationally ever (can you tell I love food?). Each country you travel to likely has its own chain of local grocery stores. In the United Kingdom, you’ll find Tesco. In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn. In Poland, Biedronka. In France, Monoprix. These local grocery stores are THE BEST PLACES to grab food and try it . It’ll be a wild guessing game of trying to decipher packaging based on photos and words you know, but it’ll be an experience for sure!

⭐ Pro Tip: Get water bottles each day at the grocery stores. It’s so much cheaper than buying water elsewhere, it’ll help you stay hydrated, and you’ll have something to sip on back at your hotel!

✔️ 26. Public Transportation is Better

In most of the larger international cities (and, really, even smaller ones), public transportation is a godsend. In the United States, we are so used to shunning public transport. It’s inefficient, it’s often dirty, and it is not cost-effective for the most part. Internationally, this couldn’t be more false. You WANT to take public transportation while you’re traveling abroad for the first time. Particularly in Europe, the network of trains, buses, trams , and other types of travel are so intricate and efficient that it saves an incredible amount of time. You’ll also get a legitimate local feel if you take public transport. You might get on the wrong train, head in the wrong direction, or feel like you stand out from the crowd. But, again, you’ll remember the experience forever.

😂 Embarrassing Story Time: One time, I tried to get off of a tram in Amsterdam at the last minute, tripped over my suitcase, and fell flat on my face in front of a bunch of local Dutch people. I felt like an idiot (my husband never lets me live it down- even still), but everyone was so sweet and helpful. Hey, it happens to the best of us. Don’t be afraid to try public transport! What’s the worst that could happen!?

✔️ 27. Don’t Block Lanes

Watch out for European traffic lanes (Ex: the fietspad- bike lane- in the Netherlands ) because you will get run over. In the U.S., we don’t really have alternate traffic lanes other than our traditional car ones. At least, they’re not extraordinarily frequent. In Europe and other places, this couldn’t be less true. In the Netherlands, for example, you’ll often have lanes for cars, lanes for bikes, and walking paths, too! It is so easy to find yourself in the middle of these lanes without even knowing it. Pay attention! And, for the love of God, stay out of the fietspad 🙃

✔️ 28. Look For the Locals

Locals know what they’re doing- follow them. If a restaurant or store is empty aside from people with tour stickers and souvenir bags- avoid it! Locals know where the hidden gems are. Keep an eye out for populated cafes, bars with relaxed locals, and stores that are not tacky chains. You’ll have a better overall experience trying out what is really awesome in a given country vs. what the internet and tourists say is awesome.

✔️ 29. Eat Off the Beaten Path

DO NOT eat anywhere within a few hundred feet of a large monument, attraction, or historical site. You will never- I repeat, never – find great food in these tourist areas. Walk away from the Eiffel Tower, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Place. Find restaurants down a side street and enjoy some of the best foods of your entire life.

✔️ 30. More People Will Speak English Than You Think

A significant number of the people you come across during your international travels will likely speak English , so you do not need to expend energy worrying that you’ll never be able to communicate with anyone. The first time I traveled abroad, we had a stop in Poland, which was much less of a popular tourist destination at the time. I was so concerned that we’d be stuck in Krakow for a few days , trying desperately to translate Polish. Well, guess what…pretty much everyone in Krakow spoke English just fine. No sweat.

Getting Into a Traveling Mindset

Traveling well is not as easy as just hopping on a plane and doing the damn thing. You also have to prepare yourself for the journey. You have to get into the correct traveling mindset.

✔️ 31. Get Ready to Be Outside Your Comfort Zone

At some point in your trip, you will be uncomfortable. Rules of the game, my friend. Recognize that you did not travel across the world to experience the very same things you could easily have experienced at home. Travel intentionally pushes you out of that little zone where you feel safe. Learn from it and embrace it! Be intrigued by what lies past those boundaries you’ve set for yourself.

✔️ 32. Don’t Take Things Personally

The customs of other countries are NOT the same as the customs in ours. You’ve likely heard, for example, that Germans or French people can be curt and unkind. The reality is that the German language sounds rougher than it is in general , and French people have just gotten a bad rap likely due to a disdain for small talk. What’s rude in your country may not be considered rude in another. Try not to take anything personally. Unless you’re being raucous, obscene, and massively inconsiderate, I promise, it’s not about you.

✔️ 33. Be Flexible

Things will go wrong the first time you’re traveling internationally . It’s like an unwritten rule, and it just be like that sometimes. It is incredibly easy to allow these setbacks, route changes, or inconveniences to impact your entire mindset, and, therefore, your entire trip. Don’t let it! Be as flexible as you can! It’ll help you have the most amazing time.

Everything You Need to Know For Your First International Trip

That’s a wrap! My top 33 tips to help you have a smooth, successful, and, most important, ENJOYABLE first time traveling internationally. Exploring new countries and cities is life-changing , and I know you’ll come back with memories you’ll never forget! Safe travels!

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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• THE BIG IDEA

Why travel should be considered an essential human activity

Travel is not rational, but it’s in our genes. Here’s why you should start planning a trip now.

In 1961, legendary National Geographic photographer Volkmar Wentzel captured two women gazing at the surf off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. This and all the other images in this story come from the National Geographic image collection.

I’ve been putting my passport to good use lately. I use it as a coaster and to level wobbly table legs. It makes an excellent cat toy.

Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

In this aerial view from 1967, wall-to-wall seaside sunbathers relax under umbrellas or on beach towels in Ocean City, Maryland .

A 1967 fall festival in Guadalajara, Mexico , starred traditionally costumed musicians and dancers.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Related: Vintage photos of the glamour of travel

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

Landscape architects work in their Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , studio in 1955.

A tourist photographs a towering century plant in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1956.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

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Vintage photos show how flying first class has changed over the past 70 years

• Modern commercial air travel pales in comparison to the pampered flying experience of the 1960s.
• Luxury air travel is still alive and well in the first-class cabins of the world's leading airlines.
• Brands like Pan Am have given way to Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Etihad. 

Flying these days can be a slog.

For most of us, it's something we tolerate as a means to get from point A to point B. It's no longer a special occasion. For the traveling masses, commercial flying has been reduced to the essence of what it is: public transportation. 

Things didn't used to be this way. We've all been regaled with tales of the Golden Age of air travel : spacious seats, cosseting service, fine wines, and gourmet meals. 

However, the glamour of the Golden Age has not completely vanished. It's still alive and well in the first-class cabins of the world's leading airlines like Singapore Airlines , Emirates , and Etihad .

Additionally, flying, in general, is significantly more safe and reliable than it was decades ago. According to data from the Flight Safety Foundation , the rate of fatal airliner accidents decreased from 4.2 per 1 million flights in 1977 to around 0.3 per million flights in 2023.

And then there's the inflight experience. Modern first-class cabins offer a greater degree of privacy, comfort, technology, and personalization than the jet set could have ever imagined. With prices that could top $40,000 for a round-trip, these tickets are far from affordable. Then again, neither was first class during the Golden Age of Flight.

Here's a closer look at how first-class air travel has changed over the past 70 years.  

The age of jet-powered scheduled passenger air travel kicked off in 1952 with the De Havilland Comet 1. However, a series of fatal crashes forced the plane to be grounded for modifications.

Even though later versions of the jet, such as the Comet 3 seen here, would go on to serve successfully in airline fleets around the world, it was no longer at the forefront of the industry.

While the Comet was dealing with its troubles, it was overtaken by the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8 as the jet-powered workhorses of the airline industry.

The jetliners of the era, while not quite as refined as today's aircraft, were faster and smoother than their propeller-powered contemporaries.

The capabilities of the jetliner served as a great complement to the first-class services provided by the world's airlines, such as gourmet meals.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back.

Cocktail lounges were also a feature of the first-class flying experience in the 1950s.

The introduction of the double-decker Boeing 747 jumbo jet in 1970 took first-class service to new heights.

The extra width of the 747's cabin gave airlines the ability to up their games even further.

The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained.

Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus.

Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge.

Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos.

Between 1976 and 2003, Air France and British Airways passengers had the opportunity to fly on the Concorde supersonic airliner.

Its speed came at the expense of a smaller cabin, but passengers were still treated to fine wines and gourmet meals.

During the 1990s, airlines began to introduce 180-degree lie-flat seats to their first-class cabins along with improved in-flight entertainment.

By the late 1990s, a new generation of first-class cabins with added privacy began to take shape, which would play a huge role in the development of today's business-class seats.

The next leap forward for first-class cabins coincided with the arrival of the Airbus A380.

The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007.

The enclosed first-class suite on the A380 afforded passengers an extra measure of privacy.

Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite.

Dubai's Emirates is the A380's largest customer with more than 120 aircraft in the fleet.

Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites.

Amenities include access to an in-flight shower.

However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad.

In 2014, the Abu Dhabi-based airline introduced the Residence first-class suite on board its A380s.

Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower.

It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler.

There is only one Residence suite per aircraft, and tickets can cost more than $41,000 for a round trip between New York and Abu Dhabi.

Etihad also offers a 45-square-foot first-class suite called The Apartment with access to a shared shower and a lounge stocked with beverages.

In 2017, Emirates introduced its next generation of first-class suites on its fleet of Boeing 777 airliners.

They were the industry's first suites to be enclosed from floor to ceiling, effectively making them flying hotel rooms.

The suites even come with artificial windows that use cameras mounted to the plane's fuselage to give the passengers a view of the outside world.

In 2017, Singapore Airlines also announced it would spend $850 million on a new generation of first-class suites for its fleet of Airbus A380s.

Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Although not every airline's first-class cabin features a full suite, the common features these days are large, comfortable seats, fancy beverages, and delicious food.

In 2023, Japan Airlines debuted new first-class cabins on its Airbus A350-1000 featuring 43-inch TVs and speakers built into the headrests.

United Airlines is also upgrading its first-class seats with features like wireless charging, privacy barriers, and Bluetooth-enabled 13-inch seat-back screens.

This story was originally published in May 2019. It was most recently updated in March 2024.

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The Top 12 Things to Do in Omsk

Feel the love in the very heart of Russia

In Russia, all roads lead to Moscow , on account of the city's status as the national capital and its importance throughout history. If geography were the deciding factor, however, the Siberian city of Omsk would be the point where all Russia's roads converge—it's located literally in the heart of the country, approximately as far from Vladivostok as it is from the Belarusian border. Omsk boasts a spate of exciting attractions, even if you simply make a stop here as you ride the Trans-Siberian Railway eastward or westward.

Marvel at Assumption Cathedral

Chelsea Hicks/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Orthodox architecture never gets old, even if you've been traveling in Russia for a long time. This is particularly the case when it comes to the Assumption Cathedral of Omsk, whose gold-and-turquoise domes look resplendent under the blue skies that bless Omsk during the warmer months of the year. The cathedral was built in 1891 under the orders Nicholas, the last Tsar of Russia.

Time Travel at Omsk Fortress

Ogg-omsk/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The bad news? Much of what was once Omsk Fortress is now a residential area, with the only notable landmark that still stands being Tobolsk Gate (think Paris' Arc de Triomphe , but yellow and smaller). The good news? There's essentially no reason for a military fortification to exist in today's peaceful Omsk, which means you can stroll amid parks and cafés and imagine the area being war-torn—a small sacrifice to make in exchange for not being blown to bits.

Go Green at Ptich'ya Gavan'

Forinrap/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 

Or white, as it were: Omsk is covered with snow several months of the year, which means that its prized Ptich'ya Gavan' central park is often more of a winter wonderland than the green reprieve you experience in summer. The park is popular with local families, to whom you can say "Privet" (Hello) as you walk past.

Walk on Omsk's Artsy Side

G0rn/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0

Although the building that houses Omsk District Museum of Visual Arts is unmistakably Russian, the collection you find inside is surprisingly eclectic for a city deep in Russia's interior. Recent collections have included a revival of Van Gogh's great works, among others. This is a particularly enjoyable Omsk attraction on cold winter days, when temperatures can drop far below freezing and sunshine can be rare.

Shoot for the Moon

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Though Omsk is a relatively large city, the skies over it become dark enough in the evening for stargazing. While visitors are not permitted to use the expensive telescopes housed inside, exhibits inside the museum provide a fascinating look into the cosmos, narrated by expert astronomical guides.

Shop on Lenin Street

yykkaa/Getty Images

Lenin Street's name is appropriate: Although it's the high street of a city thousands of miles from Moscow, the European-style architecture and cosmopolitan vibe you feel as you stroll past its boutique and cafés evokes the capital of Russia more than its forlorn interior. Local specialties you can purchase here include rustic jams made from local berries (and even, in some shops, cedar cones), as well as handmade rugs from Kazakhstan, which sits just south of Omsk.

Sample Siberian Cuisine

Quynh Anh Nguyen/Getty Images 

Speaking of unique Siberian food, it's not just preserves made from the fruits of evergreen trees. Omsk is a great place to discover the flavors of Russia's wild interior, whether you eat zagutai and stroganini (Siberia's take on sushi) or classic Russian plmeni dumplings filled with decidedly Siberian ingredients, such as bear and rabbit meat. Vkusno ! (That's Russian for "delicious"!)

Enjoy Historical Houses—While You Still Can

Simon Richmond/Getty Images

The wooden houses that line Nikolskiy Prospekt aren't protected, but they should be. Historical structures that are unfortunately in a state of disrepair, these houses are slated for demolition at some unspecific point in the future. Be sure to catch a glimpse of these historical house before they're gone. There will, however, be at least one left standing for a long time. The Omsk State Art Museum is in a traditional wooden house.

Go to the Circus

Vladislav Domnich/Getty Images

Omsk State Circus is a popular spot for local families, whose children love the opportunity to see acrobatic performances and animals that wouldn't otherwise make appearance in Siberia. If you do attend a show here, keep in mind that ethics with regard to animal treatment might not match up with those in North America or Western Europe, to say nothing of the smell that can pervade the auditorium during and even after a show.

Be a Drama Queen

While there's no guarantee that any shows will be playing at Omsk Drama Theater at the time of your trip, a visit to this 19th century building is a spectacle in and of itself. While not as huge, say, as Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, it's nonetheless an ornate architectural wonder that hearkens back to a glorious time in history. The interior of the theater is even open during the daytime; ask the person who's inside if any tours are available when you turn up.

Explore Cities Deeper in Siberia

Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Siberia starts in Omsk, even if you can't continue far into it. If you don't plan to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway, take one of two day trips from Omsk. Travel to Tobolsk, whose hilltop Kremlin is one of the most picturesque in all of Russia, and whose beauty inspired a photo by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that ended up winning several awards. Or visit Tomsk, where you'll find a botanical garden dedicated to Siberian flora, and a museum that celebrates wooden architecture.

Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway

 lvinst/Getty Images

The idea of leaving Omsk behind can seem difficult, especially now that you've gotten to know this city in the heart of Siberia as well as you have. The mint-colored facade of Omsk Railway Station will make you smile, however, even if you're crying inside as you depart. Though it's not quite on the mid-line of the Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Beijing , Omsk is a worthy starting place to begin a journey to either. If you head east make sure to stop in Irkutsk , the home of Lake Baikal and another underrated Siberian city.

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

Hotels NYC California Washington D.C. MICHELIN Keys

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

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On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. In this first ever announcement of MICHELIN Keys in the United States, hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington DC were eligible for the distinction. This announcement of the most outstanding hotels in the country comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to look at all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

Take a peek at SingleThread, the five room inn with Three Keys and Three Stars. Explore the one street in Chicago that leads to seven Key hotels. Or find out more the Cliff House suite at our only Three Key hotel in Big Sur, California. Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the United States 2024 Key Hotel List

The Three Key Club in New York City

Expect: The highest luxury and impeccable design in Soho, Midtown, and the Financial District. Within the small club of Three Key hotels in the United States, four make their home in New York City. The Aman New York (Midtown) and Casa Cipriani (the Financial District) both make use of glamorous Beaux Arts buildings, the former a gold-crowned skyscraper in Midtown, the latter a glamorously restored ferry terminal at the very southern tip of Manhattan. Each is a refuge: an elegant, painstakingly designed escape from bustling city life. Meanwhile, two Firmdale hotels round out the list of Three Key hotels in New York City. Each is a quintessential example of the style and execution of the group’s co-owner and interior designer, Kit Kemp. Click the links here to explore the whirl of colors and collage of art that define the Crosby Street (Soho) and the Whitby Hotel (Midtown). Also read: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

Jewels on the Coast: Up and Down California

Its sheer breadth of size and variety means it’s no surprise to announce California as the state with the most Key hotels in America. Here, we’ll point you towards coastal gems like the sublime architectural achievements in Big Sur ( Post Ranch Inn and Ventana ), beachside luxuries in Santa Monica (in particular: the newly opened Georgian ), and wine country favorites like SingleThread and the Madrona . What we love: how each one of these hotels opens the door to the very best of their locations — and gives us a look at each setting through fresh eyes.

Across America: The Golden Age of Celebrity

Our French Keys bask in the tradition of ancient vineyards, stone chateaus, and historic palaces. In the United States, we see a different tradition. In Los Angeles, places like Chateau Marmont , the Paramour Estate , Sunset Tower , and the Charlie date back to guests and residents as illustrious as Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. These are spaces that play ingeniously with their history, even as they forge ahead with cutting-edge amenities and experiences. But it’s not just California. New York’s historic artist hotspot, the Hotel Chelsea , once hosted Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Today, it decorates every space with art donated by former residents. Look too to the Chicago Athletic Association , a former member’s club for 20th century business magnates and athletes — now among the city’s most impressive and vibrant hotels. Also read: Hollywood Glamor at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills):  The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection California (Big Sur): Post Ranch Inn California (Healdsburg): SingleThread Inn California (Los Angeles):  Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection California (Rutherford):  Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection California (St. Helena):  Meadowood Napa Valley California (Woodside):  Canyon Ranch Woodside New York (NYC):  Aman New York New York (NYC):  Casa Cipriani New York New York (NYC):  Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels New York (NYC):  The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

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The two key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills): L'Ermitage Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Maybourne Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Peninsula Beverly Hills California (Carmel Valley): Bernardus Lodge & Spa California (Big Sur): Ventana Big Sur California (Guerneville): The Stavrand California (Healdsburg): Montage Healdsburg California (Healdsburg): The Madrona California (Laguna Beach): Montage Laguna Beach California (Montecito): Rosewood Miramar Beach California (Napa):  Milliken Creek Inn & Spa California (San Francisco):  Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero California (San Francisco):  The Battery California (Sausalito):  Cavallo Point Lodge California (West Hollywood): Chateau Marmont California (West Hollywood):  Pendry West Hollywood California (Yountville):  Bardessono California (Yountville):  North Block Washington D.C.:  Rosewood Washington, D.C.   Washington D.C.:  The Jefferson Florida (Miami):  Mayfair House Hotel & Garden Florida (Miami Beach):  Faena Hotel Miami Beach Florida (Miami Beach):  Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Florida (Miami Beach):  The Setai Miami Beach   Illinois (Chicago): Pendry Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Langham, Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Peninsula Chicago New York (NYC): Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York New York (NYC):  Nine Orchard  New York (NYC):  Pendry Manhattan West New York (NYC): The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel New York (NYC): The Fifth Avenue Hotel New York (NYC):  The Mark Hotel

The One Key Hotels

Washington D.C.

Hero Image: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection — Aspen, Colorado

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The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

The Most Outrageous Design Hotel In Miami

The Faena Miami Beach is a Two Key hotel with a $15 million gilded woolly mammoth.

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Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

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The so-called "Cliff House" has the views you're looking for.

SingleThread: The 5-Room Inn with Three Keys and Three Stars

Revered for its Three MICHELIN Star restaurant and biodynamic farm, the SingleThread Inn earns Three Keys for its tiny, food-driven hotel.

Inside the Top Suite of Three Key Aman New York

The Aman Suite — among the most impressive suites in New York — brings the city to you.

The Guilty Pleasures of the Chicago Athletic Association

The One Key Chicago Athletic Association has had an illustrious and sometimes sordid history that dates back to 1893, when it wasn’t quite a hotel. A lot has changed since then, but the ghosts of the past are never far away.

Eaton DC Is a Launchpad for Progress

Katherine Lo’s Eaton DC isn’t just one of the best hotels in the United States capital. It’s also a headquarters for activism, community, social justice, and sustainability. And it’s not shy about it.

Key Street: Michigan Ave. Leads to 7 Key Hotels in Chicago

A brief guide to all the MICHELIN Key hotels in Chicago.

Hollywood Glamour at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

A brief guide to all the Key hotels in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills.

Florida’s Hotel Selection Is Starting to Sizzle

On April 18, 2024, all the new MICHELIN Stars were announced in Florida. Which makes this the perfect time to check in on some of our newest additions to our hotel selection in the Sunshine State.

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Understand [ edit ]

Founded in 1716 as a fortress on the Imperial Russia's expanding southern frontier, by 1850s Omsk grew to become the capital of Western Siberia and parts of Central Asia . The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway in the late 1890s brought a rapid development boom, culminating in an extravagant 1910s World Fair, around the time of which Omsk acquired much of its neoclassical architectural heritage. Largely due to its strategic importance as the gateway to Siberia and the Russian Far East , Admiral Kolchak of the anti-Soviet White Army chose Omsk as his base and "capital of Russia" in 1918–1919.

Today, Omsk is Russia's seventh largest city with a population of over 1.5 million. An Omsk visit is one of the highlights of a trip to Siberia for the city's attractive and bustling 19th century center, and its numerous cultural opportunities. Literature lovers will find a special interest in Omsk, as it was Dostoevsky's home during the majority of his exile from Saint Petersburg .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

When taking a taxi from the airport, be sure to negotiate the price in advance and take a legal taxi.

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ]

The city center around Lyubinsky prospekt is easily walkable and is best explored on foot. In autumn 2017 Lenin St south of the River Om is being dug up and is difficult to walk along, but businesses there and the cathedral remain open.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are plentiful and there are several taxi companies operating in Omsk.

See [ edit ]

The historical part of town is centered on Lyubinsky prospekt, near the confluence of the Om and Irtysh rivers. It is lined with century-old buildings of former merchant salons, residences, and larger commercial, government and religious establishments. The area now has some of the poshest shopping and the best nightlife in the city.

Ulica Krasnyh Zor' (aka Nikol'skij prospekt) leads from the Cossacks' cathedral to a few blocks of historical carved-wood houses. This street can give an idea what Omsk and Siberia used to be like for centuries before industrialization. Unfortunately, these houses are not yet protected as cultural heritage landmarks and may eventually be demolished.

Religious buildings [ edit ]

• St. Nicholas Cossack Cathedral , ul. Lenina, 27 , ☏ +7 3812-315748 . Built in 1843, it is one of the oldest churches in Siberia. During communist times, it was used as a cinema and concert hall.  
• Dormition Cathedral (Uspenskij sobor) , ul. Internacional'naja, 12 , ☏ +7 3812249065 . Built in the 1890s, it is one of the largest churches in Siberia.  

Buy [ edit ]

Omsk is rich in shopping. There is a big difference between the rich and the poor in the city, and this is visible in its shopping malls. While there are shops with extremely cheap goods, there are also modern, upscale malls where every shop is very expensive; a simple shirt at one of these stores could be £100, for example, and a handbag £200. Nevertheless, Omsk offers some great shops with lots of goods.

Nightclubs [ edit ]

• Angar Kemerovo st., 1/3  8 381 290-57-77
• [dead link] Zanzibar Nochnoy Klub , ul. Lukashevicha, 10В , ☏ +7 381 278-11-51 .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Dangerous areas of the city are Neftyaniki (town of oilmen), Amurskiy posyolok (Amur settlement), Port Arthur, Staryi Kirovsk (Old Kirovsk), and the area of the Omsk tire plant.

Connect [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Omsk is a convenient hub for several regional attractions. Distances are large and locals will consider a city 700km away to be 'nearby'. However, trains are reliable.

• Tobolsk and Tomsk are the oldest cities of Siberia. Because the main transportation arteries originally bypassed them, the towns stayed small, avoiding the typical Soviet development, and retaining their unique picturesque characters. They are reachable by overnight train, or, in the case of Tobolsk , by speed jet boat along the Irtysh River (10-12 hours). Irregular boats also operate to Khanty-Mansiysk and Salekhard , within the Arctic Circle , a 2783 km journey taking six days (see timetable ). This is the best way to see the West Siberian terrain, grand rivers, and rural lifestyle. For some towns, this boat is the only access to the outside world.
• Barnaul (16 hours by train or a 1½ hour flight) is the gateway to the Altai mountains and national parks.
• Kazakhstan is accessible by train - Petropavlovsk (4 hours), Astana (12 hours), or bus - Pavlodar (8 hours).

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Southwest to exit 4 airports and limit hiring following profit loss, Boeing plane delays

Southwest Airlines said it will limit hiring and suspend operations at four airports in the U.S. and Mexico following a loss of profits and delays getting planes from Boeing .

In a release posted after the company's earnings call Thursday, the Dallas, Texas-based budget airline reported a net loss of $231 million in the first quarter of 2024. Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan called those losses "disappointing," and said the airline is adjusting to "slower than planned growth for this year and next."

In an interview with CNBC ahead of the earnings call Thursday, Jordan said the company was weighing options for cabin reconfiguration to address its recent revenue shortfall.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan told the network.

The airline said it now expects to end this year with approximately 2,000 fewer employees than 2023 through cost control initiatives, including limiting hiring and offering voluntary time off programs, not through furloughs or layoffs.

And with aircraft delivery delays from Boeing that could continue into 2025, Southwest said it is also planning to mitigate any operational and financial impacts while keeping reliable flight schedules for customers.

'Roughest landing': Watch video of plane bouncing off runway as it attempts to land at LAX

What airports is Southwest leaving?

After reporting financial losses in the first quarter of 2024, Southwest said it is closing operations at four airports, three in the U.S. and one in Mexico, the first time the airline has exited an airport since 2019.

• Bellingham International Airport in Bellingham, Washington
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York
• Cozumel International Airport in Mexico

Southwest also announced plans to cut about half its flights out of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and one third from the Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Although Southwest is pulling out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the company will maintain operations out of the William P. Hobby Airport in Houston.

Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Omsk: Western Siberia's hidden gem

A city view of Omsk. Source: Dmitry Feoktistov

Omsk was founded in 1716 when a wooden fort was constructed to house a Cossack unit in the area to protect the expanding Russian frontier from Central Asian nomadic incursions. It served various administrative functions throughout the 1800s and became infamous as a place of exile and incarceration. The city was rundown when selected as a hub for the Trans-Siberian railway in the 1890s. Many international trade companies and foreign consulates relocated here and the remnants of their offices can still be found in the city today.

The mystery of Kolchak’s gold

Omsk became the headquarters of the anti-Bolshevik white army led by Admiral Aleksandr Kolchak in 1918. In late 1918 there was a revolt in the city initiated by a leftist faction (Socialist Revolutionary Party or SPs) with 500 rebel deaths at the hands of Cossacks and Czechoslovak soldiers, a major factor in convincing the SPs to join the Bolsheviks. There is a large Soviet-era monument to the uprising at the corner of Lenina street and Broz Tito street.  

Kolchak was entrusted with a large portion of the Tsarist’s gold reserves, yet amazingly lost much of it. Supposedly 250 million rubles were lost (about $8 million at the time). Legend has it that they were buried near the village of Taiga, yet numerous excavations have turned up nothing. The area still attracts the occasional fortune seeker.

Kolchak’s headquarters are located at what is today the  Omsk Regional Archives  at Broz Tito St., 3. Nothing shows how much times have changed as the imposing Kolchak statue that was unveiled in 2012 around the corner. The statue guards  Kolchak restaurant , a four-story culinary complex featuring a steak house, an Irish pub, a Central Asian café and an Italian eatery.  For more details on where and how to dig Kolchak's gold, see  Top Ten Mysterious Lost Treasures of Russia

Dostoevsky and the Tsar

At 1.15 million people Omsk dwarfs the region’s second largest city, Tara (population 28,000). The city is split by the River Irtysh into two sections (all places of interest are on the right bank) with downtown emanating from the River Om.

Most foreigners have heard of Omsk via writer Fyodor Dostoevsky who spent four years here as a prisoner (1849-1853). He spent most of his time in Omsk in squalor and chains and with no books besides the Bible, however, it left an indelible mark on his memory and influenced his future literary output. There is a statue of the writer in chains grasping a Bible at the corner of Partizanskaya and Spartakovskaya streets, where Dostoevsky undoubtedly stepped many times. A  museum dedicated to the author's time in Omsk  is located nearby at Dostoevskogo St. 1. The local university is also named for him.

A view of the Assumption Cathedral, Omsk. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

Tarskaya Street is one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares. It features a monument to victims of Stalinist repressions and the Tara gates, originally built in 1792 as one of the four entrances to the Omsk fort. Nearby stands the Assumption Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Siberia. Future Tsar Nicholas II laid the first stone here in 1891 when making his way back to St. Petersburg after his Eastern journey.

In Omsk you are never more than a few steps from the village, made clear when one exits the center to the north, where most houses are wooden and roads unpaved. Stroll along Bulatova and Rabinovicha streets, a well-preserved ensemble of wooden architecture.

Omsk’s cultural heritage 

The Pushkin State Library is worth a look with busts of Russian literary figures adorning the front side of the building. At the corner under the big “M” is one of several stations of the never completed Omsk metro. Construction began in 1992, but as of 2014 the project is again dormant due to financing problems.

One of Omsk’s most famous sons is Symbolist painter Mikhail Vrubel (1856-1910). Vrubel ignored contemporary trends and focused on themes from fairy tales, demons and religious subjects and also designed a majolica frieze for the Metropol Hotel in Moscow. Omsk’s Fine Arts Museum is named for him and features a number of  his works .

Milhail Vrubel's painting 'Demon Seated in a Garden' (1890)

Over the years a number of tourists have tripped over the monument to Stepanych. This bust of a plumber rising from a sewer was the idea of Omsk’s former mayor after a trip to Slovakia in the 1990s. Stepanych has become one of the symbols of the city.

Omsk is a hockey town, with one of the major teams,  Avangard , in the KHL, Russia’s premiere professional league. Russian champions on several occasions, check out a match at Omsk Arena. But if you can’t catch a game there’s a large kiosk featuring the team’s merchandise at the airport.

Siberian   punk, jazz and the classics

While Omsk may not be on everyone’s radar musically, it does host a  musical theater  built just after the war. The building on 10 Let Oktyabrya Street is in the form of an enormous sloping grand piano.

A monument to Stepanych, Lenina Street, Omsk. Photo credit: RIA Novosti/Pavel Lisitsyn 

Perhaps Russia’s most famous punk band,  Grazhdanskaya oborona  (Civil Defence), was formed here in 1982. The band was active until 2008 when lead singer Yegor Letov died of heart failure at age 43. Letov is buried at the Staro-Vostochnoe cemetery. A sprawling graveyard with thousands of graves, fans should stop at the administration for help in locating his grave.

In Russia, Omsk is known among the younger, tech-savvy generation primarily because of the “Omsk bird,” also known as Winged Doom. The origin of what became one of Russia’s most ubiquitous memes comes from a painting by German artist Heiko  Müller. One day in 2009 an Internet user posted this painting with the line, “Welcome to Omsk,” at the top. Additional versions menace viewers stating, “Don't try to leave Omsk,” and “Omsk is closer than you think.” Like many popular memes on the Internet, this one went viral and has become something like an unofficial symbol of the city.

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The U.S. economy slowed down in the first three months of 2024, report shows

Scott Horsley

The U.S. economy grew more slowly than expected in the first three months of the year. But consumers are still spending money — especially on services such as travel and restaurant meals.

SCOTT DETROW, HOST:

But first, the U.S. economy downshifted the first three months of this year. The government report out today shows the economy grew less than half as fast in the first quarter as it did during the previous three months. The news triggered a sell-off in the stock market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 375 points. NPR's Scott Horsley joins me now. Hey, Scott.

SCOTT HORSLEY, BYLINE: Hi - good to be with you.

DETROW: So investors were not happy about the slowdown. How big of a concern is this?

HORSLEY: Today's report shows the economy grew at an annual rate of just 1.6% in the first quarter. That is a marked downshift from the previous quarter, when we grew at nearly 3.5%. But, you know, that headline figure may overstate just how hard we hit the brakes. Some of the drop-off came from one-time factors, which really don't tell us much about the underlying economy.

If you zoom in on consumer spending, which is the biggest driver of economic growth, that actually held up pretty well. Americans did spend less on big-ticket items like cars and furniture in the first three months of the year. Those things are often financed, so high interest rates are likely taking a toll. But economist Shannon Grein of Wells Fargo notes people continue to ramp up their spending on services like restaurant meals and travel.

SHANNON GREIN: I think the overall report was still consistent with an economy that's pretty much firing on all cylinders.

HORSLEY: Indeed, services spending rose at an annual rate of 4% in the first quarter, which is fast enough to keep the economy chugging along and potentially fast enough to put some upward pressure on inflation. In fact, today's report shows a key measure of inflation ticked up in the first quarter, so that's something the Federal Reserve is going to be keeping a close eye on.

DETROW: And, of course, they've been keeping interest rates high. How are people paying for all of this spending?

HORSLEY: You know, some people are relying on credit to finance their spending, which is costly if you don't pay off that balance every month. But a lot of this spending is being bankrolled by people's paychecks. You know, we still got a very strong labor market. Lots of people are working. Wages are going up. And most people are not saving a lot of what they earn, so that money's going right back out the door as spending.Today's report also shows business investment held up pretty well in the first quarter, and there was a surprisingly big jump in housing investment.

DETROW: Yeah. That was interesting, especially since, as we've been saying throughout the conversation, mortgage rates are still pretty high. What's going on there?

HORSLEY: Yeah. Those high mortgage rates are definitely dragging down the housing market. Sales of existing homes are down, and there aren't a lot of older homes on the market, but that's giving an unexpected boost to new home construction. Investment in new homes was way up in the first quarter. Shawn Woods is a home builder in Kansas City. He says about 1 out of 3 homes sold in that area is now newly built.

SHAWN WOODS: The inventory that people can find for a new home is new construction, which is great for us as homebuilders, helping out our sales a lot. March and April have been really good months. We're looking for continued good momentum through the spring.

HORSLEY: Woods and other home builders have also been downsizing some of their homes, maybe cutting back on some of the luxury finishes in order to craft a product that home buyers can afford.

WOODS: Before the pandemic, there's no way we could get under really 325,000, and we have reengineered some of our plans, taken different specifications and things like that. And we're bringing new homes to the market now in the 286 to 290 range, starting price. So that's helped immensely.

HORSLEY: That's especially important now that mortgage rates are up above 7%.

DETROW: That's NPR's Scott Horsley. Scott, thanks so much.

HORSLEY: You're welcome.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

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Omsk, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Omsk

Speaking of large and well-known Siberian cities, one cannot help mentioning Omsk which was the capital of Siberia at one time. The city is located in Western Siberia on Irtysh River. The history of Omsk is not so ancient, but is full of drama nevertheless. It was established in the XVIII century, in 1716. The order of Peter I on seeking gold deposits in those lands was the occasion for its establishment. The expedition was headed by Ivan Buchholz. It was him who laid the first Omsk fortress for the defense of the southern and eastern borders of the Russia Empire on the left bank of the river Om. Gradually, a new city began setting up around the fortress.

Almost after a century Omsk became the regional center of the West Siberian governor generalship. The Governor-General’s residence was transferred from Tobolsk to Omsk. The turning point in the city’s life was at the Civil War, when Omsk became a deployment place for the White Guards. In particularly, General Kolchak declared himself a head of new Russia. Following Kolchak, intellectuals, clergy and the bourgeoisie fleeing from the Bolsheviks found their shelter there. After the defeat of Kolchak, Omsk was deprived of the right to be the Siberian capital, as a punishment of the Soviet authorities. The capital was transferred to Novosibirsk. However, Omsk grew and developed anyway, thanks to the advantageous position of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

In the Soviet period Omsk was the largest industrial center of Siberia. Modern Omsk takes the seventh place in Russia by popularity. It is the center of oil, chemical and petrochemical, energy industries. Russia's largest engineering and metalworking companies are located there. There are a huge number of historical, cultural and architectural monuments in Omsk. Omsk is a city of churches, cathedrals, merchant houses and ‘art nouveau’ buildings of the early XX century. The recently restored Uspenskii Assumption Cathedral is crowned those marvelous creations.

The old Omsk fortress is now a historical city center. One of the gates, Tobolsk Gates, were kept in the fortress. In 1991 Tarskie Gates were restored and became the peculiar Omsk “visit card”.

You can find a "village" part of the city in the vicinity of Omsk, in the town of Tara. Wooden houses with carved cornices and trims, as if descended from illustrations of Russian fairy tales are preserved here. Tara`s Spassky Cathedral is a masterpiece of the XVIII century architecture.

Skamania Lodge offers first look at its fancy new glamping tents

• Updated: Apr. 27, 2024, 7:10 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 27, 2024, 7:00 a.m.

A private soaking tub is found inside the new glamping tents at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

• Jamie Hale | The Oregonian/OregonLive

This May, visitors to the Columbia River Gorge will have a new, luxurious glamping experience to try.

Skamania Lodge , the 175-acre Washington resort near Stevenson, offered a sneak peak this week into its new glamping tents, which will open to the public May 1 and are available to book now through the end of the season.

The wood-framed safari-style tents, which come with king beds and private bathrooms, are built on a hillside surrounded by trees, giving visitors the chance to sleep, relax and even bathe in the comfort of nature. While perhaps a step down from the lodge’s luxury treehouses or cabins, the glamping tents are certainly a step up from your basic hotel room, while barely resembling camping at all.

Jack Hansen, director of sales and marketing for Skamania Lodge, said the glamping tents are expected to be available from May through October, though the full extent of the season won’t be clear until after this first year.

“I do think that it’s a bit of an experiment,” Hansen said. “We’re going to see what the appetite for them is.”

The new glamping tents are perched in the trees at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A fire pit on the deck of one of the new glamping tents at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Inside the new glamping tents at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A forested view from the deck of one of the new glamping tents at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Glamping at Skamania Lodge starts at $519 per night on offseason weekdays, rising through the summer and peaking at $1,069 per night over the Fourth of July weekend. Visitors can find slightly discounted prices in October, when the nightly rate dips down to $499 for a stay in what could be colder and wetter conditions.

“We’ll probably test them a bit this fall and see how it is to stay in there in October,” Hansen said of the new tents. “You don’t know until you know.”

Unlike traditional camping, the glamping tents all come with running water and electricity. Each comes with a small space heater and fan, though that is the extent of the climate control. The front flaps zip up and down, allowing guests to seal themselves in or be open to the fresh air. There is furniture inside, as well as an outdoor couch and chairs by a gas fire feature.

Guests can still enjoy the many amenities at the main lodge nearby, including yoga classes, a golf course and putting course, disc golf, an adventure park, ziplining and axe throwing, as well as meals at one of two dining rooms – a necessary amenity for glamping guests, who will only find a microwave and mini fridge in their tents.

Hansen said the new glamping experience will be part of “Treehouse Village,” where the new tents join the luxury treehouses, cabins and a villa. More of each type of accommodation may be built there in the future, depending on popularity, he said.

The new glamping tents have already been booked up through most of May, but a lot of availability remains through the summer . Hansen said the lodge has been excited about the new offerings, and is looking forward to seeing how popular they become.

“There’s a lot of buzz about them,” he said. “Glamping over the last decade has really come into more peoples’ vocabularies, everybody knows what it is, so it’s really nice to see our owners put their spin on it – you know, glamping Skamania style.”

-- Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast . Reach him at 503-294-4077, [email protected] or @HaleJamesB .

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