#travel-tips

#travel-tips

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

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

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

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

"When you first enter your hotel room, start with safety," says Afi Anifrani, executive housekeeper at Thompson Savannah. "Make sure the door closes and locks securely, and if you plan to use the safe, check that it's functioning properly." Mary D'Argenis-Fernandez, founder and CEO of MDA Hospitality, also recommends verifying if any adjoining doors are locked. "If the peephole has a cover, ensure it is fully closed," she says.

The key to smooth, easy travel days is preparedness, and while society has undoubtedly come to rely heavily on technology over the last several years, some remnants of the past are still integral to your travels. Exhibit A: printed boarding passes. While mobile boarding passes are a convenient and accessible way to have one of your most important travel documents at the ready,

While it may sound surprising, it's completely legal for airlines to overbook flights, and, according to Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, they do so "all the time." He continues, telling Travel + Leisure, "Airlines are legally allowed to sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane because they know some people won't show up." Think of it as a numbers game based on historical data. "Most of the time, it works out, but every now and then, too many people show up, and someone has to get bumped."

I am not proud of it, but on a recent three day trip, I used an entire packing cube on 13 pairs of underwear. To no one's surprise, I used merely a third of what I packed. I'm hardly the only person to do this-on TikTok, there are dozens of videos discussing the very common phenomenon of overpacking underwear. The reason we do this-pack underwear as if we may never come home again or encounter a department store-is to make ourselves feel prepared for our journey.

You may dash for your morning commuter train, but you won't want to rush for the sleeper to Vienna. The Nightjet train to the Austrian capital is the most illustrious departure of the day from Amsterdam. There is an art to conducting the perfect departure and the perfect arrival, the bookends of a thrilling overnight journey. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. There are four major hubs for sleeper services across western and central Europe: Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna and Zurich.

In Japan, locals will often hide their shoulders, décolletage, or both. So long as you're avoiding low cut tank tops with thin straps, you're already off to a good start.

According to a Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, one in five international travelers have lost their phone or had it stolen while abroad.

Tourists should pack breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen for humid weather, and quick-dry materials for rain, alongside comfortable shoes for walking.

Gap High-rise Wide-leg Pull-on Jeans, made from 100 percent cotton, are designed for comfort and convenience, making them ideal for long travel days.

Increasingly, travelers are voicing concerns about the rising costs, excessive cleaning fees, confusing checkout instructions, and inconsistent service quality.

When dining at a European restaurant, it's crucial to understand the difference between ordering à la carte and requesting a menu, as this can significantly affect your dining experience.

As someone with over 20 food allergies, traveling can be challenging, but I've learned to manage it by pre-translating my allergens and identifying safe staple dishes.

The Switch Stick Folding Seat is a part cane, part portable seat, essential for travel days, lightweight but sturdy, and convenient for resting in line or taking pressure off legs.

"The security bins are disgusting. I've seen people place containers of food in them, dirty shoes with rainwater on them, spilled soda, baby food - you name it, I've seen it."

The ultimate way to pack a carry-on suitcase involves maximizing luggage space, minimizing the number of shoes, and organizing clothing with packing cubes to streamline the packing process.

To survive long road trips, comfort is key. I encourage my kids to wear whatever makes them feel the most relaxed. My older kids usually wear sweats while my youngest often wears pajamas.

The country is experiencing record tourism this year, with 14.4 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025, a 24.5% increase compared to 2024.

Visitors should embrace the culture through our local restaurants and water fountains.

Disney's menus have options tailored for vegans, identifiable by green leaves, ensuring a seamless experience for plant-based eaters alongside omnivores.

Cider's Boat Neck Backless Top combines a timeless French design originally popularized by Coco Chanel with modern touches like an adjustable back tie for a perfect fit.

The highest-rated restaurant at Arlanda Airport, according to survey respondents, is McDonald's, likely due to its affordable prices and predictability, providing travelers assurance when dining.