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There are some things about airplanes and travel that we take for granted. We rarely stop to wonder why the pilot is calling everybody “Roger” or what’s going on with meal service up in the cockpit. And today, in not-so-arbitrary-after-all facts about airplanes: why we always board from the left-hand side. Even on British airlines where — if you think about vehicular driving patterns — boarding from the right side would make sense, passengers still board on the left....

If you asked me what the most romantic trip I could take with my fiancé would be, my answer would be simple: A trip he planned. For me, facilitating the logistics of our trips is what takes me out of the romantic moments. And that’s why I think cruises are inherently romantic: Everything is planned for you. A cruise sets the itinerary for you, including the cities you’ll visit, the excursions you’ll partake in, and which days you’ll spend relaxing by the spa pool....

Who hasn’t fantasized about jetting off to an ultraluxe private isle, like Turtle Island in Fiji, where a staff of 100 caters to the whims of just 28 guests?Or swooned with envy over gossipy guest reports from Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s sybaritic Caribbean resort, where weekly rates start at $23,500 per couple?True, these out-of-reach vacations are only for the super-wealthy. But what if you could have Necker-like island seclusion for as little as $100 a night?...

There is no better time than a honeymoon to splurge and take an extended and more luxurious trip. Now more than ever, couples that we plan honeymoons for are looking to celebrate their wedding by ticking something huge off their bucket list. Many things can make a honeymoon over the top: special and rare experiences, an exceptional level of luxury, remote far flung destinations, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and mind-blowing food, wine, and spa....

Allbirds is here with yet another launch worthy of whipping out our credit cards for (sorry, monthly budget). The cult-favorite shoe brand, known for their extra-comfy, machine-washable sneakers, just launched their popular Tree Toppers shoe in three new patterns — perfect for the maximalist looking for their next statement sneaker. If you’re unfamiliar with Allbirds’ Tree Toppers let’s talk specs: A simple redesign of the classic high-top sneaker, the Tree Topper features a sleek silhouette design that’s light and breezy, making it perfect for summer....

A coastal California town is begging tourists to conserve water, closing off hotel lobby bathrooms and posting signs around the area, amid years of too little rain. The town of Mendocino, which sits a few hours north of San Francisco, is begging residents and visitors to conserve their use of water with public portable toilets and signs that read “Severe Drought. Please conserve water,” The Associated Press reported. The severe water shortage is the result of too little rain that has failed to fill the wells the town relies on for potable water....

Try finding a hotel mystery shopper willing to dish on one of their stays. Ask them to reveal the dirt on the unkempt suite, the coquette of a concierge, or the wilted flower that sullied the room service tray. You can’t. According to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) there are some 30,000 of them in the U.S., hired by luxury hotel brands to check-in anonymously and judge mercilessly. But like a CIA agent or the rare hair stylist who’ll keep your secrets, gossip is not in the mystery shopper’s after-hours repertoire....

The Bikeroo Oversized Bike Seat has racked up over 10,000 five-star reviews from avid riders because it’s comfortable oversized shape adds ample support to your tailbone and lower back, while the ergonomic design makes it extremely comfortable to sit on even during long, grueling rides. The 11 Most Comfortable Bike Seats, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews Shoppers say it is super easy to install and can be attached to your bike in mere minutes by using the mounting tools that come with it....

Emirates wants you to disembark for a little bit longer in Dubai. So, it’s helping you do just that by re-launching its Dubai Connect offer, which gives guests a complimentary hotel stay so they can experience the city for a few extra hours. Those transiting through its hub in Dubai can take advantage of the free hotel stay when their connection time exceeds 10 hours. “With Dubai Connect, Emirates passengers will receive a complimentary night’s stay in a four or five-star hotel, ground transfers to and from the airport, meals at the hotel as well as UAE visa on arrival where required,” the airline explained in its announcement....

For a stretch of 32 miles, there is a highway in North Dakota that’s home to a collection of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures, aptly named the Enchanted Highway. Known for its whimsical and larger-than-life roadside attractions, this unnumbered stretch of road brings plenty of tourists through Gladstone, North Dakota and extends to Regent, North Dakota. But how did a seemingly obscure two-lane highway turn itself into a destination spot for road trippers looking for their next unforgettable adventure?...

For your next getaway, have your clothes sent straight from the runway to your hotel room, thanks to a new partnership between Tripadvisor Plus and Rent the Runway. The fashion rental service’s Closet Concierge Program will send designer clothing for Tripadvisor Plus members at a discount to wear on their next trip, nixing the worry about what to pack. After booking their hotel stays, Tripadvisor Plus members will receive an email with an exclusive offer for 30% off of $85 or more with Rent the Runway....

There’s an out-of-this-world glamping experience coming to Antarctica that’s fully inspired by space tourism. In November 2022, travel company White Desert will launch a stylish eco-camp called Echo. Echo will feature six heated, cutting-edge bedroom sky pods complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, so visitors can soak in the dramatic landscape outside. Crafted from composite fiberglass, each of the space-inspired sky pods will be designed for two guests and will include luxury furnishings and space-age accessories....

January’s resolutions are sure to be amplified this year, with pandemic-related stress and anxiety spurring demand for healthy getaways. But with yoga retreats in Bali on hold and many fitness boot camps paused, Americans are seeking out other wellness options. “Fortunately, travelers are realizing they can enjoy the benefits of a regenerative break close to home,” says Chris Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, which has seen strong interest in staycations since the brand’s New York City property reopened in September....

A stay in a luxurious hotel is an indulgent experience: the beds are fluffy, the pillows are plentiful, and you can order ice cream right to your room and eat it in bed as you flip through the TV channels. But after a long trip, you’re often ready to get home and sleep in your own bed. For some business travelers, however, hotels become a home away from home where you can stay for weeks — or even months — on end....

You can win big in Las Vegas – even at the airport. According to KLAS-TV, an affiliate of CBS News, a woman from Roseville, California managed to win almost $12,000 on the penny slot machine at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known as Ulla T., the woman was playing the “Smokin’ Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel” machine in Concourse A, and cashed in a whopping $11,761, according to KLAS....

Now that winter is almost here, it’s time to break out your favorite weather-resistant footwear. Most of us opt for boots, while others opt for particularly durable sneakers. But luckily, Ugg offers a shoe that makes it so you don’t have to choose: a comfortable, easy-to-walk-in, and water-resistant sneaker boot. Whether you’re packing for a trip to a cold weather destination where you’ll want a versatile shoe that’s ready for any type of weather, or looking for a pair you can wear just about every day this winter, wherever you are, Ugg has you covered....

What do packing cubes, comfy shoes, a weather-appropriate jacket, and underwear all have in common? They’re all must-haves whenever you’re packing for a trip. If the travel-friendly section of your underwear drawer could use a refresh, Parade’s latest launch has the comfortable, versatile intimates you’ve been looking for. The Sport+ underwear collection was specifically designed to wear during athletic activities, and with its barely-there feel and sweat-wicking material, this underwear is made to keep up with you during both the most intense workouts and the longest travel days....

A recent discovery near the Gulf of Mexico could mean some new scientific developments that could improve our daily lives. Scientists have discovered an underwater forest of trees that dates back about 60,000 years, CNN reported. The well-preserved wood from the trees has the potential to help develop new types of medical treatments. Ocean Genome Legacy Center Director Dan Distel, Dive Safety Officer Grant Lockridge, and researcher Francis Choi wrap a 60,000-year-old log to keep it damp for the trip back to shore....

No matter the time of year, a moisturizing lip balm is a must-have, although we’re especially fond of hydrating products during the cold and dry winter months. Luckily, shoppers found one lip balm that offers deep moisture and a sheer wash of color that is perfect for those who prefer a natural, low-maintenance look that doesn’t require touch-ups. If you are planning a trip this winter, you’ll definitely want to make sure you pack this lip balm in your makeup bag....

After over six years of campaigning, it looks like the Malaga province of southern Spain will finally be getting its first national park. Though not yet official, approval for the future Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves is expected to come sometime this year, making it Spain’s 16th national park, Lonely Planet reports. Situated northwest of the city of Malaga, the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range has been a protected natural park since 1989....