How to Get More Space on Flights: Legroom, Empty Rows, & More

Everyone dreams of a free upgrade while waiting to board their plane at the airport.

Even if the bump is only to economy plus, that can make a world of difference in terms of comfort—especially when it comes to long-haul flights.

Unfortunately, landing that upgrade is usually a matter of loyalty. Passengers who are part of a membership program, and especially those with an elite status, are the first to receive upgrades.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Where there’s a will, there’s a way—and it turns out there are plenty of ways to get upgrades, free seats, and empty rows on flights.

Looking for a few air travel hacks on how to get more space? Here’s how to get legroom and more on your next flight for free.

The basics: get to know airlines and airplanes

Before I get into the good stuff on how to get more space on flights, I want to point out one thing that plane-savvy travelers regularly do:

They look into what airplanes that airlines fly on specific routes.

This information lets passengers gain an immediate understanding of how many seats are in each row of the plane they’ll be flying on.

For example, two airlines that fly the same Airbus 320 might have a different number of seats. Spirit Airlines stuffs 178 seats into its Airbus 320s, while United Airlines has only 138.

That means that paying for extra legroom on Spirit might be the equivalent of a regular economy seat on United.

If that sort of comparison interests you, I suggest you look into SeatGuru. It’s a platform that lets passengers research flights according to features, amenities, and more.

Now let’s move on to how to get more space for free on planes, including making sure that middle seat next to you is empty, how to get a whole row to yourself, and how to get extra legroom.

How to sit beside an empty middle seat

Select an aisle or window seat in a row that’s partly occupied. Book an aisle or window seat in a row that already has one of those places occupied. Few travelers would actually select or pay for a middle seat, meaning it’s more likely to stay empty. This is a popular hack for couples who want to guarantee they have the whole row to themselves without forking over for the extra seat.
Board last. You’ll be able to get a lay of the land and nab any aisle or window seats that have an empty middle seat. This might not work 100% of the time depending on the airline’s policy—but it’s worked for me in the past.
Ask about upgrades before boarding. While landing a first-class or business-class upgrade probably isn’t in the cards, you can always ask to move to a window or aisle seat in a row without a middle-seat passenger. This is how to get more space on flights without the extra effort.
Go for the last row—and the middle row. The middle seat in the last row is more likely to be empty. That’s doubly true for the middle seat in a middle row at the back of a plane.

Tips to get the whole row to yourself

Select a seat in an undesirable spot. That’s right—you need to be willing to make a little sacrifice if you want to nab a whole row. Travelers recommend booking the aisle or window seat near the bathrooms, the service area of the plane, and the back of the plane. With the added foot traffic and light, others might not be interested in booking those seats.
Check the airline’s policy. Some airlines make it easy for passengers to purchase the entire row for certain flights, especially when flights aren’t fully booked. Keep in mind that this hack on how to get more space isn’t free.
Book the aisle seat. Similar to guaranteeing an empty middle seat, one of the best ways to get a whole row to yourself is to book a seat in the aisle at the back of the plane. The aisle seat in the back of the plane, according to data, is more preferred than the window seat, giving you a slightly higher chance of getting that whole row solo.
Focus on economy plus over economy. When selecting a seat, focus your efforts on the economy plus section of the flight over the regular economy section—especially when it comes to long-haul, international flights. You might need to pay a bit extra, but you’re more likely to land a whole row for a small fee in economy plus because other passengers are more focused on savings.

Hacks for extra legroom

Look for bulkhead seats. On some airlines, these rows offer more legroom—even if they aren’t officially billed as emergency rows or extra legroom seats.
Use websites like SeatGuru to compare seat sizes. The best way to get extra legroom for free is to pay attention to which airlines are slashing their seat sizes.
Use websites like ExpertFlyer to get notifications about seat upgrades. This handy platform lets you set alerts for flights based on when seat upgrades and availability change.
Book a seat in the first row of your section. The first row of economy and economy plus, for example, usually have more legroom at no extra charge.

Hawaiian Dreams: Best Boutique Hotels in Hawaii

Hawaii is a dream destination.

From its unspoiled jungles and its vibrant beaches to its delicious eats and unique culture, the US’s 50^th state provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation.

There’s only one catch: Hawaii is one of the priciest vacation destinations in the world.

The more expensive the vacation, the higher the stakes. In other words, if you’re going to do it—then you need to do it right.

And what’s one of the key ingredients of a worthwhile and excellent vacation? A great hotel.

If you’re going to Hawaii, be on the lookout for a high-value, comfortable, and experienced hotel that can provide you with a great landing pad.

While you might be tempted by the savings of a large chain resort, it’s the boutique experience that offers a more personal and atmospheric look into life and culture on the islands.

But with so little room and so many options on the four main islands of Maui, Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai, which hotels are worth your hard-earned money? Here are my top choices for the best boutique hotels in Hawaii.

Best boutique hotels in Hawaii by island

Best boutique hotel on Maui

Hotel Wailea

This Relais & Chateaux project is an adults-only hotel in the heart of Maui’s Wailea region. It offers a dreamy stay right in the heart of one of Hawaii’s most lovely paradises, providing palm tree backdrops and sweeping jungle views.

If you’re on the hunt for that curated tropical feel, then look no further. Aside from the greenery, the grounds also showcase ocean views, plus an expansive and opulent outdoor pool.

While Hotel Wailea’s promise of delectable views and eco-immersion might not sound overly impressive, it’s worth noting that this location has taken home a handful of awards, including nods from US News & World Report and Conde Nast Traveler.

Book here

Best boutique hotels on Oahu

Prince Waikiki

Looking for oceanfront views? You won’t miss out at Prince Waikiki, which capitalizes on its ocean vistas—and a view of the Ala Wai boat harbor.

This highly-rated hotel puts you right in the center of the Honolulu action, letting you easily jump around to other islands, explore the city’s top attractions, and soak up the atmosphere of Waikiki.

The Prince Waikiki also offers a sleek outdoor swimming area fitted with an infinity pool. Its rooms are quite luxurious, making this a great option for city-slicker types who want to stay in a more traditional resort-style hotel.

Book here

Alohilani Resort

As one of the world’s leading carbon-neutral stays, I’m a huge fan of Alohilani Resort for its sustainability efforts.

On a small island like Oahu and with limited resources available locally, those efforts are even more important. But even if you don’t care for eco-friendly stays, Alohilani should be on your radar for the best boutique hotels in Hawaii.

Just like the Prince Waikiki, you’re right in the middle of the action—but you might not notice at Alohilani. The hotel’s design is sleek and modern, while its shared spaces are effortlessly graceful thanks to its unique design. The rooms, in particular, offer plenty of natural light and bright accents—which makes for a refreshing stay, in my opinion.

Book here

Best boutique hotel on Kau’ai

Ko’a Kea

This intimate, beachside hotel provides a new take on Hawaiian resorts—no mini-skyscrapers or city views.

In fact, that small-scale approach is what has helped keep Ko’a Kea at the top of Hawaii’s best boutique hotels for close to a decade. Like Hotel Wailea, it’s seen shout-outs from major hospitality publications.

So, what can visitors expect at Ko’a Kea aside from beachy views and a quaint tropical stay? Staff go above and beyond to add Hawaiian culture to their various offers, including spa treatments, dining, shopping, and more.

On top of that, it offers a great location to experience natural wonders, from jungle tours to water activities.

Book here

Best boutique hotel on Hawai’i

At the Craters Edge

Welcome to one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to the best boutique hotels in Hawaii—At the Craters Edge.

Guests are fully immersed in the tropical rainforests of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which abuts the hotel’s grounds. That means that each bungalow feels like a private, romantic escape straight into an emerald paradise.

The rooms are designed to highlight the jungle with large terraces and verandas. With options like fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs, you might not want to leave the grounds.

While the hotel’s design isn’t necessarily the most modern, I enjoy its natural and dark-wood accents. They feel like an effortless extension of the local flora and fauna.

Book here

The Best Five-Star Amenities in Luxury Travel

There’s no better lodging option than a five-star hotel.

Unfortunately, they aren’t the most accessible when it comes to budgeting. Most travelers seek out five-star brands only when a major milestone is on the horizon.

That might be a honeymoon, an anniversary, or a professional achievement.

But avid travelers know the truth: Five-star hotels aren’t nearly as out-of-reach or exotic as they seem. Even in terms of pricing, they aren’t as uniformly expensive as many think.

For example, some five-star locations offer discounts during their offseason, free nights for stays of certain lengths, and deals for honeymooners.

In other words, five-star stays are more accessible than you think—and they’re well worth the extra money. Not only do they come with top-tier amenities like spas and on-site dining, but they usually offer a few pleasant surprises along the way.

If you’ve been on the fence about booking that five-star room, you might have a few questions—especially if luxury rentals aren’t usually your thing. Let’s demystify the magic of five-star amenities and experience. Here’s what you can expect.

What’s offered at a five-star hotel?

Five-star hotels offer more features than a four-star stay—who would have thought?

To earn that coveted five-star label, hotels must offer certain amenities, from pools to ensuite bathrooms. Here’s what else you can expect:

A near-perfect attention to detail and service
Sublime décor from a high-end designer
World-class chefs and handcrafted menus
Cutting-edge spas with treatment services

Most importantly—in my opinion—five-star hotels offer unprecedented service. Staff should provide impeccable, warm, and comprehensive support. Not only do they meet guest needs, but they also work to anticipate what those needs are.

Five-star amenities: what surprise features should guests look for?

Want to take a peek behind the curtain? Let’s count down the most extravagant and memorable five-star amenities from top hotels around the world.

I’m using the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, Switzerland as my North Star. It’s by far the most impressive five-star experience I’ve had. I’m talking pampered-like-a-royal type of experience.

Whether staying at the Tschuggen or beyond, here’s the type of next-level, how-the-other-half-lives type of amenities you can expect.

A next-level kids club

Some five-star stays are adults-only. But those that are family-friendly usually offer a great kid’s club and comprehensive programming so that parents can take the day off. They employ qualified professionals who design activities to engage children and keep them busy.

But that’s just the basics.

At the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, childcare is focused on nature—even down to its playroom. The playroom is built with organic materials without any plastic products. There’s even a restaurant that’s specifically geared toward families, allowing them to unwind and eat without worrying about noise levels.

So, one of the best five-star amenities you can expect is five-star treatment for children, too.

A focus on sustainability

The vast majority of five-star hotels have some kind of official sustainability policy. Let’s head back to the Tschuggen for another example.

The Tschuggen Grand Hotel has spent time and resources to design its Moving Mountains program. This program (which extends to its other properties) explores the hotel’s sustainability efforts. It also lays out the hotel’s green initiatives, from environmental projects to community-building efforts around the world. The program even includes products from local artisans.

It’s not just enough to state that a hotel is dedicated to the environment. A great five-star hotel goes to great lengths to showcase its efforts and create an even better stay for guests.

Menus great and small—from pillows to firewood

The best five-star hotels offer highly rated onsite dining options with top-tier menus. But great eats aren’t the end-all of elite menus. Guests at five-star hotels are looking for choices beyond mealtime.

In other words, five-star amenities often come served up on menus.

At the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, I had the chance to peruse an elaborate pillow menu. From sizes to shapes to scents, staff are ready to deliver the perfect pillow.

I’ve also seen other hotels offer firewood menus (where wood-burning fireplaces are present), letting guests customize their sense of coziness. Some five-star hotels also go above and beyond for pets, offering pet menus that include human-grade food and pet-friendly spa treatments.

Five-star amenities = five-star choices.

Exclusive access

A truly elite five-star hotel should also offer a sense of exclusivity. This comes in all shapes and sizes—and is usually specific to a location and/or activity.

The Tschuggen Grand Hotel, for example, is renowned for its skiing offers. It’s a ski-in, ski-out hotel with its own private lift to the mountain. And that private lift is just the beginning.

Guests also have access to ski lockers located just outside the lift. In December, the Tschuggen even rents out the local mountain so that its guests have exclusive access.

Another example is the Villa Rockstar Recording Studio at Eden Rock — St Barths. Guests with musical inclinations have exclusive access to the studio.

They can hang out where names like Dr. Dre and Paul McCartney have recorded—or even use the equipment to lay down a track for themselves.

Awesome residencies

Above, I mentioned the importance of service at a five-star location. Not only are staff ready to handle almost any request, but some of them are specially trained for their job.

Sommeliers, for example, are a common find at high-end establishments. But that’s hardly the whole story. I’ve seen five-star hotels offer some seriously oddball in-house residences.

Looking for a tattoo? There’s an in-house artist who can help you at Hotel Erwin. What about fragrances? Yep, there are fragrance butlers employed across the world, including at Hotel Georgia.

The same is true for private bartenders, sleep concierges, and even soap concierges. The most unusual five-star residency I’ve seen is a ‘romance department’ at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, which is available to turn any couple’s retreat into an unforgettable honeymoon-caliber stay.

Escape Election Stress With Easy Weekend Getaways in the Outdoors

Stress isn’t just a negative feeling—it also has a physical effect on our health.

Scientific studies demonstrate that stress can contribute to coronary health problems, inflammation, poor circulation, and more. Repeated exposure to stress is even more likely to ramp up negative side effects, which compound over time.

With election day approaching, Americans nationwide are living amid high tension.

That type of stress is bad for the mind and body, dragging down our physical and mental wellbeing.

In other words… it’s the perfect time for a weekend getaway.

Want to escape election stress? The best options out there are easy weekend getaways that take you into nature. Here’s why.

Nature is healing

As mentioned above, research has linked chronic stress to a handful of serious physical maladies.

But there’s a silver lining: getting out into nature has also been empirically linked to stress relief. And nature—unlike many other types of vacations—is cheap and accessible for most Americans.

Whether you’re feeling a little bogged down by personal troubles, uninspired, antisocial, or angsty, a quick jaunt through nature can relieve symptoms quickly.

On top of improving our mood, scientific studies have also found that getting out further into nature—such as visiting a nature reserve versus visiting an urban park—is even more beneficial for alleviating stress.

So, stress might be inevitable as the election approaches, but even doing something as simple as taking a stroll through a local park can lift that shroud of anxiety. But let’s focus on more immersive weekend getaways that can help you escape election stress.

If you’re looking to turn a short stroll into a nature-focused weekend getaway, here’s how to do that based on climate.

Weekend getaways to escape election stress—ideas for cooler climates

Get out of the city at a remote cabin. Renting a remote cabin is one of the best ways to escape the stress in a colder climate. You can stay indoors and cuddle up or venture into the unknown at your leisure. Whether looking for a cabin in the Berkshires or an A-Frame outside Seattle, there’s a home base waiting for you. Bonus points if you can’t see or hear anyone else.
Head to the beach. Beaches are usually empty during cold months. So if you’ve got a hankering to be alone and surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, a beach excursion might be perfect for you. Just make sure to bundle up.
Get out on the water. Sure, you might not be taking a dip in colder climates, but water is known for its soothing and relaxing qualities. Whether kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, you’ll benefit from the gentle sounds and sights of coasting along the surface.
Let the bonfire lull you to a peaceful state. Whether or not you can get away for the weekend, you might be able to put together a great bonfire. Bonfires also open up the chance to invite over friends, along with cooking over the open flames. I’m talking about desserts like s’mores along with savory favorites like bratwurst.

Weekend getaways to escape election stress—ideas for warmer climates

Camp it out. Get away from the noise and hustle at your favorite campsite. Alternatively, if you really want to escape the city and stress, get out of dodge by exploring a brand-new campground. Similar to beaches in colder climates, many campsites empty out during autumn with kids back in school.
Get out on the water. In a warmer climate, you can get out on the water however you’d like. Those with boats are particularly able to escape the noise by heading straight to the center of a peaceful lake or past the surf into the ocean. Once again, don’t forget about the soothing power of water.
Join a sports team/league. Ever wanted to pick up a strange new venture like frisbee golf or paddleball? Now is the perfect time. Playing sports in natural settings gives you the benefit of nature’s healing powers, along with the ever-beneficial rush of endorphins from exercise.
Create a scavenger hunt with your family. Depending on what sort of parks and public spaces you’re working with, creating a scavenger hunt can be a welcome distraction. Think of it like an Easter Egg hunt—just themed differently.

Medical Tourism for Americans: How to Get a Full Medical Check Up Abroad

Traveling for medical care isn’t the coolest reason to hit the road.

But it’s a growing reality for many Americans. As healthcare becomes more expensive and confusing, thousands of Americans are packing their bags and heading abroad.

Some are seeking out specialized forms of care that they can’t find in the United States, such as state-of-the-art oncology procedures or fertility treatments. Some are simply looking for affordable cosmetic surgeries, from hair transplants to BBLs.

Others just want a straightforward check up.

Over the last five years, as American interest in medical check ups increases, high-end hospitals have popped up around the globe. They’ve opened their doors to (at least partly) cater to foreigners searching for reliable medical care.

From blood tests to cavity fillings to kidney panels, these check ups offer comprehensive testing at affordable price points. Depending on where you go, that check-up might only cost a few hundred dollars.

If you’ve been considering a full medical check up while abroad, I highly encourage you look into one of the options listed here. While most doctors worldwide speak some English, I’ve also included an option from London

Get a medical check up at Memorial Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Want to know how much a comprehensive medical check up abroad will cost you at Memorial Hospital in Istanbul? According to previous American visitors, they received a full range of diagnostic and screening procedures for around $370.

That doesn’t include flights to and from Turkey—but it does include a blood test, heart test, dental check up, chest X-rays, reproductive check up, urine tests, cardiologist exam, abdominal ultrasounds, and complimentary breakfast.

There is one caveat. I’ve seen some visitors note that after the doctors discovered an issue, the treatments were more expensive than anticipated. However, procedures are still guaranteed to be cheaper than in the US for most citizens with basic healthcare.

Check out the check up

Get a medical check up at Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Want to experience a check up in the lap of luxury? I was stunned the first time I read reviews about Bumrungrad’s check up program.

First and foremost, it’s renowned for its comprehensive and thorough procedure lists, which come with optional add-ons for those with additional health concerns.

Additionally, Bumrungrad categorizes its check up options according to age and gender, allowing you to get more specialized care.

For a woman in her thirties, the cost of a full medical check up abroad at Bumrungrad is around $900. That includes just about every element of a physical exam that you can imagine—from urine, fecal, and blood exams to chest X-rays and abdominal ultrasounds.

Check out the check up

Get a medical check up at Harley Street Health Centre

London, England

If you’re heading to the UK anytime soon, consider adding on a day to visit the Harley Street Health Centre—this center has come highly recommended by a digital nomad friend of mine.

For around $900, visitors can get a full health check up that includes all the basics.

However, Harley Street offers a range of testing options and check ups that guests need to select themselves. That’s ideal for those who have specific questions and pains in mind. Those who aren’t sure what to focus on can first see a general practitioner who will then recommend additional services and tests.

Check out the check up

5 Economy Airlines That Offer Lie-Flat Beds

What if I told you that airlines are tightening their focus on projects that make long-haul economy flights more comfortable—and not only for elite flyers?

It’s not rumor or wishful thinking.

The future of lie-flat beds, which can be adapted for a three-row economy seat section, is almost here.

Surprisingly, lie-flat beds aren’t even a new concept in air travel. This novel idea was first covered back in 2010 when Air New Zealand released its novel sky-couch model.

The sky couch, which is still offered today, uses specialized panels that bridge the space between your seat and those in front of you to create a mini-bed out of the whole row.

Voila. A lie-flat bed at 35,000 feet.

And that’s not all Air New Zealand is doing. The airline has plans to revolutionize economy air travel even more with its insane-sounding bunk bed economy lie-flat plan, which recently launched for flights between New York and Chicago.

These unique sleeping pods are called SkyNests—and I’d bet a few pennies other airlines are going to take notes.

For now, let’s focus on those lie-flat beds. What began with an innovative new concept from Air New Zealand has since spread to other smaller airlines. No more missing out on better bookings. Here are the five economy airlines that offer lie-flat beds as of 2024.

Airlines that offer lie-flat beds

Air New Zealand

As the original creator and purveyor of the Skycouch, it doesn’t get much better than flying with Air New Zealand.

Its Skycouch extends your total sleeping space to 5’1, while also widening the makeshift bed enough for two adults to comfortably lie down. The smaller you are, the more comfortable you’ll be.

The Skycouch comes with other features like a specialized seatbelt that’s designed to be comfortable to wear while laying down. As someone who lives in fear of turbulence, I’m a big fan of Air New Zealand’s ‘cuddle belt’.

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Shortly after Air New Zealand launched its Skycouch, Brazil’s Azul Brazilian Airlines created its own Skysofa model.

This is distinct in that Azul’s airplanes use a two-four-two seating block arrangement—meaning passengers get even more space with the Skysofa.

Rather than solely focusing on passengers who want to catch some shut-eye, Azul’s Skysofa is also ideal for families traveling with small children. The Skysofa is a more comfortable and group-oriented way to travel.

Air Astana

Air Astana is an airline based in Kazakhstan that serves the Central Asia region. Solo passengers have the option to book an Economy Sleeper—which is actually a different cabin than the standard economy seats.

Unlike the Skycouch and Skysofa, Air Astana’s Economy Sleeper offers a flat sleeping surface without a leg-rest pop-out. That means it’s a narrow bed that’s suitable for solo passengers only.

But it comes with some unique features, like separate boarding and in-flight entertainment, that make it worth the price tag.

All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways, based in Japan, offers a stellar experience via its Sky Couchii options. Like the Skycouch, leg inserts pull out to create a wide and comfortable bed. This allows couples or families to fly in greater comfort.

Similar to Azul, some of the planes that offer the Sky Couchii have four rows, which adds even more space. Once again, that makes it a great option for families flying long-haul with mulitple children.

Airlines that offer similar solutions

Lufthansa

Next, we have Lufthansa’s Sleeper’s Row model. Unlike the options listed above, this isn’t a specialized setup. In other words, there are no panels that pop out to create a comfortable bed or sofa-like setup.

Instead, Lufthansa gives passengers the option to book the whole row on certain flights.

What I like about this option is that it’s offered according to availability. While that means they aren’t always bookable, it also means that Sleeper’s Rows are more affordable. You can add on this option for between $180-250 on a long-haul flight—which isn’t a bad deal.