How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Nashville

Known as the country music capital of the world, Nashville, Tennessee, has become a popular destination, not only for country and other live music, but for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Despite its rising popularity as a party hotspot, Nashville has so much more to offer, including some of the best Southern cuisine throughout all of the U.S., stunning state parks, museums, historic attractions.

If you’re heading to Nashville–but only for a weekend–read on to discover the best things to do during a short trip to Tennessee’s bustling capital city.

Outside the Grand Ole Opry. — Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock

The Best Things To Do In Nashville

If you’re visiting Nashville, you’ll want to pay your respects to its famed music scene. Many of Nashville’s main attractions revolve around music, and if you’re only in Nashville for a weekend, these are the main attractions you’ll want to see.

Grand Ole Opry

Arguably Nashville’s most famous attraction, the Grand Ole Opry is an iconic venue named after a Nashville radio show founded in 1925. The program was marketed as a one-hour radio “barn dance.”

Since its inception, the Grand Ole Opry has hosted some of the most famous country, bluegrass, folk, comedy, and gospel artists, including Trace Adkins, Bill Carlisle, Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash, the Carter Sisters, Rose Maddox, and many, many more.

Ryman Auditorium

Best known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, Ryman Auditorium is a 2,362-seat live performance venue dating back to the late 1800s.

Ryman Auditorium is the alleged birthplace of bluegrass, which some say was born when Earl Scruggs made his debut there with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in a performance that served as the prototype for the bluegrass sound.

In 2017, the auditorium was inducted into the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Hall of Fame in recognition of its reputation as a leading live entertainment venue.

The Parthenon

Yep, that’s right, you read correctly: the Parthenon! It’s just like the one in Greece, except it’s situated in Nashville.

The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the original structure in Athens. It stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, the city’s leading and most popular urban park, and also serves as Nashville’s art museum, housing 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by
James M. Cowan–a passionate art collector who decided to anonymously donate a portion of his collection as soon as he knew the Parthenon was being constructed.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Museum

Known as one of the world’s largest museum and research centers dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American vernacular music, Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame Museum houses one of the world’s most extensive musical collections.

Travelers visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum in 2019 can check out The Judds: Dream Chasers, an exhibit highlighting the story of the famous mother-daughter duo, or Little Big Town: The Power of Four, a special exhibit telling the story of the group’s history, from their early years to their Grammy-winning fame.

Free Things To Do In Nashville

Centennial Park

Home of Nashville’s full-scale Parthenon replica, Centennial Park boasts 132-acres and features a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a band shell, an events shelter, sand volleyball courts, a dog park, and an exercise trail. You won’t run out of things to do at this wonderful free park!

Free Live Music At The Bluebird Cafe

This intimate venue invites you to enjoy the tunes of local artists and songwriters–no cover charge–at daily performances. Times depend on the day of the week; check the event calendar here to see who’s show you can enjoy during your visit. Note that there is a $10 food or drink minimum per person during shows.

While country music is the hometown favorite, the Bluebird Cafe features artists who perform everything from pop and rock to contemporary Christian.

Tennessee State Museum

The Tennessee State Museum invites visitors to learn about the history of The Volunteer State and to view historic artifacts from our nation’s history. The museum features paintings, a print shop, and historic weapons. Its mission: to collect, preserve, and interpret the material culture of Tennessee and Tennesseans.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Another beautiful park in Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is situated in downtown. It’s a 19-acre park with a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II memorial, a 95-Bell Carillon, a Pathway of History, and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. The park also features native plant species from different regions of the state.

Hattie B's Chicken. — Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

The Best Restaurants To In Nashville

Nashville is home to some delicious Southern cooking, with popular dishes including fried pickles, fried sweet potatoes, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, country ham, hot chicken, and biscuits and gravy. Check out the following best restaurants in Nashville:

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

A more affordable local favorite known for serving the best hot chicken in town, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has several locations throughout Nashville and is an ideal option for some good, cheap Southern cooking.

To get their secret recipe just right, Hattie B’s fries their chicken, then bastes the meat in a fiery spice mix not fit for the faint of heart! When dining at Hattie B’s, be sure to round out your meal with some essential Southern comforts, such as pimento mac and cheese, black-eyed pea salad, or seasonal fruit cobbler.

Etch Restaurant

An open-kitchen setting with eclectic, upscale dining, Etch Restaurant is located at the bottom of Encore Tower in downtown Nashville. The menu features famous dishes such as duck tart, lamb loin, veal and shiitake meatballs, and scallops. The restaurant’s chef, Deb Paquette, was the first woman in Tennessee to qualify as a certified executive chef.

Monell’s Dining And Catering

The top-rated restaurant in Nashville according to TripAdvisor, Monell’s Dining and Catering is yet another sought-after eatery, serving some of the best Southern meals in the city. Known for its fried chicken, pork ribs, roast beef, mac and cheese, and turnip greens, Monell’s is dedicated to serving family style Southern food in a hospitable atmosphere.

Downtown Nashville. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Best Hotels In Nashville

Nashville offers travelers several neighborhoods to choose from when deciding where to stay. Whether you want to check into the city’s bustling downtown area, be closest to the best nightlife, stay in more sprawling accommodations, or be close to Nashville’s renowned music scene, there’s something for every traveler.

Downtown

Downtown Nashville is home to several of the city’s main attractions and activities, including many of its art galleries, Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum. The city’s lively and vibrant character comes to life in downtown Nashville!

Midtown/Vanderbilt/West End

Midtown, commonly referred to as the West End, is known for its thriving nightlife scene, with clubs and bars lauded for their live music, drag shows, and LGBT-friendly atmosphere. It is also home to Centennial Park and the Parthenon, a true-to-size replica of the famous Grecian structure.

Music Valley And Music Row

If you’re traveling to Nashville to indulge in its celebrated country-music scene, you’ll undoubtedly want to look for accommodations in Music Valley or Music Row. Both neighborhoods are home to country music hotspots, famous recording studios, and renowned music halls including the Historic RCA Studio B and the Grand Ole Opry.

The Gulch

The Gulch is a more luxurious neighborhood in Nashville known for its industrial history, dining experiences, and high-end boutiques. It is the first LEED-certified neighborhood in the South–meaning it boasts innovative environmental design–plus, it’s home to the Station Inn, the city’s best live bluegrass venue.

How To Get Around Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, is the epitome of Southern charm. It’s green, quaint, warm, and home to friendly locals and unique historic sites.

A coastal city, Savannah is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River and is known for its horse-drawn carriages, antebellum architecture, and perfectly groomed parks.

Visitors are drawn to the Savannah Historic District, an area teeming with cobblestone squares and parks. The best known of these squares and parks are Forsyth Park, Orleans Square, and Reynolds Square. There are countless landmarks throughout the city, including the beautiful Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, which was constructed in the late 1800s in the Gothic Revival style.

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful Georgia city but are unsure of how you’ll get around once you arrive, there’s no need to worry.

There are several ways to reach Savannah from the airport, and once you’re there, there are plenty of options for getting around, including public transportation, rideshare services, ferries, rental cars, and, of course, your own two feet!

How Should I Get To And From The Airport?

There are several ways to get to and from Savannah’s major airport, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, which is located northwest of the city center.

The 20-minute taxi ride from the airport to the Savannah Historic District costs $28. A ride to Hutchinson Island from the airport costs $34, and a ride to Southside Savannah costs $36.

The airport has a taxi rate system that outlines pricing to and from the airport for multiple locations throughout Savannah, including Skidaway Island, Tybee Island, various military locations, and Hilton Head Island.

The airport is served by a number of shuttles, including the GO airport shuttles. In addition to the shuttles, GO’s ground transportation system provides private vans, private cars, airport taxi service, and airport limousine service.

If you are seeking a more lavish travel experience, you may want to research Luxury Savannah Limo & Car Service, which caters to high-end clients and offers van, limo, and car service to and from the airport. The company’s larger vehicles can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Uber and Lyft offer rides to Savannah’s Historic District from the airport and vice versa for about $20. Just keep in mind that the price will vary, depending on what time of day you are arriving at or departing from the airport.

Should I Rent A Car?

This depends entirely on your plans. If you plan to venture outside the city to Tybee Island, Skidaway Island, Hilton Head Island, the Wormsloe State Historic Site, or any of the beaches, historic forts, or lighthouses in the area, you’ll likely want to rent a car.

Renting a car can also save you some extra money on airport transfers. As previously mentioned, airport transfers can cost up to $36 each way. There are some companies that offer car rentals for a mere $20 per day, allowing travelers to save on airport transfers and other public transportation fees.

How Walkable Is Savannah?

Savannah is organized around 22 park squares that make up one of the largest public spaces in the United States.

Savannah is a pleasantly walkable city. Visitors can easily roam its streets and explore its many beautiful parks, historic mansions, quaint boutique shops, and downtown restaurants.

Travelers walking through Savannah can get up close and personal with the city’s unique and impressive architecture, including the Flannery O’Connor House, the Davenport House Museum, the Mercer Williams House Museum, the Cotton Exchange, the Congregation Mickve Israel, and buildings in the rare Steamboat Gothic style.

While Savannah is very safe, and you’ll see many tourists walking about throughout the city, travelers should take normal precautions in order to avoid theft and other petty crimes. Make sure to keep your belongings close, avoid alleys, and take an Uber or Lyft when returning to your accommodation late at night.

What Is Savannah’s Public Transportation Like?

If your feet are tired and you want to take public transportation to explore all that Savannah has to offer, you’re in luck!

The city’s Chatham Area Transit provider offers 15 fixed bus routes in the Savannah area. One-way fares cost $1.50, and discounted weekly and monthly passes are available.

The Dot is a fare-free service that helps visitors and residents get around downtown Savannah. This express shuttle runs every 10 minutes, has free Wi-Fi, is ADA accessible, and connects to municipal parking facilities, visitors centers, and the ferry. The shuttle makes 24 stops in the Savannah Historic District and includes the Savannah Belles Ferry system.

Can I Get Around Savannah By Boat?

You can! A nostalgic form of transportation in Savannah is the Savannah Belles Ferry system. The ferries resemble the vessels that could be seen on the Savannah River a century ago. The four distinct ferries — the Juliette Gordon Low, the Susie King Taylor, the Florence Martus, and the Mary Musgrove — are named for strong women who helped shape the city of Savannah’s history.

The ferries connect downtown to Hutchinson Island, Waving Girl Landing, and the Savannah Convention Center. They run daily from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., though service to Waving Girl Landing ends at 6 p.m.

The Savannah Belles Ferry system is ADA accessible and allows service animals, pets in carriers, and non-aggressive dogs on leashes. Ferry service may be canceled without notice due to inclement weather or river traffic.

How Can I Get To Atlanta From Savannah?

There are a number of ways to reach Atlanta from Savannah. Atlanta is situated about 250 miles from Savannah. If you opt to rent a car while in Savannah, driving to Atlanta will take about three hours and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Taking the Greyhound bus from Savannah to Atlanta costs between $37 and $39, and the trip takes approximately four hours and 25 minutes. Greyhound buses are comfortable and offer free Wi-Fi.

Travelers also have the option of flying from Savannah to Atlanta. Nonstop flights from Savannah to Atlanta take one hour and five minutes and cost around $200.

Make sure to book a room at one of the best hotels in Savannah, Georgia.

Photo Credit: John Wollwerth / Shutterstock

Traveling To Venice, Italy: What To Know Before You Go

Venice, Italy is one of the most dreamlike and romantic places on earth. You’ve probably grown up seeing idealized images of Venice in magazines like National Geographic that provided a fantasized version of what Venice, Italy is like: the traditional gondolas, the stunning canals, the endless bridges… So, the question remains: Is this what Venice is like in real life?

When you first get off the plane in Venice, it seems hard to believe that a stunning canal-lined city surrounded by the Adriatic Sea exists just a few short miles away. It’s not until you hop into your water taxi and are driving down the Venetian Lagoon that you realize you really are in Venice, and that it really is like those photos you grew up seeing.

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and is the capital of the Veneto region. It is nestled amongst a group of 118 small islands separated by canals, and linked by over 400 bridges, hence where it gets the nicknames the “City of Canals” and the “City of Bridges.”

The following information will provide you with everything you need to know in order to plan a trip to this unparalleled and unique Italian city, including the weather, best things to see, what to eat, where to stay, and how to get around.

Venice from the water — Shutterstock / givaga

Weather In Venice

Average High/Low Temperatures by Month

January: 45°/32°F
February: 48°/33°F
March: 55°/40°F
April: 62°/47°F
May: 71°/55°F
June: 78°/62°F
July: 83°/66°F
August: 82°/65°F
September: 75°/58°F
October: 65°/50°F
November: 54°/41°F
December: 46°/33°F

Months with the Most Rainfall

June: 11 days
November: 11 days
August: 9 days

The Climate in Venice

Venice has a Mediterranean climate with hot weather and high humidity in July and August. July is the hottest month in Venice with an average temperature of 73°F, and it is also the month with the most daily sunshine hours. Violent thunderstorms and flooding are common in Venice.

June and November are Venice’s wettest months, and winter months see chilly weather. Winter in Venice welcomes frequent and sometimes freezing fogs, especially in January.

The Best Time to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is during spring months. Spring offers favorable temperatures ideal for sightseeing, especially in May. In May, the cold of winter diminishes and days are comfortably warm.

The Carnival of Venice is one of the biggest celebrations in Italy, occurring each year in February. Though February is a cooler month in Venice, it is a great time to visit, due to this world-renowned celebration.

What to Pack for a Trip to Venice

Since Venice sees four seasons, it’s important to pack for the weather when planning a trip to Venice.

If you’re visiting during winter months, be sure to bring warm clothes. If you’re traveling to Venice in summer, be aware that it can get very hot, so you’ll want the works: sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, light clothing, and, of course, comfortable walking shoes!

If you happen to visit Venice during its rainy season, namely in November, make sure you come fully prepared with rain boots and an umbrella.

Piazza San Marco in Venice — Shutterstock / Catarina Belova

Best Things To See In Venice

There are endless things to see and do in Venice, from its bustling plazas to its stunning canals, bridges, and basilicas.

1. Piazza San Marco

Commonly referred to as St. Mark’s Square, Piazza San Marco is the city’s principal square, with several prominent buildings and landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Clocktower. Spend the day touring these sites, watching the hundreds of pigeons that frequent the square or indulge in some delicious Italian favorites at the plaza’s many surrounding restaurants and cafes.

2. Grand Canal

Forming one of the major water-traffic corridors in Venice, Grand Canal follows a natural channel that traces a reverse-S from St. Mark’s Basilica to Santa Chiara Church. Travelers can take a traditional poled gondola ride along Grand Canal, or watch as motorized water buses and private water taxis zip through the area.

3. St. Mark’s Basilica

Situated in Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It’s undeniably the city’s most famous church and is best known for its Italo-Byzantine architecture.

4. Rialto Bridge

The oldest of four bridges that span Venice’s Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is a stone-arch bridge built at the end of the 16th century. The bridge is renowned as an architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance.

5. Bridge of Sighs

Another prominent bridge in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs gets in name from a suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their last glimpses of Venice, just before being taken to their cells. Made of white limestone, the Bridge of Sighs passes over the Rio di Palazzo, connecting the New Prison to interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace.

Best Food To Eat In Venice

1. Sarde in saor

A sweet-and-sour (agrodolce) dish, sarde in saor consists of fried sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onions, raisins, and pine nuts. It was originally consumed during the Middle Ages as a means of preservation for Venetian sailors and fisherman. The word saor itself refers to the technique of marinating food in vinegar.

2. Bigoli in salsa

In Italian, bigoli are long, thick, whole-wheat pasta noodles that resemble spaghetti. The sauce on bigoli consists of onion and salt-cured fish, namely sardines or anchovies. Bigoli in salsa is traditionally served on lean days, such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday. This simple dish is bursting with flavor and will have you saying, “Now, that’s amore!”

3. Dried and salted cod

Venetian salted cod, called baccalà mantecato in Italian, is one of the most popular ways of preparing cod in Italy, especially in Venice. The salted cod is typically beaten with milk and peanut oil until whipped. It is usually served on a bread crostini or atop baked polenta.

4. Cicchetti

Known as Venetian antipasti, cicchetti are delicious, cheap dishes unique to Venice. Cicchetti is small plates or finger foods, similar to tapas in Spain. These small plates are usually enjoyed out at a restaurant with friends and family, accompanied by a glass of wine or spritzer and good conversation.

Other Things To Do In Venice

Take an Italian Cooking Class

One of Italy’s greatest appeals is its cuisine, and what better way to spend your time in Venice than learning to cook like a true Italian?

There are endless cooking classes held throughout Venice, but Mama Isa’s Cooking School is our pick and was awarded as Italy’s top cooking school by the New York Times.

Travelers can choose between a half-day, full-day, or pizza cooking class. Mama Isa herself is a chef, cooking class teacher, and “sfoglina,” known in Venice as a pasta specialist. She has more than 10 years of experience hosting cooking classes in Italy, teaching visitors how to make their own homemade pasta, toss their own pizza dough, or make risotto from scratch.

Hop on a Gondola Ride

It wouldn’t be a trip to Venice without hopping on a gondola ride and being serenaded by a gondolier. While riding a gondola in Venice may be a slight tourist trap, it’s one that no traveler should be ashamed to partake in.

Gondolas have been a primary form of transportation in Venice since the 12th century, up until speedboats started taking their place in the 20th century.

While gondolas are still considered a mode of transportation in Venice, their main purpose is to guide tourists through the picturesque canals of the city, while gazing upon centuries-old Baroque buildings and breathing in that fresh Adriatic Sea breeze.

Best Kept Secret In Venice

Libreria Acqua Alta

Arguably one of the most unique bookstores in the world, Libreria Acqua Alta has rejected Venice’s constant state of flooding by keeping its collection of books in boats, gondolas, canoes, and tanks.

Located in Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, Libreria Acqua Alta sells a massive collection of books in all languages that cover every topic imaginable, including art, food, sport, cinema, fiction, and non-fiction.

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the out-of-the-ordinary bookstore is a must-see when visiting Venice. This dream-like attraction invites visitors to explore its endless“bookshelves” and get lost with some literature in its encyclopedia-lined staircases.

San Marco Venice — Shutterstock / Habrus Liudmila

Best Areas To Stay In Venice

Neighborhoods in Venice are called sestieres, and there are several wonderful areas to choose from when looking for accommodations in Venice.

1. San Marco

San Marco is situated in the heart of Venice and is home to the largest number of museums, tourist attractions, and monuments. Though this is arguably the most beautiful area to stay in Venice, keep in mind it may also be the most crowded, and the most expensive.

2. Cannaregio

Cannaregio is a more authentic alternative to neighborhoods like San Marco, and is home to Venice’s Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest throughout all of Europe. This is a great choice for travelers that like to get a bit off the beaten path. Sites to see in Cannaregio include the Church of Madonna dell’Orto and Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

3. Castello

Castellois the largest sestiere in Venice, dating back to the 13th century. It’s yet another very local and very authentic neighborhood in the city and is a great option for those who are looking to save on accommodations.

4. Dorsoduro

A true tale of two cities, Dorsoduro is known for having both a tranquil daytime ambiance and a bustling nightlife. Dorsoduro is home to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice’s most renowned art gallery.

How To Get Around In Venice

One of the main aspects of Venice that makes it so unique is its presence of canals in place of roads. Venice is made up of more than 150 canals, thus there are no cars in the city. It’s undeniably what gives Venice it’s romantic appeal, but how does one get around without road transportation?

Since Venice is quite small, the best way to see the city is on foot, and you can easily walk to all of the city’s main attractions. Though Venice can be seen primarily on foot, there are some options for those that wish to take advantage of Venice’s water transportation. There are bus-boats that serve as public transportation in Venice, though it costs a pretty penny. A one-way fare that’s good for one hour costs €7.50.

A more affordable alternative to Venice’s bus-boats is something called a “traghetto.” A traghetto is a gondola-like boat that takes visitors from one side of Grand Canal to the other for only a couple of euros. There’s nothing fancy or romantic about these boats, but they’re used by locals and will give you a more authentic take on public transportation in Venice.

Key Phrases To Know In Italian

While Venice is, in fact, a very popular tourist destination, I myself was surprised to discover that not many Italians spoke English when I visited the beautiful canal-lined city a few years back.

When you are visiting touristy areas throughout Venice, namely Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark’s Basilica, etc., there will be more people that people English, such as restaurant and hotel employees. But don’t expect this to always be the case!

It would probably be in your best interest to learn and practice some key Italian phrases before heading to Venice. You probably already know a few Italian phrases or words without even realizing it!

The following basic phrases will undeniably help you navigate your way through Venice. Even if you don’t use them in conversation, being able to recognize the following words or phrases on signs could help make your trip a little easier (like knowing how to read the word for “bathroom,” for instance).

Hello: Ciao
Good morning: Buon giorno
Goodbye: Ciao
Please: Per favore
Thank you: Grazie
Yes/No: Si/No
You’re welcome: Prego
Excuse me: Mi scusi
How much?: Quanto?
Bathroom: Bagno
Can you help me?: Me potete aiutare?
Do you speak English? Parla inglese?

Things To Know About Italian/Venetian Culture

1. The Art of Ordering Coffee

Italians have a very particular way of drinking coffee, and you’ll get some head scratches or maybe even some under-the-breath chuckles if you don’t follow suit. The best way to prove you’re a foreigner in Italy is by not knowing how to order coffee.

In the morning, Italians only drink cappuccino or macchiato. Anytime after 12 p.m., you no longer consume any beverage that contains milk, thus will be ordering espresso and only espresso if choosing to drink coffee in the afternoon or evening.

Coffee is also known for costing exactly €1.30 throughout Italy, so never pay more than this. There also is no such thing as coffee to-go, so expect to stand at a bar or sit at a table while consuming your morning or afternoon coffee.

2. Siesta: It’s Important

Like Spain, Italy takes its midday nap time very seriously. Except for the city center in major cities throughout Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, etc.), shops, restaurants, and businesses will close during siesta.

Siesta in Italy normally occurs between 1-4 p.m. It’s a time for Italians to go home, eat lunch with their families, and relax before heading back to work.

3. Eating Late

Italians are also known for eating dinner quite late, and restaurants will follow this schedule. Don’t expect dinner restaurants to be open until about 7 p.m. or later throughout Italy.

10 Things To Know About Immunizations And Medications Before You Travel

You’ve booked a hotel, you’ve got your passport, and you found a great rate on a flight. Now, you’re counting the days until your adventure begins. There’s just one problem: If you haven’t thought about healthcare, that trip might not happen.

To travel responsibly, you need to think carefully about immunizations, prescriptions, and other medical necessities. If this is your first time leaving the country, that can be overwhelming. Fortunately, it’s actually a pretty easy process, provided that you start planning early.

We spoke with physicians to find out what travelers need to know when going abroad–and what they can do to enjoy their trips with total peace of mind.

1. Know Your Travel Destination

This might seem obvious, but if you’re traveling internationally–or even domestically–you should know the likelihood of contracting serious diseases at your destination. Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make that process fairly easy.

“Beyond just what tourist destinations to visit, you want to know if there is anything medically going on in the area,” explains Frank Illuzzi, M.D. Illuzzi is a practicing board-certified physician in emergency medicine and is currently the Chief Medical Officer at CityMD, a network of urgent care centers.

“Before traveling, I visit cdc.gov, which has a section on traveler’s health,” he says. “It will let you know if there are any health advisories or outbreaks in that country–such as Zika, malaria or Ebola outbreaks. It will even tell you if there is a seasonal illness, such as the flu, or a heat wave, in which case you should be aware. The CDC also lists prior immunizations you need before going visiting. This is helpful because you’ll need to get any vaccinations a couple of weeks before you go.”

In particularly dangerous circumstances, the CDC will issue Level 3 warnings. Travelers shouldn’t visit an area given this designation unless it’s absolutely necessary. Level 2 warnings from the CDC are less extreme, but still quite serious. The CDC instructs travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” before traveling to these regions.

Finally, there’s Watch Level 1, which is applied to any place in the world where health risks are at normal levels. While the CDC website is an essential stop in the vacation-planning process, other sites can also provide helpful information for the health-conscious traveler.

“The other website I recommend is travel.state.gov,” says Illuzzi. “It has a tab for international travel and will give you an overview of the country–any advisories, political situations, as well as a list of major hospitals, English speaking doctors, and so on.”

2. Give Yourself Enough Time

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to get your immunizations in the week before you travel. Depending on where you’re going, you might need several weeks to get up to date.

“The hepatitis A vaccine is two doses, so you need to have time to fit both in before you travel. Malaria prophylaxis often starts before you leave as well,” says Monica Wood, M.D. Wood founded SectAway, a mosquito repellent system. She’s passionate about managing disease exposure–particularly malaria. “It may take time to see a travel specialist and order certain vaccines,” she says.

In theory, you could take immunizations and medications after you arrive at your destination, but that’s not always a safe plan. Antimalarial meds, for instance, should always be purchased in the United States. The CDC notes that in some countries with malaria risks, counterfeit or substandard medicines are relatively common, and they may not be effective for limiting risks.

To further complicate the matter, the CDC also recommends different antimalarial medications for different countries (you can find their current recommendations here). That’s because some strains of malaria are resistant to certain medications.

3. Remember, Some Vaccines Might Not Be Available In Your Area

Kelly Hayes-Raitt is an author who travels full time. On a recent trip to Mozambique, she realized that medications aren’t always accessible–even for a person with decent insurance.

“There is a global yellow fever vaccine shortage, so I had to rearrange my travel itinerary to ensure I didn’t travel through a country with yellow fever, or I would have been denied entry into Mozambique,” Hayes-Raitt shared. “And there are several different anti-malarial prophylactics depending on your destination. Not all of those medications are available.”

“For example, I was travelling from Mexico to Mozambique, but could not find mefloquine anywhere in Mexico! I had to make arrangements to have it brought to me from the States. Luckily, I had started researching these medications several weeks before my trip. Had I waited until the last minute, I would have been stuck.”

The takeaway is clear: To stay safe, you need plenty of time. Talk to your physician immediately after–or even before–planning your trip.

4. Get Help Weighing Your Risks

Let’s be clear: For the most part, immunizations are a good thing. However, understand that your physician will look at a variety of factors when making recommendations, including your age and medical history.

“Some recommendations vary with age,” Wood explains. “The yellow fever vaccine has increased risk with age and has to be balanced with the relative risk of contracting yellow fever while you travel. A fellow physician friend went to the Amazon recently, and he opted out of yellow fever [vaccination] because the risk of infection was low and the risk of a vaccine reaction was high.”

That doesn’t mean that you should head into your doctor’s office with a list of vaccinations that you will or won’t take–you simply need to find a physician with experience in travel vaccination schedules who can accurately explain the risks and benefits of different options. That way, you’ll be able to make educated, appropriate decisions about your medical care.

5. Don’t Assume That You’re Already Up To Date

You visit the doctor regularly and you’re pretty sure you’ve been vaccinated against common diseases. You’re in the clear, right?

Not quite.

“The family that started the measles outbreak in Vancouver lost track of the fact that they had opted out of measles vaccines years before,” Wood says. “My biggest piece of advice is to compile your vaccination records to make sure you are up to date on all the routine ones–MMR, TDaP, Hib, flu, rotavirus, and so on. There’s no sense preventing yellow fever and malaria if you bring home whooping cough!”

The CDC compiles a list of immunization recommendations by age, which is a great starting point for checking your routine vaccinations. For adults, the CDC recommends seasonal flu (influenza) and TDaP (whooping cough) vaccinations. Past 50, you should add the zoster vaccine, which protects against shingles and complications associated with the disease.

If you’re 65 or older, you’ll also need pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against infections in the lungs and bloodstream. Once again, talk to your physician; assumptions can put you at risk, and vaccination records can be checked with relative ease.

6. Know Your Medications

Once you’ve sorted out your immunizations, make sure that you’ve got your other prescriptions sorted out.

“If you have a complicated medical history, write it down so it’s easy to translate,” Illuzzi suggests. “I have family members with heart problems and recommend they take a photo of their most recent EKG and shrink it down to a wallet size.”

That way, if a foreign physician needs to see the EKG, it’s ready. Illuzzi says that a bit of preparation can go a long way if you somehow lose your prescriptions overseas.

“Write out your medication list and put it on your phone, including the generic name, which is helpful in other countries,” he says. “Make sure to also include allergies to medications and foods, along with the name, number, and email of your primary care doctor. I like when my patients tell me they are going away so I can help troubleshoot if they have issues while abroad.”

Finally, don’t assume that your planned travel time will be your actual travel time.

“If you have medications, bringing enough prescriptions on the trip for several extra days,” Illuzzi says. “Assume your plane will get delayed on the way back, or you’ll get snowed in while [in] Paris or Rome.”

7. Know Your Insurance

If you need to see a doctor while you’re traveling internationally, you might have to pay for the privilege. Some insurers cover out-of-country expenses, but unless you’ve checked, you shouldn’t assume that your insurance will work anywhere.

“Keep both your insurance information handy as well as an emergency contact state-side,” Illuzzi says. “Go online or call your health insurance provider and find out what is covered. Some plans will not cover anything that happens outside the U.S.”

If your insurance carrier doesn’t cover international claims, consider other means of coverage.

“Some homeowner or umbrella policies have international or medical coverage, and some of the higher-end credit cards also offer international medical insurance,” Illuzzi says. “Once you know what is and is not covered, you’ll need to make a decision whether to purchase travel insurance.”

Travel insurance policies can be inexpensive–basic plans often cost less than $100–and they’re usually a worthwhile investment.

“Ask yourself: Do you have medical problems? Are you hiking in the Andes and may get hurt?,” Illuzzi says. “If you do, there are companies that offer medical insurance abroad. Just know that there are different types of travel insurance, and you want to see what the line item is for medical insurance.”

8. Know How You’ll Pay For Medical Treatment

If you do need healthcare in another country, you’ll need to keep good records.

“Generally, you have to pay upfront,” Illuzzi says. “Save the receipts, and [your insurer] will reimburse you when you get back.”

That said, Illuzzi emphasizes that “you need to be prepared to have enough money accessible in case of an emergency,” and that preparation will differ from country to country. “Some may have socialized medicine, and you may never get charged.”

Once again, the CDC’s Travelers’ Health site is a great resource for checking healthcare access in your destination country.

“In most places in the Western world, it’s easy to access medicine,” Illuzzi says. “You can often speak to the concierge at your hotel who can direct you to a clinic or hospital. If you are in a more remote area, it will be more challenging. Lean on your resources, such as your travel or hiking guide.”

Of course, you don’t want to find yourself thumbing through the Yellow Pages (or your destination country’s local equivalent) when you’re having a medical emergency. Through travel.state.gov, you can find the locations and contact information for your local U.S. embassy or consulate, which can be vital information.

“I recommend that my patients and family members print that information and keep [it] with their wallet or passport where it can easily be accessed,” Illuzzi says.

9. Know Where To Find The Best Care

If you come down with a cold or a minor flu, you can probably head to any local physician for help. If your situation is more serious, however, your quality of care matters.

“If I’m in a remote destination or a developing [area], I like to know where the teaching hospitals are, because they often have the most advanced equipment as well as English-speaking providers or other international providers,” Illuzzi says.

“Some countries have hospitals just for foreigners. When I was in China, there were two hospital systems: the public hospital system and foreign hospitals, which were staffed with international physicians.”

The CDC recommends checking the qualifications of health care providers. Foreign health care facilities often have different standards than facilities in the United States, but accrediting bodies like Joint Commission International, DNV International Accreditation for Hospitals, and the International Society for Quality in Healthcare can help you find reputable facilities throughout the world.

10. Don’t Rely On Immunizations Alone

You’ve got your immunization records, you’ve got your prescriptions renewed, and you know where to go for medical care. Now what?

“Prevention isn’t just vaccines and medications,” Wood says. “Simple things–like proper hand washing, using filtered water, fully cooking food, wearing a mask [as needed], and using protective clothing and repellents against insects–can also reduce your risks.”

Wood emphasizes proper hand washing because, well, most people don’t wash their hands correctly. The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds (as opposed to simply lathering and rinsing).

Depending on your destination, buy filtered water or boil your water when necessary. Avoid going barefoot, particularly on beaches that might be hiding parasites or animal waste in the sand. Supervise young children at all times, and make sure they’re practicing proper handwashing, too.

So, how dangerous is traveling abroad? By one estimate, about 8 percent of travelers working or vacationing in developing areas become sick enough to seek medical care either while abroad or shortly after returning home. Most of those problems are mild, however, and risks vary greatly by destination. Fewer than 1 percent of travelers are hospitalized abroad, and preventative measures greatly limit your risks.

Stay safe, but don’t let health concerns discourage you from taking the trip of your dreams. By planning ahead–and making sure you know what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency–you can enjoy yourself without worrying.

Photo Credit: noppawan09 / Shutterstock

Do Not Travel: 13 Dangerous Places Where Travel Is Strongly Discouraged

In January 2018, the United States Department of State created a new travel advisory system. Individual countries are ranked as follows:

Level 1 (blue): Exercise normal precautions.
Level 2 (yellow): Exercise increased caution.
Level 3 (orange): Reconsider travel.
Level 4 (red): Do not travel.

The State Department recommends that travelers refrain from visiting the 13 countries in the red. Below, we’ve highlighted these 13 countries and explained why the State Department has singled them out.

1. Afghanistan

Reason for advisory: armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest

In Afghanistan in recent years, there have been many incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking, as well as suicide bombings, military combat operations, and terrorist and insurgent attacks, including attacks using explosive devices, suicide vests, and grenades.

The State Department reiterates that the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan, especially outside of Kabul.

It encourages those who travel to Afghanistan to draft a will, share important documents with loved ones, and establish a personal security plan with their employer.

2. South Sudan

Reason for advisory: crime and armed conflict

Since December 2018, South Sudan has been on the State Department’s advisory list, since foreign nationals have often been victims of rape, sexual assault, and armed robberies.

Violent crime has been increasing exponentially in South Sudan, and there have been many carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings in the country. There is ongoing fighting between various political ethnic groups throughout the country, and cattle raiding often leads to violence.

The U.S. Department of State advises that travelers to the area exercise extreme caution and avoid border areas as well as demonstrations and public gatherings.

3. Haiti

Reason for advisory: crime and civil unrest

On February 14, 2019, the State Department ordered all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their family members to leave Haiti, due to unpredictable demonstrations throughout the country, especially in Port-au-Prince. These unpredictable demonstrations happening throughout Haiti are violent, and protests, tire burning, and road blocking are frequent.

If you are traveling to Haiti, you should arrange airport transfers and hotel stays in advance, make sure you are not being followed when leaving the airport, and avoid physically resisting any robbery attempt.

The Iranian flag. — Borna_Mirahmadian / Shutterstock

4. Iran

Reason for advisory: arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens

According to the State Department, Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. citizens, including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics. Charges include espionage and posing a threat to national security, and counselor access to detained U.S. citizens is often denied.

Those traveling to Iran should review their personal security plan and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located during an emergency.

5. Iraq

Reason for advisory: terrorism and armed conflict

According to the State Department, U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk for both violence and kidnapping. There are currently numerous terrorist and insurgent groups active in Iraq, and these groups target both Iraqi security forces and civilians. There have been a number of attacks involving improvised explosive devices in Baghdad, though this has occurred in several other regions of the country as well.

Travelers headed to Iraq should visit the State Department’s website and review both the High-Risk Area Travelers page and the Traveler’s Checklist page.

6. North Korea

Reason for advisory: serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals

North Korea is the only country on this list where travel is legally prohibited. Individuals cannot use a U.S. passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without special validation granted by the State Department.

The U.S. government cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea, since diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea do not exist at this time.

Libya on a map. — TonelloPhotography / Shutterstock

7. Libya

Reason for advisory: crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

U.S. citizens and other westerners have been kidnapped and held for ransom in Libya, and crime levels in the country are increasing.

Terrorist groups and violent extremist activities remain common throughout the country, with outbreaks of violence between competing arms groups occurring with little warning. Hotels and airports frequented by U.S. citizens and other westerners have been caught in the crossfire between these arms groups.

If traveling to Libya, make sure to carry proof of citizenship and valid immigration status at all times, and make contingency plans to leave.

8. Mali

Reason for advisory: crime and terrorism

Violent crime, including kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in northern and central Mali. Local holidays and seasonal events in the capital city of Bamako, its suburbs, and other southern regions can also be dangerous.

Terrorist and arms groups may attack with little to no warning in Mali, targeting many areas where tourists can be found, including nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, and places of worship.

9. Somalia

Reason for advisory: crime, terrorism, and piracy

Kidnapping, murder, and illegal roadblocks are common throughout Somalia, especially in Puntland and Somaliland. Terrorists plot attacks against airports and seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas where large crowds gather and where U.S. citizens and other westerners can be found.

Many schools in the area act as “rehabilitation centers” without licensing and oversight and have been reported for physical abuse and for holding people against their will.

In the waters of the Horn of Africa, pirates are active, particularly in international waters near Somalia.

A Syrian flag. — ART production / Shutterstock

10. Syria

Reason for advisory: terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

The Syrian Civil War has been ongoing since 2011, and according to the State Department, no part of Syria is safe from violence, including kidnappings and the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment. Hardship throughout the country has increased due to the destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities.

Those traveling to Syria should develop a communication plan with family and/or employers before traveling through high-risk areas.

11. Venezuela

Reason for advisory: crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens

Ongoing political instability and crisis throughout Venezuela caused the State Department to include the country on its advisory list in January 2019. The State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the country.

Political rallies and demonstrations are common throughout Venezuela due to the socioeconomic and political crisis that began in 2010 under Hugo Chávez and has continued under Nicolás Maduro. Demonstrations bring in large police and security forces that use tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons, and rubber bullets against civilian participants. These clashes can also result in looting and vandalism.

12. Yemen

Reason for advisory: terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, and armed conflict

The Yemeni Crisis began with the 2010-11 revolution against President Abi Abdullah Saleh, who led Yemen for more than three decades. The crisis in Yemen has its roots in the failure of a political transition after the revolution that was supposed to bring stability to the country.

Terrorist groups in Yemen tend to target public sites, including transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. Employees of western organizations may be targeted for attacks or kidnappings.

13. Central African Republic

Reason for advisory: crime and civil unrest

The Central African Republic Civil War has been ongoing since 2012, primarily involving the government, rebels from the Séléka coalition, and Anti-balaka militias.

Violent crimes are common throughout the Central African Republic, and large areas are controlled by armed groups who kidnap, injure, and kill civilians regularly.

The U.S. Department of State strongly encourages travelers heading to the Central African Republic to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact for hostage-takers, the media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress.

Strange Airline Rules And The Reasons Behind Them

Flying isn’t as simple as it used to be. It’s still one of the safest, quickest ways to get where you’re going, but airlines impose a lot of rules that may seem arbitrary to first-time passengers.

For instance, you’ve probably heard flight attendants tell you to keep your trays and seats in the upright position. You’ve certainly had to endure the latest TSA security protocols. You might have wondered why you have to put your phone in airplane mode — and what “airplane mode” even means.

The truth is, there are good reasons for each and every one of these bizarre requirements. Airlines don’t always have time to explain themselves.

Here are some of the most common rules you’ll have to follow on commercial flights, along with the reasons they exist in the first place.

First, though, a quick word on airline safety. The rules discussed below exist out of an abundance of caution. They’re there for the one-in-a-million incident. You’re far safer on a commercial flight than you are on a train, ferry, or car (and don’t even get us started on motorcycles). According to one estimate, reaching your vacation destination by air is 100 times safer than doing so by car.

Listen To The Flight Attendant’s Speech

It must be lonely to be a flight attendant. When they’re in the spotlight, no one pays attention. Still, they have to give you that pre-flight safety briefing — it’s the law.

In the United States, federal regulations insist that “all passengers are orally briefed by the appropriate crewmember” on key safety issues. Globally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommends similar briefing materials. The demonstration will cover things like the location of emergency exits, use of seatbelts, and what to do if the oxygen masks deploy.

But what are we saying? You’ve heard all of that stuff before. The good news is that, while the ICAO requires all demonstrations to include the same basic information, it allows airlines to decide how to present that info.

These days, you’re just as likely to get your safety information wrapped up in a much more entertaining package. Airlines are recording high-quality videos, some of them star-studded, to hold your attention while they deliver the boring details. It’s the spoonful-of-sugar approach.

While the pre-flight demonstration doesn’t make for great entertainment, it’s still important, so pay attention. Should something go wrong, knowing what to do with the oxygen mask will be well worth a moment of your time.

Keep Trays And Seats In The Upright Position

What possible difference could an unlocked tray or a reclined seat make during a catastrophe?

Actually, quite a bit. Many airline safety rules are designed to speed up the (highly unlikely) process of an emergency evacuation. An upright seat creates a few more inches of space for the people behind you. If they need to bolt for the exit, those few inches could seriously slow them down. Besides, as CNN reports, if the plane gets a jolt, it’s far safer to be sitting straight up.

That still leaves the question of why we only have to forego our trays and recliners during takeoff and landing. Though airline travel is extremely safe, the accidents that do happen tend to occur during takeoff and landing.

In other words, lean back and enjoy your tray during the flight, but follow the rules when you’re close to the ground.

Open The Window Blinds

When you sit in the window seat, your flight attendants will ask you to make sure the shades are up during takeoff and landing.

Again, this is all about shaving precious seconds off an evacuation. During an emergency, crew members need to see the conditions outside. They don’t have time to open every window.

Keeping the windows open also provides another safety benefit. It makes every passenger into a safety observer at crucial times during the flight.

“There have been cases where passengers have noted technical problems by looking out on the wing or engines for instance. Of course, it happens very rarely,” airline pilot Kare Lohse told The Independent.

Finally, in the rare event that something goes wrong, it’s helpful to have your eyes adjusted to the outside light. Vision takes time to adjust, and if you go from semi-darkness to sudden daylight, you might not see as well for a few important moments.

Of course, there’s another nice reason to keep your shades open, and this one has nothing to do with safety: you might get a peek at a beautiful sunrise to kickstart your adventure.

Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First

If you’re traveling with children, you might think that you’d ignore this rule in an emergency. After all, it’s parental (or grandparental) instinct to help kids before saving yourself.

Still, this rule is important — and logical. If the cabin loses pressure, there won’t be enough oxygen in the air to keep you awake and lucid. If you don’t put your own mask on first, the lack of oxygen might keep you from being able to help others.

Just how quick does hypoxia (the medical term for low oxygen levels in the body) take effect? At high altitudes, you might have as few as 30 seconds to make a decision before getting confused or losing consciousness. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your own flow of oxygen before doing anything else. Even if you only take a few seconds to place a mask on a child, those few seconds could make a difference.

Again, loss of pressure is very rare, and it’s certainly nothing to worry about. If oxygen masks do deploy, calmly place them over your mouth and nose and try to relax. The pilot will head for an altitude full of oxygen-rich, breathable air immediately.

Put Devices In Airplane Mode

Before your plane takes off, the flight crew will tell passengers to turn off all electronic devices or put them in airplane mode. To some travelers, that seems like overkill. If wireless communications really affected plane equipment, why would airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi?

And if you’ve ever forgotten to put your phone in airplane mode during a trip, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that your plane did not, in fact, fall out of the sky. However, that doesn’t mean that the regulation is unnecessary.

Commercial aircraft are outfitted with sensitive equipment for navigation, and some passenger devices could potentially interfere with that equipment. That doesn’t mean that your iPhone is a dangerous weapon, but it could be a minor annoyance in some circumstances.

Even if smartphones don’t interfere with equipment, the Federal Aviation Administration would have to test every single phone, tablet, and computer individually before allowing in-flight operation. It’s much easier to tell passengers to turn their devices off.

On a more practical note, your phone won’t be able to get a cell signal in the air, since it will need to constantly connect to new cell towers. Leaving your phone on could conceivably cause issues for cellphone users on the ground, and the practice will certainly drain your phone’s battery.

In any case, you won’t be able to make calls, so go ahead and follow the crew’s instructions.

Meet The Emergency Exit Row Requirements

The emergency exit row offers some extra legroom, so if you like to stretch out when you travel, you might consider snagging one of those seats. Just make sure that you’re qualified for the job. Federal regulations require travelers to be able to locate the exit, comprehend the instructions for operating the door, and, if necessary, open the exit in an emergency.

Passengers in the row must be 15 years of age or older, and they must be able to comprehend the crew’s oral instructions (in other words, if you don’t speak the native language of the flight crew or if you have hearing issues, you can’t sit there). Additionally, if you’re disabled, you use an oxygen tank, or if you’re simply not strong enough to operate the exit, a flight attendant might ask you to choose another seat.

Don’t take that as an insult; they’re required by law to make sure that you’re up for the job. With that said, if you’re capable of handling the task, feel free to sit in the emergency row (and enjoy the extra space). Just understand that you’re taking on some responsibility.

Follow The Liquids Rule

The TSA’s liquids rule is frequently misunderstood, partly because it’s not very intuitive. Travelers can carry on 3.4-ounce containers of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes, provided that all of those items fit into a 1-quart resealable bag.

To some, the requirement seems arbitrary. Why 3.4 ounces — why not set the standard at 4 ounces or 3 ounces?

For a time, the rule was 3 ounces. You can blame the metric system for the change, since 3.4 ounces is roughly 100 milliliters, which is the international standard used by the European Union. The TSA’s original guidelines set the limit at 3 ounces but later changed the rule to accommodate international travelers.

If that’s not complicated enough, the TSA allows some liquids in larger amounts, provided that they’re completely frozen when they’re assessed at a checkpoint. The administration also admits that certain products — for instance, toothpaste — could have different standards, but the 3.4 rule allows officers to work more efficiently.

“As you could imagine, taking weight into consideration would be a wrench in the spokes,” the TSA’s official blog notes. “I’m sure the public doesn’t want our officers using scales or conversion charts, etc.”

That’s probably a safe assumption. For more information on the TSA’s liquids rule, check out this page.

Don’t Wear Gel Inserts

If you wear gel shoe inserts, you may have learned about this rule the hard way. For years, the TSA warned travelers to leave their gel inserts at home. The reason? The inserts often contained more than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) of liquid.

That has changed in recent years, and the TSA’s website notes that gel inserts for shoes are currently permitted (Dr. Scholl would approve). Still, if you’re traveling internationally, you may want to switch to foam inserts to avoid an embarrassing situation during your check-in.

If you’re not willing to leave those inserts behind, try to get a note from your physician verifying that they’re medically necessary. Agents may ask to swab the shoes to check for explosives, but otherwise, you shouldn’t run into any issues.

Show A REAL ID-Compliant State ID

If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably noticed some strange signs. They tell you that, beginning October 1, 2020, your state driver’s license or ID card must be “REAL ID-compliant” in order for you to board the plane.

Granted, this rule hasn’t taken effect yet, but it does raise some questions. This goes back to 2005, when the U.S. Congress passed the REAL ID Act. This law established minimum security standards for state ID cards. To find out if your state is already compliant with the REAL ID Act, check this page on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

If your ID isn’t compliant by the deadline, don’t worry. You’ll just have to provide another TSA-approved form of identification.

Flight Attendant Rules Get Really Weird

At this point, you’re probably thinking that many of these rules are unnecessarily restrictive. If it’s any consolation, the airlines save their most obnoxious regulations for their flight attendants.

Passengers see the flight crew as the face of the airline, so many airlines have strict requirements for their attendants’ appearance. Qatar Airways, for instance, doesn’t allow employees to have any tattoos whatsoever, regardless of whether or not those tattoos are visible. Southwest Airlines reportedly doesn’t allow visible tattoos, while Jet Airlines reportedly requires its employees to have “a clear complexion (scars, pimples, and blemishes [are] not acceptable).”

Oh, and if you’re working for American Airlines, be sure to bring your clippers. Their flight attendant guidelines are said to state that “noticeable hair in nostrils and in/on ears or underarms must be cut or otherwise removed.”

Some other requirements are more practical. Most airlines require their flight crew to pass basic fitness tests and maintain a certain body mass index (BMI) in order to work, and shorter applicants are often refused outright, since they won’t be able to help passengers get their bags into the overhead compartment.

The takeaway: passengers might have to follow a few apparently arbitrary rules, but things could always be worse.

Understanding The Rules Before Your Next Flight

Most airline rules make sense, once you understand their intent. They’re also designed to be simple; each day, about 2.6 million people fly, and that’s in the United States alone. Complex regulations wouldn’t serve much of a purpose, since most travelers would simply ignore them.

With that in mind, you shouldn’t obsess about the rules before your next flight, but make sure that you understand them. If you’re traveling internationally, look up the flight rules of your destination country, particularly if you’re traveling with prescription medicine or if you’re planning on bringing any exotic souvenirs back to your home country.

Otherwise, listen to the flight crew’s instructions and enjoy your flight. If you’re doing something wrong, someone will let you know — just don’t expect a lengthy explanation of the rationale behind the rules.