The 5 Busiest Airports In The World

Fly frequently enough, and it’ll only be a matter of time before you pass through the highest-traffic airports in the world. Think Los Angeles in rush hour gridlock… then add planes. Avoid the following airports if you possibly can!

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

According to the Airport Council International, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, GA was the busiest airport in the world in 2017. Exactly how many souls passed through? 103,902,992. A shockingly-high number to be sure. What’s even more surprising is that this number is down from the previous year. Hartsfield-Jackson beat the runner-up by a cool eight million. Not bad for a year’s work.

Atlanta has actually had the world’s busiest airport since 1998. Hartsfield-Jackson is positioned as a transport hub for domestic flights carrying passengers across the country. Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit are the airport’s heaviest users. They’re all low-cost carriers, and it may only be a matter of time before fate delivers you to Hartsfield-Jackson for a layover. Due to its convenient location, it may be the only way to keep your ticket cost down.

2. Beijing Capital International Airport

What Hartsfield-Jackson is for domestic flights, Beijing is for the rest of the world. Beijing has rapidly climbed the rankings over the last decade. In the year 2017, they set a new personal record: 95,786,442 passengers coming and going. Beijing Capital has come a long way since their first international flight in 1958 when Pakistan International Airways flew in from Islamabad.

Beijing is by far the busiest airport in Asia in terms of passenger traffic. In 2012, Beijing Capital became the 13th busiest airport in cargo traffic as well. They added two new terminals between 2005 and 2008 in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games.

By the way, if you ever find yourself at Beijing Capital and you’re hungry, make your way over to terminal three. You’ll find over 70 different restaurants serving everything from steak to smoothie bowls!

Airplane wing and clouds — Unsplash / Tom Barrett

3. Dubai International Airport

Dubai is rich in oil money and now spiked with skyscrapers. It also floods with air traffic. Dubai is another international transport hub at the most extreme. It wasn’t even close to catching Beijing in last year’s numbers, but it sure gave its all. 88,242,099 passengers touched down in Dubai in 2017. That’s a 5.5% increase from the year before, not a minor feat when considering the immense volume we’re talking about. Dubai International’s terminal three is the largest air terminal in the world, and the second-largest building in the world by volume. (Only Boeing’s construction hangar is bigger.)

While hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta spread their traffic across several airlines, Dubai has a slightly different pattern of traffic flow. 51% of the airport’s passenger traffic and 42% of all aircraft movement comes from Emirate Airlines. The Emirate’s hub is the largest in the Middle East. Dubai International’s growth has been precocious. In 2014, only 70 million passengers touched down. 12 years earlier, in 2002, traffic was still below 16 million per annum. With growth this rampant, Dubai may someday clinch the number two spot. For now, third will have to do.

Dubai skyline — Dubai. Unsplash / Roman Logov

4. Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles isn’t just known for its traffic on the ground; it has a reputation for being busy in the air as well. In 2017, 84.5 million passengers flew into Los Angeles International. The airport is the main jump-off point for flights making the journey across the Pacific. Vancouver and Seattle send their fair share of planes in that direction as well, but not nearly as many as Los Angeles.

No other airport ranks in the top five for both most cargo and most passenger traffic. In true hub fashion, Los Angeles International serves as a focus for Alaska Airlines, Air New Zealand, Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, Quantas, Volaris, and Spirit Airlines.

5. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois

In 2017, O’Hare International Airport in Chicago served 79,828,193 passengers. You could say that Chicago is the Atlanta of the north regarding linking connecting flights. O’Hare has held the number two spot for most takeoffs and landings for over a decade. The front-runner for most takeoffs and landings? Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, of course. O’Hare offers service to over 60 international destinations and approximately 150 domestic.

The airport provides nonstop service to Africa and New Zealand beginning in 2018. O’Hare is considered the fourth largest international mega-hub, meaning that they link up a high volume of international and domestic flights. You’d think that with such high volume O’Hare would continuously be on the verge of infrastructure overload. The opposite is the case. O’Hare operates with such efficiency that the Eno Center for Transportation awarded them a Fly Score of 94 out of 100. The organization evaluates airports for prices, competition, destinations, and frequency before calculating the final grade.

Out of the top 50 airports for highest passenger traffic, only five of them saw a downtick in traffic volume between 2016 and 2017. Across the globe, more people are flying. As the trend continues, it’ll become even more important to dot all your “I’s” and cross all your “T’s” before taking to the air. Not all airports are as efficient as O’Hare, and headaches are bound to happen.

5 Tips To Save On Accommodations

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little effort, you can stay for free, keep out of debt, and have an experience unlike any other. These travel tips might just change your life if you pursue them.

1. Write Hotel Reviews

If you do a lot of traveling — and you have some spare time on your hands — writing hotel reviews for various websites can pay off big time. Popular travel sites such as Trivago will sometimes hold promotions where you can get paid for writing a review of a hotel you have recently visited. Although this is a good deal, they usually pay you monthly for each review, and you still have to purchase your own accommodations. This doesn’t usually add up to much, and they don’t always offer this incentive.

Getting paid cash per review may be the way to go if you are looking to earn enough income to pay for a room. The website Nanovor will pay you $10 for each approved review you submit, which can add up fast if travel is a major part of your life. All you have to do is follow their editorial guidelines and submit a review to claim your cash. You don’t have to be a published author to write a valid review. Simply submit 500-700 words containing one outbound link and you’re on your way to paying for future accommodations. Doing a few in your spare time can lead to a free night at your favorite hotel.

2. Home Exchange

Looking to get the true experience of a local while visiting a different state or country? Home swapping is a great way to spend zero on accommodations while allowing someone to stay in your home while you are away. Made popular in the 1950’s when people were trying to find an affordable way to take a vacation, home exchanges involve you staying in someone’s house while they stay in yours. There is no money exchanged between the two parties, making it a free stay for everyone involved.

The website Home Exchange is a great place to start. Although there is a fee to sign up, this website allows you to easily list your home as well as access all of the information you need to learn about potential swaps. With listings in endless major cities around the globe, Home Exchange is definitely a great option to save money on your next trip.

3. Go Aboard

If sailing the open sea is right up your alley, you may want to consider helping on a boat or yacht in exchange for a free stay. Those who own mega yachts always need people with certain skillsets to help around the boat with chores and repairs, and cruise ships are constantly hiring staff to help with guests and other tasks. These ships usually travel to tropical locales, making this option even more appealing to those looking to get their toes in the sand.

Boarding a boat can be a spectacular adventure in itself, and spending little to nothing when it comes to accommodations is a terrific perk. Time to set sail and take a fabulous trip on a budget — just make sure to come prepared in case of sea sickness!

4. Give Back And Volunteer

Travel in the name of volunteering has never been more popular. There are a wide variety of expensive mission trips available across the world, but you don’t have to sacrifice your life savings to make a difference. Corporations such as WWOOFing offer you the chance to volunteer your time and services in exchange for a free place to stay.

You don’t have to opt for participating in organic farming; there are other options such as cooking or even teaching English. The opportunities are endless, and you don’t even have to worry about paying for a hotel. Some programs even cover your meals, making it a serious win-win. Helping others can be insanely affordable, and you are guaranteed to make life-changing memories.

5. Use Those Travel Rewards

Although you have to spend money to earn money when it comes to travel points and rewards, this type of incentive can be extremely beneficial over time — especially if you like to take vacations often. Many large hotels offer reward programs, guaranteeing you room upgrades and freebies when you choose to stay a certain number of times yearly.

Always sign up for hotel rewards to ensure that you never miss out on a discounted or free stay — the squeaky traveler always gets the deal! If you tend to stay at smaller hotels don’t fret: many of these chains also offer frequent guests some sort of incentive. You will never know unless you ask. Make sure to inquire before you book your next trip.

Planning your next trip doesn’t have to involve massive credit card debt or diving into your hard-earned savings. Using one of these five travel tricks can allow you to take a vacation you will never forget without worrying about spending too much cash on a hotel stay. Bon, voyage!

Top 7 Places To Sail In The US

Whether you sail for leisure or sail to race, we can all agree that the overall sailing experience depends on the location. Enjoy sailing at its finest at one of these seven spectacular sailing destinations throughout the US.

1. Newport, Rhode Island

Set your compass for The Sailing Capital of the World! Newport, RI is fondly known as The City By The Sea, and for a good reason. The shore is filled with quaint historic homes, and the harbor is dotted with boats year round. If you love the excitement of a busy port, then you’ll love sailing in Newport. The view is spectacular: you’ll sail around lighthouses, awe at the grand mansions that line the shores, navigate underneath the Jamestown Bridge, and sail past a 19th-century military fort. Tack and jibe your way around Narragansett Bay, and wave to tourists who are sailing on some of the many sight sailing tours that leave the harbor all day. Newport regularly hosts sailing regattas and the Olympic sailing trials. The peak sailing season in Newport is May through October.

2. Maui, Hawaii

They say that if you can sail in Hawaii, you can sail anywhere. The constant changing winds make sailing in this territory challenging even for sailing veterans. Locals are familiar with over 30 different winds that whip around the island. If you’re up for the challenge of tackling the Tradewinds, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of sailing in Maui. Not only will you improve your sailing skills, but you’ll get to enjoy sailing year-round in the warm Hawaiian sun and surf.

3. Key West, Florida

Known for its crystal blue waters and coral reefs, Key West is a beautiful place to set sail. Sail into the sunset with the dolphins in this picturesque destination, while learning about legends of pirates and sunken treasure hidden among the islands. You can also enjoy observing local wildlife like birds and sea turtles as you sail from island to island. Sailors of all ages can enjoy the warm waters of Key West. Many even choose to stay year-round, living on their boats nestled in the harbor. If you love the laid-back “its 5 o’clock somewhere” feel of a midday sail in paradise, Key West is the place for you.

4. Grand Haven, Michigan

Sailing isn’t just for the ocean! Lake Michigan is home to many sailors who love the crisp blue freshwater and coastal charm of Grand Haven, Michigan. Grand Haven is famously known for being the first official Coast Guard City in the US, holding two patriotic Coast Guard Festivals every Summer.

If you’ve never been to The Great Lakes before, you’ll be surprised that you can sail until you can’t see land anymore! The vastness of Lake Michigan is a sailor’s dream. Sail along the shoreline or venture into the horizon to be out on your own. Be careful – even though it is a lake, the waters can get as choppy and dangerous as the ocean! Prime sailing times for Grand Haven is May through October.

5. Bellingham Bay, Washington

Located just three or four hours away from the San Juan Islands, Bellingham Bay is an ideal place for racers. Bellingham has good wind, challenging currents, and an amazing backdrop of the snowy Mt. Baker Mountain. The expansive bay is appealing to many serious sailors who enjoy a competitive race without the disturbances of boat traffic. The bay is also full of college sailors and youth sailors, making the experience fun for all ages. It is possible to enjoy sailing here year-round, but it’s recommended to avoid the chilly weather and enjoy sailing during the peak season of May through October.

6. The Channel Islands, California

Kick back in the sunny California oceans as you sail away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sailing to The Channel Islands of Southern California like Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel will leave you feeling like you embarked on a Pirate’s journey. Sailing to one or all of these islands is a popular year-round daysail for many sailing enthusiasts. Not only will you get to explore natural caves, but there’s a good chance you’ll see marine wildlife like migrating whales or seals.

7. Oriental, North Carolina

Oriental is known for being a quaint sailing town. Located in Pamlico County, the Neuse River connects with the Pamlico Sound, creating intricate canals to sail through. Here, it’s said that sailboats outnumber citizens three to one! It’s not a wonder why many sailors of all ages love this little charming fishing town. The town hosts weekly racing and regattas year round and is fun for sailors of all ages.

If you’re a passionate sailor who loves the sound of waves lapping against your hulls, you will want to test out some or all of these great sailing destinations. If you want to find out how you can contribute to sailors around the country, consider getting a membership with US Sailing to take advantage of classes, sailing certifications, and discounts at major sailing retailers.

Safety Tips For San Diego Beach Lovers

The ocean is a wild thing. While San Diego is a perfect place to enjoy a day by the ocean, the coast is also subject to storms and swells, rogue waves and riptides; California’s beaches are not always the benign destinations popular in TV shows and movies.

Stay safe and have fun during your San Diego beach vacation with these tips.

Sunny side up

Many visitors are surprised at San Diego’s maritime climate and chilly waters. These conditions are great for fish and bring moisture into an otherwise dry region. The foggy maritime layer blankets the coast many mornings between May and June. It usually burns off by afternoon, but don’t plant your towel on the beach thinking about napping until the sun comes out without protecting your skin. Burning rays still filter through even though you might not feel them.

Know too that inland about three miles the weather will be sunny and warm on most days. Wear that sunscreen wherever you wander in San Diego!

About that chilly water!

The shape of the ocean bottom along the San Diego coastline causes the phenomenon known as up-welling. Chilly water from the bottom of deep trenches curls up towards the beaches as it pulls the warm water down. This causes the water along the shoreline to be colder than you might expect.

The beaches do warm up in late summer, and the water inside the bays is also suitable for hardy swimmers. If it’s a bit much for boogie boarding without goose bumps, then rent a lightweight swimsuit from one of the dive or sports shops in the area. That should help make your swim more temperate.

Water quality

In a region where rain is a rarity, street runoff can be full of chemicals and bacteria that flows into the sea. Bays, harbors, and marinas flush the least, and contaminants build up there. Hot spells may warm water in shallower areas and stagnation can be a real concern. Check water quality reports before setting out for a splash. The non-profit Heal the Bay has over 500 water quality checkpoints along the California coast and grades beaches weekly.

Safe surfing

Offshore storms can bring in staggering sets of waves and surfers hover over wave reports. Conditions in the San Diego area can vary considerably depending on which part of the county you plan to surf. Trends are different in the north end close to Camp Pendleton vs. the south. There are several agencies forecasting water conditions, surf and swell size. Check with Surfline.com for the most recent reports if you’re planning to catch a wave or two.

Watch your step

It’s always a surprise to find a gelatinous mound quivering in the sand. You’ve probably come across a jellyfish; they often die and wash up on beaches. These odd mounds weep into the sand and eventually wash back out to sea. However, don’t fool around — even in death, they still can sting. Jellyfish inject nematocysts into the skin where they do their poisonous damage. The effects are: lack of sensation, some itchiness, or burning, and sometimes colorful markings. The worst stings may lead to nausea, reduced blood pressure, hard breathing, or even cardiac arrest. If any of these symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately.

Learn the shuffle

Unfortunately, some of the very things that we love about visiting San Diego beaches — the gentle surf, the clear water — also appeal to stingrays who hit the beaches to mate and give birth. When you’re ready to get in the water, learn to shuffle in and out, or stomp. The vibrations alert burrowing stingrays that you’re nearby. If you’re concerned, stop at one of the lifeguard stations and ask about the conditions.

While the cut from a sting ray is tiny, the effect is no small matter. It’s incredibly painful, though not usually dangerous. The best treatment is hot water, as hot as you can stand and lots of it. Lifeguard stations have buckets of hot water for treatment and can offer advice. Otherwise, get home as quickly as possible and soak the foot or site of the sting in water that’s hot but not enough to scald you. It’s a persistent pain, so be patient: the sharp throbs can recur for 24-48 hours.

Don’t get caught in the current

Rip currents run perpendicular to the beach, and getting caught in one can be dangerous. But a little knowledge can keep you out of panic mode and guide you through the threat.

First of all, know that if you’re having a hard time getting back to the beach, you may have found a rip current. Don’t fight the current by struggling to get to shore; you’ll tire yourself out instead of escaping the current’s grip. Calm yourself instead, and start swimming parallel to the shoreline. Eventually, you’ll swim through the current and you should be able to make for the beach. If you tire, look toward the lifeguard station and raise your arms to signal for help. Each year lifeguards rescue thousands of swimmers across the US. They’re trained for this, so look to them for help. Before you head out to the beach check the conditions at the NOAA Ripcurrent page as well.

You don’t need to stay out of the water when you visit San Diego. Just choose a beach and times when lifeguards are available using the links above, and stay safe out there.

6 Tips To Stay Healthy While You Travel

Traveling exposes your immune system to new stressors. Beef up your immune system and keep it strong by following these six vacation tips.

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated becomes even more critical when you’re on vacation. A dehydrated body is more prone to fatigue, headaches, electrolyte imbalance, and disease. Be disciplined about drinking enough water in the week leading up to your trip. The chaos of daily life can make it easy to not drink enough water. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated going into your trip! Once the journey begins, be sure to drink small amounts of water regularly.

Electrolyte mix is always a great idea to bring along. When you drink extra water, your body excretes more electrolytes. Replenishing electrolyte stores with an electrolyte mix will keep your body ahead of the game. Your chances of getting sick and feeling crummy will be significantly reduced.

Be sure to be cautious about what water you drink. Bottled water is best. Tap water may not be safe. Your body is only acclimated to the bacterial profile of the water from where you live. Foreign water may contain E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, Shigella, Cyclospora, or Entamoeba. Stay hydrated and be safe!

2. Avoid Sugar

Stay away from sugar to strengthen your immune system and streamline your energy. Sugar stresses the immune system and can cause crashes and mood swings. Even limiting the amount of sugar is a great first step. Keep in mind that once you hit the road, you may find yourself snacking on rich foods stuffed with sugar and carbs.

Balance this out beforehand by stocking your body up on green vegetables. If you feel the need for sugar, the natural sugar in fruit is less taxing on the immune system. Fruit will also make you less prone to mood instability and energy crashes. There are plenty of low-sugar, or low-glycemic index snack bars out there. Look for packages labeled “ketogenic,” “keto,” or “paleo.” These are designed for a low-sugar diet. Dark chocolate bars also tend to be low in sugar. The darker, the better!

3. Build Up Your Immunity

Staying hydrated and limiting sugar strengthens the immune system, but so does getting your hands dirty. In the month leading up to your vacation, wash your hands a little less, and spend more time touching the ground. Exercise on the ground with yoga, stretching, and light exercise.

Pet an animal or two. They’re a goldmine of germs that will strengthen your immunity. Exposure to new strains of bacteria in small doses can act as a natural vaccine. If you run into the same strain of bacteria on your trip, your blood cells will have already seen it and be prepared. Just don’t overdo it– continue washing your hands thoroughly after using public restrooms and before eating. You don’t want to get sick before your flight.

4. Use Hand Sanitizer and Wash Your Hands

Once you’re at your destination, return to normal sanitization habits. Take special care to sanitize following trips to the bathroom and before eating. The airplane is an especially germ-dense space. Make sure that any blankets or pillows provided by the airline are in a sealed plastic bag. If not, it was likely used by a previous customer. No need to be a germaphobe, but by taking the right standard precautions you can save yourself from an unpleasant trip.

5. Make Sure Your Food Is Well-Cooked

Food preparation standards vary by country and location. In general, a meal cooked in rural central Mexico is higher risk than one prepared at a resort on the coast. This has to do both with water quality and health codes, or the lack thereof. When traveling through high-risk areas, stick to food that is cooked thoroughly.

Stay away from cold salads, as they may have been rinsed in water that isn’t suitable for you to consume. Even the tiniest amount of unsanitary water can be enough to make you ill. Be careful to wash off the tops of soda cans for the same reason. In hot climates, bottled water and canned refreshments may be kept in ice coolers. The little bit of melted ice sitting on the rim of the can be enough to make you sick.

6. Stay Active

Physical activity reduces stress, optimizes hormone levels, and increases energy. Traveling can be stressful. More stress equals a weakened immune system. Since you don’t want to spend your vacation in bed, it’s important to stay proactive about feeling fresh. Exercise is also a cognitive enhancer. Just twenty minutes of light exercise can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that’s critical to mental clarity and memory.

By balancing hormone levels, exercise improves mood stability and boosts the immune system. During travel, stress hormones can become elevated. A few minutes of walking at a brisk pace can be enough to refresh you after getting off the plane or out of the car. Having an exercise routine in place before you leave will make it easier to stay active on vacation.

Now get out there and have some fun! Stay hydrated, keep active, and build up your immune system leading up to your departure. Your trip will be an extension of your already healthy habits.

8 Life-Saving Tips For Cold Weather

If a crash or wrong turn leaves you stranded in the cold, these tips can keep you more comfortable, or even save your life.

1. Be Prepared

You can set yourself up for success well before disaster strikes. When it comes to surviving a cold weather situation, a little preparation can go a long way. You want to dress correctly, with multiple layers of loose-fitting clothes. Warm socks and gloves are essential. On top of that, keeping a cold weather survival kit could, as the name suggests, help you survive. It should include snacks, a means to start a fire, hand warmers, blankets, or even a compact survival sleeping bag. You can keep a kit in your backpack or in the trunk of your car and forget about it until it is needed. If you let people know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive, they can alert the authorities should you not turn up.

If you’re stranded in a car in cold weather, even the ability to light a single can make a huge difference.

2. Seek Shelter

Sometimes, hunkering down and waiting out the cold is necessary. If you’re stranded as a result of a car crash, you’re already in your shelter. You will want to make sure your exhaust is clear of snow so you aren’t exposed to carbon monoxide when your car is running. If you are on foot, you may have to improvise your shelter. In a pinch, something as simple as a trench in the snow with some pine branches on the bottom should provide enough protection from the elements to get you through the night. Cover yourself with more pine branches or anything you can get your hands on and ride out the cold. If conditions allow, you can build yourself an igloo to make yourself more comfortable. Building a shelter provides the additional benefit of getting your heart rate up and keeping you warm.

3. Make Yourself Visible

Once your shelter is set up, you want to increase the likelihood of rescue by ensuring passersby will spot you. Use bright clothing to make flags. Write a message in the snow with branches or other debris. Set off flares or light a fire. If you’re in a vehicle, make sure the hazard lights are on. Doing anything you can to make yourself more visible gives you the best chance of being rescued.

4. Stay Dry

When in the extreme cold, moisture is your enemy. Crossing frozen bodies of water should be avoided if possible, as a trip through the ice can be deadly in a cold weather situation. If your clothes get wet, take them off. Being shrouded in wet clothing will decrease your core temperature to dangerous levels. Believe it or not, it is better to be naked and dry than dressed and sopping. You don’t want to exert yourself to the point that you’re sweating, either. This is why it is in your best interest to wear multiple layers of clothing; you can regulate your temperature by adding or removing layers as necessary. Keep those feet dry by removing damp socks.

5. Stay Hydrated

An often overlooked aspect of cold weather survival is hydration. Dehydration can negatively affect cognition, compromising decision-making and causing confusion. In a survival situation, you’ll want to keep your wits about you, so proper hydration is paramount to your success. Believe it or not, eating snow as a means to stay hydrated is a bad idea, as it will lower your core temperature, forcing your body to expend energy to warm itself up. You can melt the snow over a fire, or by keeping it close to your body in a container of some kind. You can wrap the snow in a cloth and suck the water as it melts.

People in a blizzard — Unsplash / Jeffrey Blum

6. Stay Fueled

Surviving in the freezing cold is a lot of work. Your body will need nourishment to make up for all the energy it has expended. The cold and stress you are exposed to will make your body tear through its energy stores, potentially causing low blood sugar and even hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause mental confusion and cardiac arrhythmias. Simple sugars and carbohydrates are a wonderful snack in a cold weather survival situation. Consider keeping nuts, granola bars, honey, and dark chocolate on hand to fuel your body should an emergency situation arise.

7. Keep Your Heart Rate Up

Cold weather can lower your heart rate. This decreases blood flow, which lowers your core temperature, opening you up to hypothermia. To combat this, consider jogging in place or performing jumping jacks to increase your heart rate and warm you up. But don’t overdo it! You don’t want to start sweating. Remember, moisture is the enemy. Sweat is your body’s cooling mechanism, and we don’t want our bodies cooled as we fight for survival in the freezing cold.

Keep these tips in mind should you ever find yourself stranded in the freezing cold weather. They just may save your life!