TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

US ‘Fly Rights’ Plans Nixed by Department of Transportation

US ‘Fly Rights’ Plans Nixed by Department of Transportation

Last year, I reported on upcoming changes that the Department of Transportation was implementing. These changes revolved around passenger flight rights in the US, specifically for reimbursements for delayed or canceled flights.

The proposed changes were part of an overarching Fly Rights campaign that sought to educate and empower Americans when it comes to domestic flights.

As in, when are we owed reimbursements? And how can we claim reimbursement when flights are wrongfully canceled or delayed?

The Fly Rights page, which was recently archived on the USDOT website, laid out regulations for when and how these types of situations would be rectified. Namely, it put the onus of providing reimbursements on airlines—not passengers.

Turns out, it was a little too good to be true. While these types of regulations are often disregarded when a new administration takes office, many Americans were hopeful that Fly Rights would usher in a new era of air travel standards.

On September 4th, the proposed changes were officially nixed. So, what passenger rights do Americans have in 2025?

What has changed since the Fly Rights proposal was dropped?

Airlines are thrilled with the decision by the USDOT to cancel proposed changes, the largest of which are represented by Airlines for America. Airlines feel that they shouldn’t be held accountable for delays, which would have resulted in automatic refunds according to the now-nixed rule change proposals.

Similarly, airlines are not required to provide meals, lodging, or transportation for delays—or even cancellations, if they’re caused by severe weather.

For context, EU regulations require airlines to issue partial or full refunds if domestic flights around the region are delayed by more than three hours. The same for international flights departing from the EU that are delayed by more than six hours. Only special events, like inclement weather, exempt an airline.

That being said, passengers in the US still have the right to refunds when flights are canceled. Similarly, you can still receive compensation if you’re bumped from an overbooked flight.

I’ve read reports that state federal dictates passengers can be offered up to $1,350 if they’re wrongfully bumped from an overbooked flight—but airlines still have the right to bump you.

5 Unique & Popular Fall Festivals in the US

Here’s the down-low…

  • USA Today recently released its list of the Best Fall Festivals 2025
  • The ten-city list includes a few surprising selections in places like Laurelville, Ohio, and Hailey, Idaho
  • While they aren’t the biggest fall festivals in the US, they’re preferred by USA Today readers across the country

Every year, the US’s most popular publications take a fine-toothed comb to the country’s top harvest and fall festivals. Given America’s love for the cozy and spooky season, there are dozens of popular fall festivals in the US to choose from.

That being said, there’s a lot more to do than bob for apples, sip on spiced cider, and pick your own pumpkins for carving. In fact, some of this year’s coolest fall festivals in the US, as selected by USA Today editors and contributors, are outright odd.

From glass-blowing pumpkin gatherings to running with the sheep, here are five of the most delightfully weird and popular fall festivals in the US. (To reiterate, I’m picking from the top ten selections made by USA Today.)

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival—Hailey, ID

Courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep Festival

This year is the 29th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which runs from October 8-12, 2025. The festival actually involves trailing sheep through the town, which occurs each year with the season change. It’s a direct callback to the area’s herding culture and shepherding history.

Guests will have the chance to watch sheep-dog shows, shop around for woolen crafts galore, munch on delicious artisanal treats and lamb-centric meals, and learn about the history and traditions of the town’s shepherding culture. Expect total fanfare, including brownies with the words ‘I love ewe’ scribbled in frosting.

Who knew sheep could be such a focal point of an autumn festival? 

Sea Witch Festival—Rehoboth Beach, DE

Published in: Sussex 2000 by Kevin Fleming and Nancy E. Lynch, Portfolio Books, 1999 (Getty)

From October 24-26, the Rehoboth Beach area comes alive with one of the country’s liveliest autumn festivals and Halloween parades. The fare and festivities are pretty familiar, from costume contests to fair games, but there’s one star of the show that you won’t find elsewhere: the Sea Witch.

According to local legend, treasure hunters descended on a wreck back in 1798. Some returned with stories of seeing a horrible weather witch, which tried to drown them during the hunt. In 2025, the Sea Witch is nothing more than a mascot for the festivities. There’s even a Sea Witch hunt!

Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival—Laurelville, OH

Courtesy of Jack Pine Studio

Unfortunately, this year’s Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival just concluded. But if you’re a fan of gourds and glass blowing, put it on your calendar for next year. Founded only six years ago, it’s quickly become one of the most popular fall festivals in the US.

Hosted by local Jack Pine Studio, the festival brings together expert and some hobbyist glass blowers to display and sell their wares. But there’s plenty else to do while you soak up the pumpkin displays, from shopping local talent to enjoying food and craft drinks.

If you happen to fall in love with the glass pumpkins blown in the Jack Pine Studio, click on the image above. It’ll take you directly to the studio’s website, where you can purchase your own gorgeous glass pumpkins.

Fall for Greenville—Greenville, SC

Footbridge crosses over the Reedy River at RiverPlace in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. (Getty)

I don’t think Fall for Greenville is reinventing the wheel when it comes to popular fall festivals in the US—but they have one thing that others don’t. That’s a wide and diverse range of droolworthy chefs, menus, and restaurants. I’ve covered South Carolina’s culinary prowess before, including Swamp Rabbit Café in Greenville.

So, it’s not too surprising that the city would showcase the state’s top culinary talents—but I think it’s still a delicious angle for a fall festival. From October 10-12, visitors can sample eats from 60 restaurants that are selling over 300 menu items. There are also over 50 beer and wine vendors, along with seven stages that will host over 80 musical performances.

Dia de los Muertos—Mesilla, NM

Image courtesy of Las Cruces Bulletin – Photo by Tabitha Rossman

Hosted on November 1-2, Dia de los Muertos showcases Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration. It touches on the Catholic All Saints Day, which occurs on November 1, along with Aztec influences that can be felt through the festival’s colors and symbolism. If you haven’t celebrated before, the holiday revolves around connecting with loved ones who have passed on.

What makes Dia de los Muertos one of the most popular fall festivals in the US is its ties to Mexican culture, Catholic heritage, and those gorgeous Azteca dancers who perform at many events. Expect plenty of artisanal and local vendors, along with events designed to honor our ancestors.

Which fall festivals in the US didn’t make the cut?

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 17—The Museum (Part I)

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies travel stories:

Part I / Christmas Break

Want to know one of the odder parts of traveling the world for college? It made seasonal breaks an awkward time.

Some of our host countries were more affordable than others—but flights back to the US weren’t usually within reach for those of us studying in Asia.

Our adventure in Mumbai (see: Ch. 16) was over Thanksgiving break, for example. Given the exorbitant price for flights home for the short holiday, the majority of students in my class stuck around India.

When the longer winter holiday rolled around, many of us set our sights on international vacation spots.

My partner and I decided to visit Vietnam for the winter break. We would spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, then take an overnight sleeper train north to Hanoi before heading further east to Ha Long Bay. There, we’d spend our first Christmas together.

We packed our bags, headed to the airport, and promptly realized that we’d missed our flight—which was scheduled for 1 am and not 1 pm. (It wouldn’t be the last time on my world tour.)

We’d been in India for months, meaning we knew to use military time. In this case, we just assumed there was no way a flight would depart at 1 am.

So, we missed our first ticket to Vietnam, then had to pay in full for another set of flights. By the next day, we’d made it to Vietnam. We filled out our visa forms in the airport, got approved, and went on our way.

Part II / Ho Chi Minh City

Experiencing Ho Chi Minh City was sort of like experiencing Times Square for the first time. Though I had already spent time in bustling cities like New York City and, over the last few months, Bengaluru, Ho Chi Minh City had the moto factor.

If you’ve visited the capital city, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

Hordes of motos fill the streets, which sort of feels like a great migration. You know, like when the wildebeests crisscross the savannah of Africa. A moment of hesitation can spell disaster.

The alleyways also stuck out to me. We stayed at a hostel tucked deep within a narrow, winding labyrinth of back streets—many of which led into homes where people lounged and watched TV. I also remember the many casual eateries lining the streets, where beer was warm and cost around 50 cents.

But what stands out to me most was the decision to go to a museum called the Museum of American War Crimes. It’s been open since 1975 and, since my visit, has been renamed The War Remnants Museum. (I visited in 2012.)

Part III / The Museum of American War Crimes

I’ve been to my fair share of museums, lectures, and gatherings that critique US interventionism abroad.

Learning about the intricacies of America’s very active participation in foreign affairs was a big part of earning my Global Studies degree. From foreign investment in Costa Rica to seed distribution programs in India, the US has an extremely active roster of international projects, most of which sprang up after WWII.

We haven’t exclusively made friends in these many escapades, but how often are we exposed to what locals think about American intervention?

When the museum first opened in 1975, it was called the House for US and Puppet Crimes, if that paints a stronger picture. Again, by the time I visited, authorities in Vietnam had renamed it the Museum of American War Crimes.

So… what was the visit like?

For me, the Museum of American War Crimes was a sobering peek into what it’s like being on the other end of the American Dream. When I first arrived, I saw plenty of weaponry and armed vehicles left behind—hence the new name of American ‘remnants’.

You can also squirm through some of the tunnels used by the Viet Cong and take a closer look at the death traps they set. These are the Cu Chi tunnels, and they’re way more cramped and extensive than most people think.

Inside, we explored exhibit after exhibit that showcased the real-world realities for Vietnamese people who had to rebuild their lives in a devastated world. The Agent Orange exhibit is particularly nauseating—the photos aren’t blurred or otherwise doctored to make them more palatable.

It was a sobering experience, as you can imagine.

Hours after the visit, my mind began shifting gears, drifting toward the veterans whom I knew growing up in the Midwest. It was hard to picture them as aggressors because many had visible and invisible scars from their time serving. On top of that, some were drafted rather than being willing participants.

I also think about most is Agent Orange and Napalm—two chemicals that were developed and used to inflict a maximum level of destruction on the jungles and growing fields of Vietnam. According to Dow, studies have ‘not established a causal link to any disease, birth defects or other transgenerational effects’ due to the use of Agent Orange.

TL; DR my world tour of travel stories: Some adventures force you to confront the past in ways you never expected, which gives us the opportunity to evolve and think for ourselves.

12 Cafes Serving the Best Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Seattle, America’s Coffee Capital

Many Americans would list Seattle as the country’s de facto coffee capital, largely thanks to the fact that it’s the hometown of Starbucks.

Coffee aficionados might point elsewhere, from Portland to New York City to San Fran. Even Miami and New Orleans, not traditionally known for coffee, have started to ease into the spotlight thanks to unique blends like specialty Cuban roasts and chicory, respectively.

Still, it’s hard to top the reputation and legacy of Seattle coffee—especially with it comes to specialty brews.

From single-origin roasts to double skinny macchiatos, there’s always something new on the horizon. Best of all, there’s usually a master barista working behind the bar at famous shops and cafes.

But what about pumpkin spice lattes? Is this beloved autumn blend too basic for a city like Seattle and pro baristas… or is it actually easy to find the best pumpkin spice lattes in the country in Seattle?

If you’re a fan of the legendary PSL (that’s pumpkin spice latte), have no fear—many locals in Seattle love the autumnal blend. And dozens of cafes, shops, and roasters serve it up throughout the season.

Looking for the best pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle? Here’s where to go based on advice from locals on Reddit, Eater, Seattle Refined, and other local sources. Time to drink your heart out.

*Keep in mind that some coffee shops change the name of their PSL. Staff should know what you’re asking about, but don’t be surprised if you’re ordering the ‘basic witch’ or ‘sweater weather’ specialty. It might even be listed as a yam flavor.

12 cafes serving the best pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle

Fremont Coffee

This is one of Seattle’s most popular and well-known cafes in the Fremont area, which also serves up PSL blends all through the season.

Wayward Coffee

This indie café is a hub where you can purchase local artisanal goods, along with a great brew—PSLs included.

Espresso Vivace

At two locations in the city, you can sip on a truly masterful blend. During autumn, that includes a spiced brew that’s used to make one of the best pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle.

Armistice

Trendy, professional, and beloved by locals, don’t miss out on the Armistice PSL blend this fall, called the harvest latte.

Olympia Coffee

Olympia Coffee is famous around the city and likely needs no introduction. Just don’t miss out thinking that the popular chain doesn’t do a delicious PSL.

Coffeeholic House

Opened in 2020, this is Seattle’s first Vietnamese coffeehouse—and they make a mean PSL. One that is highly Instagramable, too.

Top Pot Doughnuts & Coffee

Looking for a bite to eat while you sip on a PSL? There’s no better place than Top Pot, home to the city’s most delicious donuts… and one of the best pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle.

Dubsea Coffee

Not only can you get a delicious brew (including a pumpkin spice latte), but Dubsea Coffee is also renowned around Seattle for its delicious teas.

Makeda and Mingus

This trendy little café specializes in cozy vibes—and, of course, making one of the tastiest pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle.

Anchorhead

A local favorite for years on end, this popular chain has mastered the PSL. Many might argue that this is home to the best pumpkin spice latte in Seattle.

Flora Bakehouse

A great café that’s filled with natural light and serves up mouthwatering pastries and coffee blends galore. Plus, a delicious PSL.

Broadcast Coffee

According to local aficionados, Broadcast Coffee has one of the best homemade PSL blends. That means it’s not overly sugary but instead packed with flavor.

Starting October 12, EU Countries Will Phase Out Passport Stamps

Are you a traveler who looks forward to getting your passport stamped at customs? I have some bad news.

Starting on October 12, 2025, countries in the European Union and the Schengen Area will no longer stamp passports for visiting nationals. Instead, the countries will move to a fully digitized Entry and Exit System or EES.

If you’ve been following news about changes to visa applications for the EU, then you might be familiar with the EES. It’s the digital border system that the EU and Schengen countries are adopting in order to launch next year’s ETIAS. ETIAS has been delayed because it can’t launch without the EES, which has also faced setbacks.

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. Once the EES is established and ETIAS launches, Americans (and all other non-EU nationals) will be required to apply for a travel visa. The visa will cost €20 and last for three years, similar to the UK’s ETA.

A closer look at the EES

Instead of manually reviewing and stamping passports, the EES will run on biometric data, including a face scan and fingerprint. The goal of the EES is to automate and optimize customs information, making it easier for people to move around and for regulatory bodies to make sure no one is overstaying their visa.

All personal data will be stored for three years (for the duration of the ETIAS visa) and will not be sold or otherwise transferred to third parties. That’s an important note—when the US’s Customs and Border Protection uses biometric facial scanning technology, the entity has full discretion to use that data because there are no federal regulations on the topic.

In other words, if you’re a little iffy about handing out biometric data in the US, you can rest assured knowing that EU law prevents ETIAS biometric data from being shared.

Unfortunately, however, there aren’t any regulations preserving those cute passport stamps. But with the promise of streamlined passport checks and even self-service options, you do get a trade-off: shorter lines at customs.

The Most Entertaining Disney World Urban Legends—Plus, Real-Life Horror Stories

Here’s the low-down…

  • The list of tragedies and incidents at Disney World date back to the early 1960s
  • According to some urban legends, Disney World is home to a host of ghosts… and even real skeletal remains
  • One of the most famous speeches in US political history was delivered from a Disney World resort

I have a confession: I love a little urban legend, especially those that revolve around popular tourist destinations.

Even an airport might gain notoriety—like Denver and its lizard people, for example.

But there’s something about a Disney World conspiracy, urban legend, and even real-life horror story that captures my attention. It comes down to the juxtaposition of all those happy families with potential tragedy. And tragedy has abounded at Disney World in Orlando—more than a few times, in fact.

I’m not going to touch on the saddest incidents at Disney World. (If you want, there’s a whole Wikipedia page dedicated to ‘incidents at Walt Disney World’, with one category of incident being ‘Acts of God’.)

There are too many, they’re too tragic, and I’d hate to dissuade anyone from visiting a place like Magic Kingdom.

So, let’s take a walk on the weirder and more entertaining side of Disney World lore to explore its most memorable and cheeky urban legends. I’ve also included a few horror stories from Disney World—those that lean more toward the bizarre than catastrophic, of course.

Disney World urban legends

There are ghosts in the Haunted Mansion—maybe even Brigham Young’s

In 2001, rumors began swirling that one of the hearses used in the Haunted Mansion ride was a real-life relic. And not just any real-life hearse, but one that was used to transport the remains of famed Mormon Brigham Young to his final resting place. Young, in case you forgot, died back in 1877.

So, how did his hearse end up in Orlando, Florida, over a century later? It didn’t. Young was never transported by a hearse. His casket was hand-carried by pallbearers.

There are real skeletons in the Pirates of the Caribbean park—and a ghost

According to legend, many of the skeleton decorations in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride aren’t just for show. Allegedly, they’re real-life skeletons. Unfortunately, this urban legend turned out to be real, as the amusement actually used real-life bones provided by the UCLA Medical Center. After the backlash, they replaced the bones with fakes.

Apparently, there’s also a ghost that haunts the grounds. His name is George, a former construction worker who helped build the Pirates of the Caribbean park. According to legend, George is behind ride malfunctions—and it’s believed enough that some staff have made offerings to the mythical ghost.

Walt Disney’s remains are somewhere in the park

Has Walt Disney been cryogenically frozen? Is his head sealed inside one of the busts in the Haunted Mansion? Or has he been laid to rest under the famous ride? In reality, Walt Disney’s remains were cremated two days after his death back in 1966.

When the guests are away, the cats will play

Disney hasn’t confirmed or denied rumors that a cat colony of around 200 felines comes out at night to take care of the park’s rat problem. But back in 2015, an LA Times article included a brief statement from Disneyland’s animal manager.

She mentioned that the park wasn’t trying to keep the population down to encourage vermin control. If that’s the case in Disneyland in Anaheim, California, it might not be a stretch to assume the same in Orlando, Florida.

Disney World horror stories—the fun version

Disney World provided cast with underwear until 2001

Up until 2001, employees at Disney World were provided with every part of their costumes—underwear included. After each shift, employees would hand over their outfits down to the socks. They would be washed, and then a fresh set would be provided for their next shift.

Meet the real Disney World horror story: communal underwear.

Rides are frequently shut down because people throw their ashes

Throwing loved ones’ ashes around the park is so common that Disney World has a stance on it: it’s illegal, and if they catch you in the act, they’ll vacuum up your loved ones’ ashes right in front of your eyes.

There’s even a code for this type of common riff-raff, called a Code A or a HEPA Cleanup. While it might sound a little wild, even celebs like Whoopi Goldberg have admitted to doing it.

Richard Nixon gave a famous speech from the Contemporary Resort

Remember that time former US President Richard Nixon addressed the nation after the Watergate scandal? Facing a crowd of 400 journalists, Nixon went on to insist, “I am not a crook!” Which he did from the Ballroom of the Americas at Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

A woman tried to smuggle meth into the amusement park as ‘headache powder’

Just this year, a woman attempted to smuggle in a tin of methamphetamines into the park. When she was caught in the act, she insisted it was just ‘headache powder’. Authorities picked her up shortly after.

Costume heads are a cause of injury

Walt Disney World employees face a range of difficulties related to their jobs, especially those who wear heavy, complex character costumes. Back in 2005, enough employees experienced head, neck, and shoulder injuries due to the weight of the cartoon costume heads that Disney World had to innovate to make costume heads no heavier than 25% of the wearer’s total body weight.

If you weigh 130 pounds, that means the costume head can weigh no more than 30 pounds. (Which still seems dangerously heavy?)