Did the TSA Really Change Their Shoes-Off Rule? Yes, It Did

On July 8, 2025, the clouds parted, and an angel wearing a TSA vest descended to Earth.

In one hand, it held a trumpet. In the other, a press release.

After raising the trumpet to its lips and playing a tune of victory, the angel wearing the TSA vest announced that, effective immediately, passengers in the United States would no longer be required to remove their shoes to go through security checkpoints at the airport.

Just kidding—Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made the announcement at a press conference at Washington National Airport on July 8, 2025.

And while it might sound a little too good to be true, the change is already in effect at TSA security checkpoints nationwide.

It’s a win from just about every angle. And, piggybacking on news of boosted ATC funding and boosted sustainability projects at some airports, signals a bright future for commercial flight in the US.

Why did the TSA just change the shoes-off rule?

Quick catch-up: the TSA began requiring shoes-off checks in 2006, five years after an attempted attack on a flight between Paris and Miami. Since then, all US passengers have been required to remove their shoes to be x-rayed, aside from TSA PreCheck users.

The reason the TSA lifted its shoes-off requirement is thanks to new shoe scanning technology, which was first announced back in 2021.

In other words, it’s not that the TSA is less interested in your footwear—it’s that they now have the necessary technology to check your kicks without everyone needing to see your socks. Or those bare little piggies.

The new screening tech is similar to the body scanners employed by most US airports. It works when passengers stand on little scanners (on the ground), which generate images of the bottom of their shoes in just seconds. TSA agents verify your shoes aren’t hiding anything nefarious, then you head on your way like normal.

Looking to the future

Thanks to its handy new shoe scanners, passengers can expect slightly expedited security lines across US airports—though it’s still unclear just how much time we’ll be saving thanks to the change.

For just under $80 a year, TSA PreCheck members have been able to take advantage of shortened security lines where they aren’t required to take off their shoes. Wait times usually range between ten to fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.

But now, the ease of clearing security quickly could become the norm for more passengers—and the TSA is banking on it.

In 2026, the United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. As many as six million people could visit the USA during the month-long tournament—and many will be flying domestically to attend multiple games around the country or even the continent.

Then, in 2028, Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics. Simple fixes like a shoes-on approach to airport security lines ensure the TSA can keep people moving faster than before, especially in busy hubs like LAX.

Slow security lines could create havoc, especially for airports that are already struggling with booming traffic.

10 Ultra-Weird Restaurants in the US—That You’ll Want to Eat At

Forget a basic menu and a reliable meal.

The United States has too many creative entrepreneurs and restaurateurs for you to skip out on its most imaginative eateries. From New York City to small towns in Missouri, the US is chock-full of restaurants that push the limits when it comes to concept, dishes, and atmosphere.

From Sci-Fi dine-ins to restaurants with interior lakes to meals that come with insults as side dishes, these are the most memorable and weird restaurants in the US open today.

First up: let’s start with the craziest restaurant chains serving Americans.

Weird restaurants in the US 101

Dick’s Last Resort (multiple locations)
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (multiple locations)
Dinner in the Sky, Las Vegas
Casa Bonita, Lakewood
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, San Francisco
The Mai-Kai, Fort Lauderdale
Heart Attack Grill, Las Vegas
Muriel’s, New Orleans
Captain Tony’s Saloon, Key West
Ardy & Ed’s Drive In, Oshkosh

Weird restaurants in the US that you’ll want to eat at

Dick’s Last Resort (13 locations around the US)

Who knew diners would seek out a restaurant that offers ‘purposefully bad service’? Started in Dallas, Texas in 1985 with the hopes of annoying the bejeesus out its patrons, Dick’s Last Resort is an American-style restaurant chain where servers are encouraged to insult patrons.

Just walk in the door, and while you’re waiting to be seated, your waiter will scribble sweet little mockeries on a paper hat that you get to wear.

Medieval Times (multiple locations)

No, this isn’t a crazy dinner show from the Vegas Strip. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has ten locations open across the US and Canada. The premise is exactly like the name suggests: you purchase tickets for a Medieval-style dinner that you enjoy while live jousting, sword fights, and other royal court intrigue play out on the grand stage in front of you.

Dinner in the Sky (multiple locations)

BERLIN – AUGUST 25: Sixteen guests partake in a four-course dinner at a table approximately 50 meters above the ground. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

From devious Belgian minds comes this novelty restaurant concept: lock patrons into rollercoaster-style seats attached to a crane, then hoist them 150 feet into the air where they’ll eat a three-course meal. The only Dinner in the Sky experience located in the US can be found in Las Vegas, offering a bird’s eye view of the Las Vegas Strip and skyline. However, I’ve read reports that this location has since shut down, so keep a lookout for other locations when you travel, from Punta Cana to Athens.

Casa Bonita, Lakewood

Bright pink, layered with funky design elements, and home to delicious Tex-Mex and Mexican fare, Casa Bonita is a great starting point if you’re new to weird restaurants. It’s a project that was renovated and taken to the next level by South Park creators, meaning it’s colorful and irreverent.

While you order and wait for your food, you’ll be taken on a journey of surprising finds—from the 85-foot pink tower to the 30-foot waterfall to the puppet shows. Expect Mariachi bands, too.

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, San Francisco

Similar to Casa Bonita, the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar inside the Fairmont San Francisco is a masterful introduction to odd eateries. This one comes with an added dose of history, as it’s been open since 1945 and is cruising toward its centennial birthday. Think: artificial rainstorms set inside an upscale, lush tiki bar-turned-restaurant.

The Mai-Kai, Fort Lauderdale

Just ten years after the Tonga Room opened inside the Fairmont, another tiki-inspired restaurant opened in Fort Lauderdale. This one is an official Grand Polynesian Palace of Tiki, meaning the shows, drinks, and ambiance that you enjoy aren’t just based on kitschy interests.

They’re inspired by the real-life tiki tastes of Don the Beachcomber, a famous American entertainer and entrepreneur, and Polynesian culture. In 2015, it was named ‘best tiki bar in the world’ by Critiki.

Heart Attack Grill, Las Vegas

Welcome to one of the scariest concepts in themed restaurants: one that comes with a deliberately unhealthy menu and one that doles out paddle-spanking to those who don’t finish their meals.

Would it help if I told you the restaurant comes with dishes like ‘Flatliner Fries’ and ‘Octuple Bypass Hamburgers’? Don’t forget about the candy cigarettes for the kids and the unfiltered cigarettes for the adults.

Muriel’s, New Orleans

New Orleans isn’t short on great restaurants, but don’t forget to pay a visit to Muriel’s. At this casual fine-dining restaurant, you’ll be able to order Cajun and Creole specialties set inside a historic building.

Just mind the empty table that’s dressed daily but never open to customers; that’s where the previous owner’s ghost likes to hang out. His name is Pierre. Don’t ask how he died.

Captain Tony’s Saloon, Key West

This image from 2014 shows the tree in question, to the left of the bar (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Speaking of ghosts, if you’re into dining alongside the specters of yore and have a love of pirate history, head to Captain Tony’s Saloon in Key West. This nondescript, dive bar-style drinking house is named after Captain Tony, a character and former mayor of Key West.

But the grounds have played host to many nefarious activities, from serving as a bordello to an illegal gambling hall. But it’s the tree that grows through the roof that should catch your attention. According to legends, almost two dozen were hanged from the tree during the era of piracy centuries ago.

Ardy & Ed’s Drive In, Oshkosh

A famous restaurant in Oshkosh, this drive-in has been open since 1948—and the menu hasn’t changed much since then. (If it’s not broken…) Just like you would in the 1950s or 60s, you can order burgers, fries, and other American fare straight to your car. It’s delivered by roller-skating car-hops as Oldies play on the loudspeaker.

Oman is Trending—But What Does a Vacation There Actually Look Like?

The tip of the Arabian Peninsula is home to two countries: Oman to the north and Yemen to the south.

Though Oman has flown under the radar for travelers around the world, it’s always been on my radar. I have Anthony Bourdain to thank for that. During Season 9, Episode 7 of CNN’s “Parts Unknown” television series, he visits Oman and reveals it to be one of the coolest, most distinct, and hospitable places on earth.

I rewatched the episode recently, inspired by a growing number of social media travel accounts that have covered Oman over the last year or so. It’s having a heyday, despite the fact that a huge swath of the Middle East is now a no-fly zone.

So, what’s behind the big allure to visit Oman?

Here’s the short of it: Oman has deep pockets thanks to its many crude oil resources, which its down-to-earth Sultan has used for the last two decades to create a little slice of Heaven on Earth—one with high literacy rates, reliable healthcare, and very low crime rates.

Plus, with thousands of years of history under its cultural purview, there are layers and layers of unique traditions to peel back. On top of that, natural desert and coastal wonders you can’t imagine.

Now, onto the better question—how would the average American traveler visit the country? Here’s what you need to know about visiting Oman.

Start in Muscat, then take off at your leisure

Oman. View of the Muttrah Corniche, the world-famous Muscat sea promenade, at dusk (Getty)

Oman’s capital city is Muscat. Americans only need a visa (which you can easily apply for online) if you’re staying over two weeks, so make sure you have that hammered out before flying over. I also recommend booking any flights from the US with Turkish Airlines.

The flight will stop in Istanbul, where you can take advantage of the Turkish Airlines Stopover Program—the only stopover program in the world that comes with a free four-star hotel stay. You can take advantage of the offer in both directions, as well, letting you explore Istanbul before heading to Muscat.

Once you arrive in Muscat, rent a car and the nation becomes your oyster. It’s around 120,000 square miles, which makes it around twice the size of the state of Georgia. Not the breeziest road trip, but also not the most difficult. Some of the destinations listed below are also accessible as day trips from Muscat.

Here’s what not to miss in Muscat:

Day trips from Muscat

Wadi Bani Khalid

You can reach the Hajar Mountains from Muscat (the tallest on the peninsula) and explore caves and wadis. Wadis are shallow bodies of water that form during peak rain, but Wadi Bani Khalid is fed by a water channel that never stops flowing. The result is a gorgeous green-tinted lake with striking mountain views.

Wadi Shab

This famous wadi is slightly smaller, but its waters are just as crystal-clear. Plus, there’s a bit of added greenery thanks to the narrow canyons that the wadi passes through. You can also enjoy hiking trails near this Wadi, which showcase the dramatic Hajar Mountains.

Bimmah Sinkhole

Though smaller than the wadis mentioned above, Bimmah Sinkhole is another great swimming spot—especially if you enjoy clear waters in desert settings. It’s almost like a cenote from the Riviera Maya, just repackaged in a desert form. Just know that this is a pretty small and basic spot that you can drive to from Muscat. It won’t take a whole afternoon to explore.

Daymaniyat Islands

Snorkeling, crystal-clear water, and rocky coastlines—the Daymaniyat Islands are like if the Mediterranean had a love child with Zanzibar. During a day trip, you’ll spot wildlife like sea turtles and parrotfish as you snorkel through the warm, shallow waters. Maybe even a reef shark, if you’re lucky. And a jellyfish, if you’re unlucky.

Destinations to drive to after Muscat

Nizwa

You can drive a few hours south of Muscat to arrive at Nizwa. It’s a large city that once served as the nation’s capital. Don’t miss out on visiting the Nizwa Fort, which dates back to 1650, and the popular Jabreen Castle. You can also stick around to see the goat fair that happens every Friday. From Nizwa, you can also head further into the mountains.

Jebel Shams & Jebel Akhdar

If you enjoy a little hiking, head to Jebel Shams and/or Jebel Akhdar. They’re located in the high mountains surrounding Nizwa, letting you explore popular hikes like the Balcony Walk. Just know that they’re located at pretty high altitudes, with both at almost 9,900 feet above sea level. If you’re not a hiker, you might still be wooed by the mountain trips thanks to the Bahla Fort. It’s a UNESCO-listed fort that dates back to the 1300s.

Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands)

This desert region in Northeast Muscat includes golden sand dunes that go on and on as far as the eye can reach. Some visitors drive, while others fly straight to Wahiba. You can book tour groups that organize your stay around Wahiba Sands, from more rugged camping options to a more traditional hotel or home-stay. You can spend one or two days in Wahiba Sands, depending on how much you love that introspective desert time.

Pittsburgh Airport to Build the US’s First On-Site Sustainable Refinery

I’m a huge fan of sustainability efforts, especially as they intersect with the travel industry.

In just about every sector, there’s a promising new green initiative. From resorts with coveted carbon-neutral statuses to airlines allowing passengers to donate more to carbon-emission-relieving projects to locally sourced menus at restaurants to underwater sculpture parks that regrow coral reefs, travelers today have more options than ever before when it comes to sustainability.

The creative ideas are there—and they’re abundant, scientifically sound, and constantly being refined and optimized.

That being said, travel infrastructure isn’t always up-to-snuff. Sustainability projects, as much as I love them and as much as other travelers are demanding them, must be operationally feasible.

As of 2025, many hospitality groups and travel companies are playing catch-up to make their practices, operations, and products more sustainable.

But some are actually ahead of the curve, providing a clear framework for ongoing sustainability measures that other groups can adopt.

Enter Pittsburgh Airport, one of the US’s most quietly sustainable travel hubs. A few years back, it opted to go green with on-site clean energy generation. Now, it’s taking things even further with plans to launch a sustainable aviation fuel refinery on-site.

Pittsburgh Airport goes green in 2021

Back in 2021, Pittsburgh Airport announced plans to create an on-site microgrid that would provide all the energy necessary to run the airport. Since it went live, the microgrid has used a solar panel facility and natural gas-fired generators that fully power the nearly 9,000-acre Pittsburgh Airport property.

Thanks to a private and publicly funded partnership between IMG Energy Solutions, Peoples Gas, and the Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh Airport has run almost entirely on sustainable forms of energy. That means it uses the traditional grid as a backup.

For fans of sustainability, that’s a huge coup. But even if you couldn’t care less about green initiatives in the travel world, it’s still a commendable act.

Remember earlier this year when Heathrow Airport was thrown into chaos due to a power grid problem in London? What about a similar blackout in Portugal and Spain? Airports with sustainable, on-site power grids don’t need to worry about blackouts from the traditional grid.

Plans for an on-site refinery are taking shape

Pittsburgh Airport’s impressive microgrid has since influenced new projects for major hubs like JFK and Houston International Airport. But that project took off in 2021, meaning Pittsburgh Airport staff have had plenty of time to start innovating in other directions.

Their latest idea? Take that microgrid innovation and apply it toward on-site aviation fuel refineries. With a sterling reputation for improving green aviation operations, Pittsburgh Airport has been able to attract investors and partners.

Specifically, with the clean fuel-based company Avina, which will turn alcohol into aviation fuel using a Houston-based firm called KBR.

This type of fuel is known as sustainable aviation fuel (aka SAF). It’s a biofuel that has a much lower carbon footprint and can be mixed with traditional jet fuel. But it’s not totally carbon neutral; most sources say that it could be as much as 80% more efficient.

(If you want to learn more about SAF, you can explore this handy summary from the International Air Transport Association.)

The on-site refinery should produce around 120 million gallons of sustainable fuel each year, around 70 million of which would be used by the airport, according to airport CEO Christina Cassotis. The rest would be sold and shipped off-site.

Currently, Cassotis and company are working to generate more funds from another investment round before finalizing plans for the SAF refinery. Additionally, Pittsburgh Airport will be opening a new central terminal this autumn. Further SAF refinery announcements are expected around that time.

Meet Augustus, the Reigning Cat-Emperor of Rome’s Colosseum

Weird things I know about Italians: if there’s a stray cat around, they’re going to find a moment to sneak away and feed it.

Why sneak away to feed it? Because Italians are cat-like, meaning the mysteries of the feline are rote knowledge to them.

If you think I’m painting with broad strokes, then let’s not forget that Rome is known as the City of Cats.

Though I was teasing when I said Italians sneak away to feed stray cats, I’m not joking about that last fact. Rome is actually called the City of Cats by some, and that informal title is thanks to the 300,000 or so cats that roam the city.

Around 130,000 of those cats live as strays in Rome’s many feral cat colonies. There’s the Colonia Felina Piramide and the Colonia Felina Verano, along with the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. Not only have they become tourist sites, but they’re well-known by locals, as well.

In fact, some believe that caring for stray cats dates as far back as the Roman Empire, where they were also tended to by locals known as gattare.

But there’s one stray who lords about the rest—he even has a tiny, tiny palace located inside an official World Wonder.

Meet Augustus, the most famous cat living inside the Roman Colosseum.

The cats of the Colosseum

Actors pose for a portrait at the Colosseum in March 1966 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

We’ll round back to Augustus in a moment. First, it’s worth clarifying that, although he’s beloved and known as the official cat of the Colosseum, he’s far from the only one.

Around 200 cats live inside the ruins, and they have for centuries.

They aren’t allowed on the premises solely because Rome is (informally) known as the City of Cats and home to hundreds of dedicated gattare. Think back to the Black Plague—what’s the one superpower cats had during the waves of plague?

They’re great at killing vermin. The cats of the Colosseum are allowed on the grounds because they work around the clock to keep the grounds clean and free of pests. In fact, if you’ve visited the Colosseum and seen a few cats wandering throughout the grounds, you might have been surprised by how healthy and happy they looked.

Not only do they have plenty to eat (along with pests, they’re also fed by the gattare), but cats also thrive in open air ruins like the Colosseum.

Who is Augustus? And how did he become emperor?

The one and only Augustus, courtesy of Reddit

Now, back to Augustus. This famous elderly cat has become a bit of a tourist phenomenon over the last few years. He’s popped up in many social media videos, like the one linked above. (Here’s another from Reddit and plenty more from TikTok.)

Augustus stands apart due to his age and permanent residence at the Colosseum. He’s estimated to be around 10-15 years old and, unlike the other strays, he doesn’t leave the grounds. (He uses a tiny cat door! What else?!)

So, how do you become a famous Roman cat? Be spotted often and pick up a following based on your good looks and effortless style. In Augustus’s case, his age has also offered him other luxuries like a small bed and a separate feeding area.

According to some visitors, Augustus isn’t the only Emperor at the Colosseum. Apparently, he also shares the grounds full-time with two other cats who are much shier and harder to spot, named Cesarina and Tigrotta. Keep a lookout for this famous trio the next time you’re visiting the Colosseum. And maybe bring a few cat treats.

11 Best Spa Resorts in Texas That Feel Like Heaven on Earth

They say everything is bigger in Texas—and that includes hospitality.

From hotels on the San Antonio River Walk that won’t break the bank to the world’s finest steakhouses in Dallas, there’s a unique adventure around every corner. For now, let’s focus on one of the least adventurous but most enjoyable forms of travel: booking a stay at a spa resort.

Though many four-star and five-star hotels offer spas with a broad range of services and treatments, some locations actually go above and beyond to create heaven-on-earth-caliber spas.

They offer specialized treatments, non-traditional services, world-class and cutting-edge types of care, and all those little features and amenities that go into creating an effortless, relaxing stay.

The big question is… where can you find them?

From major cities like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, the best spa resorts in Texas are all in reach. Here’s where to go.

Best spa resorts in Texas that feel like heaven on earth

La Cantera Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Hill Country
Grand Galvez
Horseshoe Bay Resort
The Westin Dallas Stonebriar
Omni Barton Creek
The Houstonian
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Rough Creek Lodge
The Joule
Mokara Hotel & Spa

Spa resorts in Texas

La Cantera Resort & Spa

This family-friendly pick is located near San Antonio, making it one of the more accessible options. The grounds are lush and gorgeous, with a large outdoor pool area. But the real star is the Loma de Vida Spa, which offers everything from body treatments to facials to manicures.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country

Located on a 300-acre plot that was once a family ranch, this Hyatt Regency choice offers upscale amenities set inside a green natural setting. There are plenty of family-friendly amenities, a full-scale golf course, and lovely fine dining restaurants. But don’t skip out on the Windflower Spa, which offers all the basics you could hope for, from facials to massages to nail services.

Grand Galvez

A well-known quantity in the Galveston area, the Grand Galvez takes you into a classic, Old World-style resort stay. With perfectly manicured lawns and a grand, iconic edifice, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. (And you are—this location is over 100 years old.) It’s spa doesn’t offer a long list of services, but the treatments it does offer are specialized (like its Vichy Treatment Room) and affordable.

Horseshoe Bay Resort

Though it’s only a four-star stay, you can expect five-star treatment at Horseshoe Bay. The lakeside views are gorgeous, there’s a private jet center if you’re flying solo, and you can choose from four on-site restaurants. Plus, it’s Bayside Spa offers a long list of beauty treatments, relaxation services, and other unique offers, such as hydro and aromatherapy. It’s popular enough that some spa-goers drive in from Austin.

The Westin Dallas Stonebriar

A short drive from Dallas awaits this impressive Westin property. Chic, modern, and full of green features, it combines wellness with sustainability in a stylish package. There’s a world-class golf course on the grounds, but I’d recommend heading straight for the Well & Being Spa, where you can order up treatments like hot stone massages, full-body scrubs and wraps, and other harder-to-find services.

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

The Omni Barton gives you a front-row seat to some of Texas Hill Country’s loveliest scenes. When you’re ready to unwind, head to the Three Springs Spa, which is a full-service treatment center. Mokara Spa includes a sauna, steam room, and an indoor heated pool, along with a long list of spa treatments, such as facials, massages, and manicures.

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

An urban escape with 27 wooded acres, the Houstonian lets you enjoy all those resort amenities without skipping town. Plus, it offers an upscale and effortlessly stylish design that’s hard to find—even inside its Trellis Spa. There, you can order a bite at the restaurant, unwind with a view from the pool, relax with a massage or facial, and even order beauty treatments like hair services.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

With only 40 available suites, you can expect an intimate experience that showcases the wonders of the Hill Country. But Lake Austin Spa Resort is most well-known for its top-notch relaxation services at Lake House Spa. The entire hotel is framed around wellness, making it easy to book day spa passes, specialized treatments, and even help put together a curated package that helps you achieve your wellness goals during your stay.

Rough Creek Lodge

If sheer acreage is important for your spa-resort stay, look no further. Rough Creek Lodge is set on 9,000 acres of rugged Hill Country land, home to many lakes and plenty of riding trails. There are also cool amenities like the driving range, pickleball complex, bowling alley, and even a ropes course. But don’t forget about the spa. Rough Creek Lodge makes it easy to add-on basic spa services to your resort stay, from massages to customized facials.

The Joule

Though not a spa resort, The Joule is a great pick for anyone heading to Dallas who wants to bundle in quality spa time with their hotel stay. Along with its luxurious rooftop pool and high-class restaurants, The Joule is home to a fantastic spa with plenty of services, from massages and skincare to lashes, brows, and waxing treatments.

Mokara Hotel & Spa

This opulent little gem, located on the San Antonio River Walk, lets you take on the city at your own pace. While you’ll be wooed by the lovely scenery and walkable streets around the hotel, don’t skip out on its award-winning spa. From massages to body wraps to world-class facials, there’s something for everyone. (There’s also a rooftop pool, in case you like that type of thing.)