8 Beauty & Cosmetics Brands With Real Duty-Free Deals

Finding solid duty-free deals is an art form.

On one hand, some duty-free shops include exclusive offers from renowned brands. That’s the case for some whiskey companies, which means the only place to find certain blends is at duty-free shops.

On the other hand, we’ve all seen a similar reel of products offered—usually with slim savings.

Every duty-free store is different thanks to national regulations on when and how companies can sell their goods tax-free. If you’re looking to figure out where to find actual deals, I recommend focusing your research on brands instead of just airports.

The most common purchase I make in the duty-free section is beauty and cosmetics.

However, it can be difficult to convert currencies when you’re trying to figure out how much a product costs, and that makes it easy to spend more than you assumed when doing mental math.

If you’re on the hunt for beauty and cosmetics products in duty-free sections, take a close look at deals from these brands. They’re known for having reliable discounts across the board.

8 beauty and cosmetics brands with great duty-free deals

Estée Lauder

You can find 10-30% off skincare, makeup, and fragrances from Estée Lauder. Some duty-free buffs recommend shopping for Estee Lauder products in France and South Korea, as they have offered products with markups up to 30% off.

Urban Decay

Urban Decay has transitioned from a trending makeup brand to a legacy option. Its duty-free sales are usually a hot commodity—but they’re a bit harder to find at airports. If you see them available, scoop up palettes and setting sprays. But you can also buy them online via KING POWER Duty-Free.

MAC Cosmetics

As one of the most well-known mid-range makeup brands out there, MAC Cosmetics can be found in many duty-free shops around the world. Just keep in mind that MAC Cosmetics doesn’t usually offer hefty discounts, meaning the more you buy, the more you save. For this reason, I’d recommend buying in bulk at duty-free if you’re a consistent makeup wearer.

Clinique

Similar to Estée Lauder, some beauty aficionados swear by Clinique duty-free deals. Some markups offer discounts of up to 10% off. However, there seem to be conflicting reports about Clinique prices in different regions. In Europe, for example, savings tend to be steeper than compared to Asia.

Lancôme

From fragrances to lotions, you can find solid and consistent deals from Lancôme at duty-free shops, especially in the United States. The brand is also known for releasing exclusive duty-free editions of popular products, from unique packaging to special add-ons.

Just keep in mind that these exclusive releases are usually designed for mega-fans, and they might cost you more than the regular retail price.

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has one of the most robust and valuable duty-free presences in the world. Not only will you find consistent discounts worth up to 30% off, but Bobbi Brown often offers free gifts for those making purchases.

In March 2025, for example, they offer free eyelash curlers with mascara purchases for loyal members. Just remember: you’ll get even more if you’re part of their rewards program.

L’Occitane

This popular brand offers discounts worth up to 10% off, which can be accessed from duty-free online stores as well as in-person shops. Similar to Bobbi Brown, select purchases come with free gifts. However, these are only offered during special deal periods and during select holidays.

La Mer

La Mer is one of the most well-known and intriguing beauty brands in the world. It’s known for its highly exorbitant and exclusive prices, which drop a bit in duty-free shops.

In fact, duty-free is the average shopper’s first introduction to La Mer products, where small moisturizing creams usually run upwards of $100. If you’ve had your eye on La Mer products, stick to duty-free.

Falconry: Meet the Travel World’s Growing Solution to Pigeon Populations

We all know the experience: you’re ambling through a gorgeous plaza or promenade, soaking up the views and the ambiance… while surrounded by desperate, fussing pigeons.

Usually, tourists move on and forget about the hordes.

But pigeons pose recurring problems when their population booms. The biggest issue is the mess—pigeon poop isn’t just unsightly. It can cause property damage, scuff up centuries-old statues, and can even pose health problems when left unmanaged.

And that’s not likely to change. Humans have been domesticating pigeons for over 5,000 years, which means they see us and think… meal time. Most people, by contrast, think… ew, flying rat.

Personally, I love pigeons—but I can understand how they pose real problems for owners, people working in hospitality, and tourists. And it’s not hard to see how someone with a fear of birds might actually nix certain locations off their bucket list due to the presence of throngs of pigeons.

For example, Venice has been famously trying to starve out its massive population for years, especially in St. Mark’s Square.

But there’s a solution that’s slowly drifted from commercial and transportation properties into the tourism sector: using falconers and their hawks as deterrents.

Falconry & the art of training hawks to scare pigeons 101

Pigeons (and seagulls) are natural prey for hawks—and they scatter when they see one of these bad boys in the area.

In the US, the Department of Fish and Wildlife declared commercial hawking legal in 2008. Since then, more and more companies have invited falconers to their property to scare away the birds.

Usually, a quarterly visit is enough to keep populations at bay. However, resorts in some areas, like Cancun, Mexico, and Madeira, Portugal, rely on falconers year-round.

It’s a win-win-win by almost every metric. First, falconers scare the bejeesus out of the pigeons—but they don’t actually harm them. Second, guests usually love to see the process in action. (Who wouldn’t?) Third, it’s the most affordable solution available to hotel and resort owners.

Even falconers have said that they appreciate the chance to do their thing publicly. It helps curry interest in predatory birds, along with holistic bird abatement.

Where do hotels and resorts use falconers, aka ‘bird mafia’? And can you get involved?

Worldwide, more and more hotels and resorts are relying on falconers to keep their pesky pigeon populations at by. As mentioned above, you might have seen viral videos of hotels in Cancun with falconry programs, along with resorts in Madeira.

California’s hotels and resorts also rely heavily on falconry, especially in beachside communities that are also contending with seagulls. Though Florida has been slower to adopt falconry practices, many destinations in the Sunshine State are also bringing on falconers.

If you’re interested in getting a hands-on view of these falcons doing their thing, I have two recommendations: call ahead to see if your stay might coincide with a falconry visit or head to a hotel that actually offers a hands-on falconry experience.

These American hotels offer falconry experiences:

The Hotel Hershey (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
The Woodstock Inn & Resort (Woodstock, New York)
Omni Homestead Resort (Virginia)
Troutbeck (Amenia, New York)

6 Perfect Beaches & Neighborhoods in South Walton, Florida for Every Trip

When you think of the Florida panhandle, what places come to mind?

Dubbed the Emerald Coast, this area has some of the most striking beaches in the US, known for their pure-white sand and green-tinted, clear waters.

Most of us know of its premier vacation spots: Destin, Panama City, and even Gulf Shores over the border in Alabama.

But there’s a new Emerald Coast destination that you should know about. It’s Walton County, which sits to the east of Okaloosa County where Destin is located.

And South Walton County, which covers its coastal areas, is home to sixteen distinct neighborhoods.

Each has its own unique atmosphere and characteristics, and these have slowly but steadily made South Walton one of Florida’s new, premier beachside regions.

But with sixteen highly unique beaches and neighborhoods to choose from when visiting, where should you go? Take a shortcut here.

I’ve got a pick for every type of traveler who’s eager to soak up the sunlight and pristine beaches in South Walton.

6 neighborhoods in South Walton for any mood

Active and outdoorsy: Seascape
Glamorous and upscale: WaterColor or Alys Beach
Intimate and romantic: Santa Rosa Beach
Family-friendly, non-stop fun: Inlet Beach
Budget-friendly: Gulf Place
Nature-centric: Dune Allen

Top 6 neighborhoods in South Walton

Active and outdoorsy: Seascape

Want a hands-on vacation? You won’t run out of things to do in Seascape, especially when it comes to outdoorsy options. This resort community gives you direct access to world-class golf courses and tennis courts.

Nearby at the Seascape Town Centre, you can also rent skateboards, paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, and more. Even fishing is on the docket at Steward Lake, a freshwater lake located a short drive inland. There’s even a laser tag center for those who want to turn up the action.

Glamorous and upscale: WaterColor or Alys Beach

South Walton has a neighborhood for everyone—still, it specializes in upscale, glamorous towns. Sandestin is the most well-known thanks to its range of large resorts, but Watercolor and Alys Beach offer more unique upscale opportunities.

WaterColor offers a more natural look at the coastal dunes in the area, letting you rent luxury accommodations that are secluded from the rest of the beachy action. Or, if you’d rather stick to a more glamorous rental, head to one of the area’s traditional resort stays.

Alys Beach, on the other hand, is a highly curated neighborhood with white-washed walls reminiscent of the Mediterranean. When I first wrote about South Walton, I was captivated by Alys Beach—it’s got a few exclusive, no-photos zones, plus large-scale and unique art installations. Sort of like a playground for influencers.

Intimate and romantic: Santa Rosa Beach

Want to disappear in the warmth of South Walton with a lover at your side? I’d go straight to Santa Rosa Beach, which offers a great balance between award-winning cuisine, art galleries that you’ll want to hit twice, and dozens of local boutiques.

That type of home-grown atmosphere always bodes well for intimate trips, in my opinion. Plus, you’ve got gorgeous state parks nearby, including Eden Gardens and Point Washington State Forest.

Family-friendly, non-stop fun: Inlet Beach

If you’re heading to South Walton with a family, you can drift from one neighborhood to another at your leisure. However, I recommend staying in Inlet Beach for most of your trip.

Known for its laidback charm, you’ll notice other multi-generational families doing their thing at the beach, from taking surfing lessons to lounging under umbrellas. In town, you’ll find plenty of no-fuss eateries that are more than happy to seat toddlers, kids, tweens, and more.

Budget-friendly: Gulf Place

Similar to Inlet Beach, Gulf Place is a well-rounded neighborhood that offers a pristine beach, delicious restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops galore. The only difference is that prices are slightly more accessible, from rentals to seafood boils to spa treatments.

Nature-centric: Dune Allen

Welcome to South Walton’s most hidden little cove where visitors head to drop off the map. Miles of trails explore coastal dunes, beaches, and inlet lakes wait for you in Dune Allen.

You can even camp, if you want, or hook up your RV. But don’t worry—you aren’t cut off from South Walton’s lively atmosphere. In the morning, head to Kith and Kin for a great coffee. At night, head to Stinky’s Fish Camp for a casual meal.

7 Things to Do in Bardstown—Kentucky’s Bourbon Crown Jewel

Bardstown, born in 1780, is Kentucky’s second-oldest city—and the state’s bourbon crown jewel.

In fact, if you know a lot about bourbon whiskey, you might be making a connection: Bardstown was established right around the time that locals started distilling bourbon in Kentucky in the late 1700s.

Today, Bardstown is one of several towns on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, along with Louisville, Owensboro, Lexington, and more.

So, if you’re heading to Bardstown, you’ll probably be drinking a little bit of bourbon, especially from the local Barton 1792 Distillery, which produces multiple blends. But that’s far from the only attraction.

As I mentioned up top, Bardstown is the state’s second-oldest city. And with close to 250 years of history, visitors can expect a well-balanced destination that brings together the most iconic parts of small-town Appalachian life: good whiskey, great food, and friendly people.

Best things to do in Bardstown, Kentucky

Get to drinking at a local distillery

Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky (Getty)

The largest distillery in town is Barton 1792 Distillery, which took home a major award back in 2020 when its 1792 Bourbon blend was named World Whisky of the Year.

Aside from mint julep experiences, tours are no longer running, but you can also catch guided tasting tours on other grounds.

Aside from Barton 1792 Distillery, you can explore legendary spots like Lux Row Distilleries and Bardstown Bourbon Company. If you want to dig even deeper, head to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience or take a course at the Bourbon Capital Academy.

Wander through Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Ready to walk off that hangover? Head to the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, which stretches over 16,000 acres and includes over 40 miles of relaxing trails.

Don’t forget to stop by the edible garden for a little forest snack when you’re feeling peckish. If you’re feeling full of energy, head to the ‘playcosystem’, a 17-acre playground created from natural materials.

But I’d hate to leave you with the feeling that this is just another national park. In reality, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is privately owned. It’s open to the public, and to researchers, and even includes massive, artistic ‘creatures’ carved from wood. That’s nature, art, and science wrapped up into one can’t-miss bundle.

Treat yourself to historic delights in the Historic District—and shop vintage

Vintage objects on a flea market stall (Getty)

If you love a picturesque main street that’s lined with historic shops, you’ll fall head over heels for Bardstown’s historic district. There’s even a carriage house where you can catch a ride around town thanks to a few hardworking horses.

From florists to art galleries to boutique shops, there’s plenty to do. But don’t miss out on Bardstown’s vintage appeal.

This small town has major finds at shops like Nettie Jarvis Antiques, Homestead Bed & Breakfast & Antiques, At Mary’s Art & Antiques, The Cozy Cottage Boutique, and The Rusty Rooster.

Take a peak into the past at My Old Kentucky Home & Old Talbott Tavern

Bardstown, Kentucky, USA January 26, 2024 The Old Talbott Tavern, opened in 1779 as seen on a overcast winter day (Getty)

Just outside Bardstown is My Old Kentucky Home, a vast former plantation property with a 200-year-old mansion.

The grounds now host major events, from private bourbon tastings to murder mystery dinners to cocktail-making courses. Check the calendar over your stay—or book an afternoon to play at My Old Kentucky Home’s golf course.

If you’d rather stay in town, head to Old Talbott Tavern. The drinking spot dates back to 1779, making it older than the town itself. It’s a famous establishment that’s been visited by infamous names, from Jesse James to King Louis Philippe. Apparently, James left a few bullet holes in the wall upstairs.

Eat like a Southerner at Mammy’s Kitchen

When you’re tuckered out after a long day, head to Mammy’s Kitchen, one of the most beloved local eateries. Part sports bar, part live music establishment, and home to over 140 bourbons, you’ll get a little bit of everything at Mammy’s.

But make sure you pick out at least a few southern classics from the menu, from biscuits and gravy to chicken and waffles.

Catch a live show at The Amp

Just outside town at the Log Still Distillery, you’ll find a grand outdoor music venue that’s called The Amp. From May through October, the Amp hosts weekly shows from local and national artists.

Given it’s located on the grounds of a major distillery, you can also expect great drinks.

Take a peak behind the curtain with the Taste of Bardstown Tour

Feeling overwhelmed by the food and drink options in Bardstown? Take the town’s iconic Taste of Bardstown Tour, which is hosted by local experts who are passionate about sharing the town’s history and traditions.

You’ll get to explore famous landmarks while wandering through the historic district and sampling the best in Bardstown.

6 Perfect Beaches in Florida to Learn How to Surf This Summer

Whether or not you have dreams of becoming a surfer, vacation is the perfect time to grab a board and hit the waves.

I had the great pleasure of learning how to surf during my first year of college in Nosara, Costa Rica. I was staying in a treehouse hostel where I was doing research on the spirituality of surfing. (Welcome to a college that promoted itself with the motto ‘the world is your classroom’.)

I had three lazy, surfer French boys to teach me how to read the swells, paddle like my life depended on it, and shout at me when it was time to pop up onto the board.

I failed relentlessly but had the time of my life. (My paper on the spirituality of surfing turned out great, if anyone was wondering.)

Since then, I’ve had a few chances to practice surfing while on vacation. Those attemps also haven’t panned out—and yet, I’ve always had fun when fighting the waves while trying to lug a longboard with me.

If you’re interested in taking a casual surf lesson (or honing your existing skills), California is one of the best places to go—but it’s also a little more nerve-wracking because of how aggressive surfers can be. (They don’t like to share the waves, especially with newcomers.)

Instead, you might find that Florida is a little more welcoming to beginner surfers.

Not only are its beaches less intimidating, but there’s plenty to do for any fellow travelers who aren’t on the hunt for the perfect barrel.

Ready for a surf’s up summer? Go to these beaches to learn how to surf in Florida. You’ll be able to find surf lessons at local clubs, along with mellow waves that won’t eat you up and spit you out.

Best beaches in Florida to learn how to surf

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is home to the original world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop—and world-champion surfer Kelly Slater. But don’t worry—the waves in Cocoa Beach aren’t mammoths.

If you head to the beach past 11^th-19^th streets, you’ll find mellow waves that make it slightly easier to pop up for the first time.

Or if you’re totally new, you can easily find surf lessons. These make it easy to learn how surfing works, how to read the water, and how to interact with other surfers. Lessons are available at local surf shops or online via tour booking platforms like TripAdvisor and Viator.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Just south of Cocoa Beach is Sebastian Inlet State Park, which is usually called ‘The Inlet’. Just make sure you head to ‘Third Peak’ or ‘Chernobles’, which is the most relaxed stretch.

There, you won’t face too many other competitive surfers, and the swells will be smaller. That being said, The Inlet is best for surfers who have a little experience under their belts.

Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville isn’t a surfy town, in my opinion—but it’s home to a handful of great surfing schools that make it easy to learn the ropes. That gives you plenty of options in terms of the intensity of the course, length, and price.

Just beware that Jacksonville has some of Florida’s coldest waters, meaning you might need to wear a wetsuit—even in summer.

St. Augustine Beach

Surfer holding surf board at the pier in St. Augustine, Florida during the early morning glow of beach life. (Getty)

Just like Jacksonville, St. Augustine might not seem like a likely candidate for a surf town. However, the Atlantic Coast has some of the state’s best swells.

Plus, there are two surfing schools in town that you can sign up with, which includes an all-women The Girl Next Door All-Girls Surf Camp. I imagine its courses are perfect for all-girls trips and for anyone nervous about looking unathletic in front of the other sex.

South Hutchinson Island: Jensen Beach

Sunny skies on Hutchinson Island – Stuart, Martin County, South Florida (Getty)

South Hutchinson Island has long stretches of undeveloped beaches that are great for surfing—but you won’t have a great view, full disclosure. Those untouched beaches are thanks to the presence of the Hutchinson Island Nuclear Power Plant; it’s pretty unsightly.

That being said, at Jensen Beach, you can enjoy on-site concessions and bathrooms, along with reasonable swells.

Daytona Beach

Similar to Cocoa Beach, you won’t be hard-pressed to find lessons and even surf camps in Daytona Beach. Though Daytona isn’t nearly as famous as Cocoa Beach in terms of its surfing legacy, tourists have been taking lessons here for decades.

Whether you want to take a casual single-day course or a more in-depth week(s)-long program, you’ll have options.

Delta & Airbnb: You Could Be Earning 1 Mile per $1 Spent on Airbnb

Did you know that there’s a ‘secret’ Airbnb page that’s linked to Delta?

Neither did I—and I say that as someone who books Airbnb rentals and flies Delta. Or if you already knew about this, please excuse me for being late to the party.

Very late to the party, by most metrics.

Delta and Airbnb first partnered back in 2016. Since then, the relationship has developed into a hugely beneficial program that lets frequent flyers earn miles when they book select Airbnb rentals on vacation.

Ready to start earning Delta SkyMiles during your next Airbnb stay? Let’s see what the hype is all about.

Delta & Airbnb: how does the program work?

Look for the Delta SkyMiles banner when booking on Airbnb

Delta’s partnership with Airbnb allows SkyMiles Members to book select Airbnbs and earn one mile per $1 spent on the rental. It’s really that simple. There’s no minimum spend amount or minimum number of nights spent at the rental.

Simply input your SkyMiles number to access over seven million Airbnbs around the world. Find the one that tickles your fancy, complete the booking, and then see those dollars turn into miles.

Best of all, there’s no cap on how many you can earn—so if you book a $7,000, weeklong Airbnb stay, that’s 7,000 miles into your account.

Just remember: the only way that this works is by booking through the exclusive Delta-Airbnb platform. After you put in your SkyMiles number, you’ll be taken to a familiar Airbnb page. But you should still see the Delta SkyMiles banner, like in the screenshot above.

Here’s a look at the fine print:

It might take up to 8 weeks for those Airbnb dollars to turn into miles
The name on your SkyMiles account must match the person booking the Airbnb
Only one SkyMiles Member can earn from the booking, even if more members stay at the rental

Are the Airbnb rentals actually good?

When I first learned about this offer, my shoulders sagged a little. Though the idea seems great, not all Airbnb rentals are created equally. And while Delta’s offer of seven million choices seems robust, let’s not underestimate how many duds actually exist on Airbnb.

However, I’ve been very pleasantly surprised. When you go to the Delta-linked Airbnb page, you’ll see superhosts and guest favorite stays listed first. The top stays recommended dot the United States, letting you easily shop for highly rated and trusted rentals across the country.

Plus, you have all the same categories and activities that are listed on the regular Airbnb page, meaning the experience of looking for a rental is the exact same. From what I can tell, it’s the crème of the crop.

Even when I dialed down the nightly rate to $150, I was happy with the options presented.

Is this deal worth signing up to be a Delta SkyMiles Member?

I’m not usually taken by airline loyalty programs; you usually spend thousands before you earn a few hundred in free deals. Half the time, I’m not interested in those offers, either.

That being said, I joined Delta SkyMiles because I was sick and tired of subpar treatment from budget airlines. So far, I haven’t accessed any benefits from being a SkyMiles member—but my miles are accruing, and I’m confident they’ll pave the way for a great vacation someday.

In reality, this Airbnb-Delta SkyMiles program is the most high-value offer from my SkyMiles membership. (Again, I’m still accruing miles, so this isn’t a jab at Delta.)

As someone who regularly books Airbnb rentals, this is a pretty seamless, effortless way for me to tack on more miles—no skin off my back.