7 Etiquette Tips in Southeast Asia

Etiquette is based on layers and layers of unwritten rules. From regional tendencies to larger social structures, it’s a complex topic.

As a former student of culture, I learned that most etiquette comes from historical context, religious and folk beliefs, environmental factors, and beyond. Some customs change quickly, while others are focal to a culture’s identity.

One of my favorite places to study culture was in Southeast Asia, where cultural cues and norms are influenced strongly by the region’s distinct Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim histories. Thailand, for example, is Buddhist; Malaysia is largely Muslim; and Indonesia’s Bali is a Hindu enclave.

Folk religion is also prevalent, which is tied to certain locations, family lines, and other hyper-specific realities. Toss in other factors like the presence of filial piety and gender norms, and you can start to see how studying something as simple as ‘etiquette’ becomes a quagmire of sidebars.

I personally love the messiness of these topics—but I remember how disorienting it was to travel to Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali for the first time.

Customs are different in each destination; and even in each town and city. That being said, there are a few overarching rules you might want to keep in mind. Even if you don’t nail every interaction, these tips will serve you well throughout the region and show locals that you’re, at least, trying.

Ready for your crash course in Southeast Asian etiquette? Here’s a short introduction with the most important tips.

7 etiquette tips in Southeast Asia

Dress modestly anytime you’re going to a religious site or an important meeting

This rule of etiquette is pretty standard throughout the world, but cover your shoulders and down to your knees if you’re planning to enter an ashram, temple, or another holy site.

Even if you’re just visiting a more conservative or professional part of town for a more formal meeting, consider covering up.

Don’t touch anyone’s head—and don’t point your feet at people

In Buddhist and Hindu cultures, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. The feet are considered the dirtiest.

For this reason, avoid touching the top of anyone’s head—even children. By contrast, avoid pointing your feet at others. It’s common to sit on the floor in Southeast Asia, which was usually when I accidentally pointed my feet at people.

Keep your cool in public

To put it bluntly, it’s a very embarrassing lapse to lose your cool and raise your voice in public in Southeast Asia. That’s doubly true if you raise your voice to a child.

Children are held in very high regard; someone who raises their voice to a child is then seen as being more infantile. In Southeast Asia, public harmony and displays of respect are the cultural norm.

Losing your temper is the same as losing face.

Be subtle when giving and receiving—and say no the first time

And speaking of losing face—you might be wondering what it means. To put it as simply as possible, saving face is guaranteeing the dignity of yourself, especially when in a public setting.

This was a tough concept for me to wrap my head around; though humility is big in St. Louis where I grew up, the concepts are different in practice.

One way that you’ll save face in Southeast Asia is by very subtly giving and receiving gifts. Even when paying the bill in a restaurant, do so quietly. If a friend is offering you a gift, say no the first time. If they insist, accept with both hands and bow your head.

Accept items with both hands

Accepting an item with both hands is a sign of respect. It’s expected when receiving gifts, in particular, but you might want to make it part of your daily habits as you travel around the region.

Whether accepting money, food, or even business cards, using both hands signals that you’re grateful. It’s especially important when there’s an age difference; elders are held in very high regard, so they should be shown deferential treatment.

Watch out for your left hand

If you’ve read my work on squatty toilets, then you might remember that the left hand is considered unclean in many cultures around the world—from Southeast Asia to India to the Middle East.

That’s because the left hand is always used for cleaning up after using a squatty when there’s no toilet paper. Even in areas that are fully on the TP-train, this custom holds strong. If you’re offering or accepting something, use your right hand.

Slight bows are favored over handshakes

This last one isn’t necessarily a breech in etiquette—everyone will shake your hand if you offer it in greeting. But it’s worth mentioning here that many people in Southeast Asia greet one another with their hands pressed together and a slight bow of the head (Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos).

It’s a sign of greeting, farewell, and apology, and is associated with respect. In Malaysia and Indonesia, you can set your hand on your heart. In Vietnam, a simple nod will work.

Travel Tips: 5 Countries My European Friends Recommend

When I write for American travelers, I tend to focus on destinations in North America, Europe, and South America. They’re more accessible to us in terms of budget, culture, and geography.

While Asian stops like Japan and Bali are high on the priority list for some Americans, the vast majority of us focus our travel goggles on the closest tropical and historical destinations.

We’re usually lying half-asleep on a beach with an empty cocktail nearby or breaking in a new pair of shoes while museum-hunting in Italy or France.

But what about non-American travelers?

Here in Barcelona, my immediate friend group includes people from around Europe, and they often set their sights on more exotic, distant locations. Many also work at companies that are legally required to offer employees six weeks of paid vacation. (One of my friends realized she was below the quota last year and had to take off. Mind-blowing, right?)

So, where do they go when it’s time to take off work—sometimes for weeks at a time?

Two of my friends just returned from a month-long jaunt across Sri Lanka. Last year around this time, they were returning from South Korea. And they aren’t the only ones drifting farther and farther off well-trodden tourist tracks.

Ever wondered how European thirty-somethings without children are traveling?

Take a peek behind the curtain with me. I’m listing out where each of my close friends in Barcelona has traveled over the last year. (Currently, two friends are on separate trips to Sri Lanka and Malaysia—so I’ll have to report back on how their trips go.)

Japan

One of my best friends (from Croatia) headed to Tokyo, Japan for his three-week honeymoon last November. It was the third time that he and his partner (from Spain) had visited—and they have plans to go back.

The pair are obsessed with Tokyo and Japanese culture.

They like Tokyo because it’s a vertical city, and you never know what unique adventure will await you on a skyscraper’s 26^th floor. Despite the dense urban atmosphere, Japanese culture values respect, which means it’s gauche to make noise or disrupt others in public—and that goes a long way in keeping Tokyo peaceful.

Lastly, they’re in love with Japanese food.

South Korea

Two good friends of mine (both Italian) went on a three-week vacation in South Korea last year, hitting hotspots like Seoul and Jeju Island.

Their journey was inspired by pop culture and personal recommendations; one of our friends here in Barcelona is South Korean and has been selling our group on a trip for a while now.

The pair enjoyed the big-city vibes in Seoul. Korean skincare is enjoying a cult-like following around the world, so spas and shopping were high on their list. In Jeju, they were able to get outdoors, hiking through gorgeous national parks and relaxing by the water. They raved about the sites in Jeju—which they ended up liking more than Seoul.

Morocco

Almost everyone I know in Barcelona has been to Morrocco—and loved it. From just about every angle, you can expect an incredible trip.

Moroccans are known for being incredibly hospitable, meaning you’ll be able to find a helping hand just about anywhere. Though you need to be mindful of cultural cues and safety, I don’t know anyone who’s had a dangerous run-in in the country.

If you stay in cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen, you can enjoy world-class architecture and bazaars. (Plan to shop a lot in Morocco!) Or you can drift out of cities to explore some of the most intact Roman ruins in the world.

You can also delve into the desert to sleep under the stars in the Sahara. There are even Mediterranean surf towns where you can get the hang of catching a few waves.

Georgia

Currently, Georgia is going through a period of political upheaval—so you may want to plan a visit to this Caucasus country a bit later. (There’s a ‘lively debate’ on whether the country should join the European Union.)

That being said, don’t forget about Tbilisi, the nation’s capital city.

The city is a blend of old and new, with modern brutalist structures sitting alongside Byzantine ruins. The food, such as dishes like khinkali and khachpuri, isn’t like other Eastern European dishes. And the people are renowned for being hospitable—and are often curious about life outside the region.

Colombia

It feels like everyone I know is going to Colombia. Many close friends who have gone had a personal tie to the country; their friends married locals or their own partners are hosting jungle retreats. Others just want to take it easy in warm, laidback outposts for a month.

Regardless of why they travel to Colombia, they come back raving.

From the food to the warm people to the natural wonders to the artisanal craftsmanship, it’s an alluring and colorful destination. Personally, I’ve been interested in visiting since reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a famous author of magical realism who comes from Aracataca, Colombia.

12 Things to Do in Seattle as a Solo Traveler

Seattle is hard to beat when it comes to US-based solo travel.

The city is near-perfect for a few reasons. First, it offers a great balance between more rugged, outdoor sensibilities and modernity. Second, it’s safe and easy to navigate—even without a car rental. Third, you can probably name a few famous landmarks, artists, and restaurants around the city.

Even if you only have a few days to explore Seattle, you’re guaranteed to make lasting memories—and possibly uncover new interests.

But what should you do during your solo trip to Seattle?

I’ve got a recommendation for every type of solo traveler out there, whether you want to dive into the hustle downtown, skip town on an outdoor adventure, or delve into the city’s diverse cultural scene. Here’s what to do.

Best things to do in Seattle for solo travelers

Make friends: Trivia nights, swing dancing, and Meetups

In the mood to put on your social butterfly wings? Headier travelers might want to look out for one of Seattle’s many well-established trivia nights. Many are hosted at popular bars, from the Admiral Pub to Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern.

You can sign up as a solo competitor or invite a friend you make on the trip—the select few might even be recruited by friendly teams.

Another great choice in Seattle is swing dancing. While swing dancing might not seem like a pastime typical in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve got options on where to go. There’s Century Ballroom, Live 2 Dance, and Swing It Seattle. The last option looks like the most solo traveler-friendly option thanks to their social dance program.

If neither option tickles your fancy, don’t forget about Meetup.com. There are dozens of events to choose from, from techy AI boot camps to board games for outdoorsy types to poetry meetups.

Get out into nature: Hoh Rainforest, Bainbridge Island, and whale watching

Even if you don’t want to rent a car on your solo trip to Seattle (you don’t need one to get around the city), you might consider it for a day.

That way, you can experience the magic of nearby wonders, including Hoh Rainforest, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. (Hoh has been high on my list for a while!)

That being said, you can still access gorgeous parks and forests from Seattle using public transportation. The most accessible options are taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island or signing up for a whale-watching tour that leaves from Seattle.

If you’re interested in taking on even more adventure day trips, consider taking the Victoria Clipper Ferry up to Victoria, British Columbia. The ferry leaves daily on a three-hour journey between the cities, letting you spend the night in Canada before heading back to your Seattle stay.

See what the hype is about: Starbucks, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass

Some travelers want to avoid popular tourist destinations; I’m often one of them due to my hatred of crowds. However, you might want to see what the hype is about at some of Seattle’s most well-known spots.

For example, I don’t drink Starbucks even though there’s one almost right outside my apartment—but I’d absolutely stop by the flagship store in downtown Seattle. I also feel obligated to mention the iconic Space Needle.

But even if you aren’t one for heights or gorgeous views, you can stay on the ground level. Nearby the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, a larger-than-life glass art display from Seattle’s most famous contemporary artist. (He was born in nearby Tacoma.)

Uncover a new leaf: Seattle Japanese Garden, The Pink Door, Seattle Underground

I like blending the known with the unknown on my solo travel adventures. When you’ve had your fill of Seattle’s well-known tourist spots, I suggest setting aside time to explore Seattle’s other famous offerings—ones that locals probably know well but that some tourists might not notice.

First is Seattle Japanese Garden. Located on the edge of Seattle’s massive Washington Park Arboretum, this garden project was first launched back in 1909. Since then, it’s been painstakingly improved and maintained. In fact, in the 1950s, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Japan sent over architects and designers to complete the park.

Switching lanes, I also suggest look into The Pink Door, a well-known Italian restaurant that doubles as an entertainment space. Along with your tortellini, you can enjoy aerial performances, live music, and even cabaret.

My final recommendation is to delve in the city’s underground history on a tour. I mean that both literally and metaphorically. To explore Seattle’s violent, dark past, tour guides will take you into the city’s underground tunnels, which connect many downtown establishments—and may or may not be haunted by ghosts.

9 Places in the US That Feel Like Another Country

Who says you need to leave the country to travel abroad?

Americans are spoiled when it comes to travel thanks to a few factors. One, our country is large enough that we can enjoy varied outdoor adventures—from subtropical beaches to snow-capped mountains to great, rolling plains. Second, we’re a veritable melting pot of cultures, and each has left its stamp.

While we tend to focus on natural wonders when it comes to travel, there are other ways that we can immerse ourselves in exotic new worlds.

In fact, you might not even need to go far to feel like you’re in another country. Thanks to established groups of immigrants from around the world, our nation is dotted with neighborhoods, landmarks, and parks that will make you feel like you’re stepping off an airplane in an unknown destination.

Ready to travel—without your passport? Head to these nine places that feel like another country.

At a glance: places in the US that feel like another country but aren’t

China: San Francisco, California
Japan: Oahu, Hawaii
India: Fremont, California
Germany: Leavenworth, Washington
Netherlands: Holland, Michigan
Denmark: Solvang, California
Spain: St. Augustine, Florida
Iceland: Washington Island, Washington
Bahamas: Bahia Honda Key, Florida
Haiti & Cuba: Miami, Florida

9 places in the US that feel like another country but aren’t

China: San Francisco, California

Chinatown. San Francisco. California, USA (Getty)

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinese settlement in North America. Established back in the 1850s by laborers immigrating from the Sichuan province, this vibrant and authentic neighborhood still honors its roots.

From the language to the culinary tastes to the temples lining the streets, you’ll feel like your journey past the Dragon Gate takes you straight to southeast China.

Japan: Oahu, Hawaii

Japanese Buddhist Byodo-in Temple (Getty)

Famous Japanese gardens dot the United States, from Seattle’s Japanese Garden to Miami’s Morikami Japanese Gardens. But Oahu’s Byodo-In Temple looks like something straight out of a Japanese tourism brochure.

The gorgeous temple is a replica of a famous shrine from Uji, which dates back 900 years. Surrounded by jutting Ko’olau Mountains, it’s also one of Hawaii’s most stunning landmarks—one that usually flies under the radar for visitors.

India: Fremont, California

As a former student of Global Studies with an emphasis on religion, I’ve had Amritsar’s Golden Temple on my bucket list for a while. It’s a holy site for Sikhs but also stands as an architectural feast that’s layered with gold leaf.

In Fremont, California, you can visit the local Sikh Gurdwara, which serves the greater Sikh community in the area. I’d recommend stopping by for a meal; the temple’s kitchen serves free food throughout the day. You can also visit at night to enjoy the devotional songs.

Just remember: all are welcome, but this is a holy place, so cover up and don’t shout.

Germany: Leavenworth, Washington

leavenworth,Washington,usa.-02/14/16: beautiful leavenworth with lighting decoration in winter.

Leavenworth, Washington needs no introduction for many travelers. But just in case you haven’t heard, this small town that sits nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range had a great idea back in the 1960s.

To boost commerce and tourism, its main drag would be designed in a Bavarian village style. Coupled with the cold winter weather, you’ll feel like you’re traipsing through southern Germany.

Netherlands: Holland, Michigan

An authentic wooden windmill from the Netherlands in Holland, Michigan (Getty)

Back in 1847, Dutch colonists settled the area and established a town—which was dubbed Holland. The majority of locals descend from these immigrants. In fact, the town’s official website reads ‘Welkom’, which is Dutch for welcome.

You can book Dutch experiences, from shoe-making to visits to tulip farms just outside town. There’s even a miniature village replica of the Motherland, known as Nelis’ Dutch Village.

Denmark: Solvang, California

Solvang, California, United States, North America (Getty)

Dubbed the ‘Danish Capital of America’, Danish immigrants flooded this city in the early 1900s. (Apparently, they were fleeing Midwestern winters.) In the late 1940s, Solvang decided to invest in Danish-style architecture in celebration of its heritage.

The pursuit continues today even if most locals aren’t of Danish descent. In fact, Solvang is pretty famous for Danish travelers. In 2011, Prince Henrik even visited.

Spain: St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, USA town square (Getty)

St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement still occupied in the United States, having been settled back in 1565 by Spanish colonists. Those Spanish colonial roots run deep.

In many parts of St. Augustine, you’ll feel like you’re wandering through Andalucia or Castile. Part of the reason so much architecture and Spanish influence remains is thanks to St. Augustine’s late cession; it wasn’t forfeited by Spain to the US until 1819.

Iceland: Washington Island, Wisconsin

Yet another Nordic settlement is waiting to transport you across the Atlantic. This one is the most remote on the list. Washington Island is part of Wisconsin’s rugged Back Door Country—and it might spook the unsuspecting.

That’s because Icelandic (and other Scandi) immigrants left their imprint through angular, dark-wood churches and other structures. The grandest is a Stave Church (or Stavkirke), which is a type of wooden church that was common throughout Scandinavia in the Middle Ages.

Bahamas: Bahia Honda Key, Florida

Bahia Honda Key hides between the Spanish Harbor Key and the Ohio Key. What makes it stand out is that it’s virtually uninhabited. For a brief second, you’ll feel that you’re transported outside of Florida to one of the Caribbean’s more tried-and-true tropical hotspots, like the Bahamas.

Haiti & Cuba: Miami, Florida

Little Havana Street, SW 8th Street, focal point of the cuban community in Miami (Getty)

The US is dotted with Chinatowns—and I’d argue almost every city has its own Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, too. But in Miami, you get the distinction between Haiti and Cuba.

Haitians speak Haitian Creole (a blend of French, Taino, and West African dialects), while Cubans speak Spanish. In Miami, you can take a jaunt through Little Haiti and Little Cuba for a crash course in both identities, which is best felt in the music, tasted in the food, and experienced with locals.

6 Top Destinations in Australia & New Zealand for Solo Travel

Though the journey takes many, many hours, the destination is worth it for Americans heading Down Under.

When I landed on the east coast of Australia, I was gearing up for a semester of schoolwork. Based in Byron Bay, me and my classmates took a close look at Indigenous rights, government policies, ecological restoration projects, and alternative social structures like communes. (Ever heard of Nimbin? What about the film BabaKiueria?)

I won’t bore anyone with my cultural studies and conclusions—but I’d like to encourage any Americans desperate for a wild adventure to consider a trip to Australia or New Zealand. Though I didn’t make it over to New Zealand, many of my classmates did, returning with rave reviews.

Thanks to cultural similarities between the US, Australia, and New Zealand, you’ll be able to rely on your native tongue to get around, make friends, and maybe even stay longer than you originally thought.

If you’re a solo traveler with dreams of going far, consider planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Though the flights are expensive, both countries have well-trodden backpacker and casual traveler routes. You’ll be able to make friends while chasing the sunset across a continent.

Australia vs. New Zealand—how are they different?

I’m painting with a broad stroke with this article. Though Australia and New Zealand are very similar (I’d liken the relationship to the US and Canada), they’re still very distinct. Aside from sharing a colonial history and the English language, you’ll quickly find that they have different sensibilities and outlooks.

The main differences that travelers should be aware of relate to natural wonders, transportation, cultural experiences, and big-city sensibilities. Generally speaking, New Zealand is smaller and more laidback, while Australia is much vaster and has six times the population.

Here’s a very short crash course on the main differences between the two:

Australia is home to more iconic natural wonders, including the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru
Australia has more large cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth
New Zealand has a strong Indigenous Maori presence
New Zealand is much easier to explore because of its compact size; moving from the North Island to the South Island is easy

At a glance: best cities in Australia and New Zealand for solo travel

Most social destination: Byron Bay, Australia
Big city vibes: Melbourne, Australia
Best beach destination: Yamba, Australia
Best cultural experiences: Auckland, New Zealand
Remote escape: Cairns, Australia
Unexpected wonders: Queenstown, New Zealand

Top 6 cities in Australia and New Zealand for solo travel

When I spent the semester living in Byron Bay, Australia, it was a sleepy surfer town. Though new developments were popping up in the main drag, the city was still an enclave of beach bums with an interest in holistic health.

See: hippies. When I visited, hitchhiking was still the norm. And don’t forget about backpackers—the area is dotted with affordable hostels and eateries.

Though Byron Bay is a lot more developed now, its identity is still laidback and its hostels are still a great place to make friends. If you’re going to head out on your own in Australia, Byron Bay is a fantastic place to have a few fun nights, establish some ties, and get recommendations on where to go next. In fact, you’ll probably have to turn down invitations to hang out.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Byron Bay.

Big city vibes: Melbourne, Australia

Brighton bathing boxes and Melbourne skyline (Getty)

My first impression of Melbourne was that it looked like a flat San Francisco. The city was foggy and cold—a far cry from the pleasant climate in Byron Bay. Though I wasn’t a big fan of the fog, I was happy to be back in a bustling city.

Melbourne has a vibrant cultural scene that’s great for young adults; from its cafes to its bars, there’s a very indie scene. Part of the magic in Melbourne is its diversity. It’s the first place that many immigrants and refugees stop upon arrival, and they’ve left their mark for the better.

Best of all, Melbourne was one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been, which bodes well for solo travelers who are looking to make connections.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Melbourne.

Best beach destination: Yamba, Australia

Byron Bay and Melbourne are located on Australia’s East Coast, which is the easiest and most accessible tourist track in the country. Between the two you can find this sleepy coastal town, Yamba.

I’ve seen it billed as Byron Bay thirty years in the past—so if you want quiet beach vibes, look no further.

The waters around Yamba are breathtakingly clear, letting you enjoy days or weeks on the beach. You can even spot dolphins from the shore. But you’ll also be surrounded by other outdoorsy opportunities, from Bundjalung National Park to the Yamba River.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Yamba.

Best overall experiences: Auckland, New Zealand

I might have billed Melbourne as the top cultural destination for solo travelers—but I think Auckland sneaks ahead when it comes to its list of things to do.

In the city, you can sample some of the country’s best restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, bars and nightclubs, and more. When you’ve had your fill of urban adventures, you can slink away into nature—unlike in Melbourne.

From Waitemata Harbour, you can take ferries to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island. From hiking to kayaking to lounging on the beach, you can pass the time in the great outdoors. Or if hiking is your thing, head to Mount Eden or up Lion Rock.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Auckland.

Remote escape: Cairns, Australia

Cairns is located in Queensland, Australia—north of Byron Bay and close to Papua New Guinea. You might already know it as the top spot to land if you’re scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef; it’s also close to the Daintree Rainforest.

If more remote locations are on your radar, Cairns is the perfect place to serve as a home base. Along with the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, you can forge out into the wild to places like Kuranda, a mountain village, Port Douglas, a coastal vacation town, and the Barron River, which is popular for white water rafting.

Green Island, visible from the city center, is another popular stop.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Cairns.

Unexpected wonders: Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. If you want a more unexpected look at the world Down Under, you’ll have plenty of ways to explore the mountains, rivers, and more in rugged style

As soon as you touch down in the city, visitors are met with views of nearby mountains—simply known as The Remarkables.

The best time to visit Queenstown is during winter, which is actually summertime in the Northern Hemisphere. You can enjoy the best slopes on the continent during this time. Or if you’re more interested in bungy jumping, white water rafting, and paragliding, you might want to schedule a visit during the warmer months.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Queenstown.

According to NTSB Data, Plane Crashes Aren’t Actually Up in 2025

I first heard about the Delta flight flipping over on the Toronto runway on February 17, 2025, while on my way to the airport.

And I first saw the footage shortly after taking my seat on a Delta flight for service between Saint Louis, Missouri, and Atlanta. To make the poor timing worse, it was a snowy morning.

To put it lightly, it was not my favorite airplane moment. I put my phone in airplane mode, tightened my seatbelt, pretended to read a celebrity gossip magazine, and waited for take off.

My short flight was without incident. Still, I couldn’t help but replay the video of the overturned Delta flight in my head.

The non-fatal incident of one of three highly reported plane incidents in January and February 2025. In quick succession, a commercial jet collided with a military helicopter in DC, followed by a medical transport plane that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia… and a fatal crash in Alaska in early February.

And that’s not counting other smaller incidents.

Here’s the catch about all that bad aviation press: according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents, January and February 2025 weren’t one for the books.

In fact, the number of crashes and incidents was par for the course.

Tracking plane accidents

The NTSB reports on all plane crashes in the United States, along with other incidents like bridge failures, ship and marine accidents, and even pipeline incidents. The purpose of the NTSB is to report and investigate all crashes with the goal of making transportation safer by improving regulations and practices.

From the outside looking in, you’d probably think it’s been a crazy year for the NTSB.

In reality, the number of air accidents is still down in 2025 from previous years. In fact, the NTSB reported 52 air accidents in January 2025, which was down from the numbers reported in 2024 (58 air accidents) and 2023 (70 air accidents).

But I’d hate to be obtuse about the accidents that have occurred so far in 2025. Though the number of incidents is down statistically, this year’s plane crashes have been high-profile due to the severity of the crashes. Though fewer, they’ve been more deadly.

How has 2025 been different?

Let’s recap: though the NTSB isn’t fielding a significantly higher number of plane incidents (in fact, numbers are down from previous years), the crashes that have occurred so far in 2025 have been severe.

The DC plane crash killed 67 passengers and staff, which makes it the most fatal crash since 2009.

That being said, I think there’s a third factor to consider here. Recent layoffs at the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) have led to a spade of news stories covering the potential consequences of tightening the belt of an organization responsible for air traffic controls and air traffic safety. Others have raised concerns over the functionality of air traffic control technology.

Amid mass layoffs, most major news sources are covering this year’s spade of fatal incidents from a political angle.

But who wants to worry about politics when it’s (finally) time for a vacation?

Should travelers be worried?

According to MIT Sloan School of Management’s professor of statistics, Arnold Barnett, the chances of dying on a flight are about one in 100 million for American flyers. Plane travel remains safer than car travel and train travel, too.

If you have travel plans to fly in the coming months, board your plane knowing that flying is still statistically safer than it has ever been in the past.