Checked Luggage vs. Carry-Ons: Which Should You Take?

I almost always pack a carry-on for my travels.

Carry-ons are the simple solution I’m looking for. As a minimalist packer who usually goes on short trips (up to one week long), I’m used to the more limited setup. Last year, I stuck to a carry-on even for a longer ten-day trip.

That being said, I know when to go for a checked suitcase. I just returned from a three-week trip home to the US, where I shopped compulsively. For my flight home, I checked two large suitcases—mostly because I had a hefty winter coat and lush bathrobe in my arsenal, and I wasn’t going to leave either behind.

This example highlights my approach to the checked luggage vs. carry-on debate: utility.

For the majority of my travels, a carry-on is more than enough. But there are times when I don’t just bust out one checked suitcase—I’ll stuff two to full capacity.

If you’re still a little unsure of when to go for checked luggage vs. carry-ons, consider this your guide. I’m breaking down every factor you need to consider when making the decision.

After all, we’ve all been there, staring at our two options next to a pile of clothes and wondering which to take.

Checked luggage vs. carry-ons: the basics

Unfortunately, there’s no hard-and-fast rule that will help you decide between your large suitcase and your carry-on. Every trip should be carefully considered before you refine your packing list, from season to budget to agility. (I’ll cover these points below.)

But here’s the general rule. When you take a carry-on, you sacrifice space for convenience. On the other hand, when you check your luggage, you maximize your packing space but sacrifice mobility.

It sounds simple, but you need to be honest with yourself about your packing needs and what could happen on your trip.

So, which factors should you consider before making that decision?

Checked luggage vs. carry-ons: every factor you need to consider

Public transportation

Checked suitcases are hard to move around. Even lifting one into the back of a taxi might be a challenge depending on the weight and shape of your luggage.

If you’re heading to an all-inclusive resort, that’s no big deal—but if you’re planning on using public transportation (especially busses), you’re going to be frustrated and sweaty sooner than you think.

If you’re planning on using public transportation, make that carry-on work.

Duty-free bonanzas—and other types of shopping

If you plan on raiding a duty-free store or a boutique in Paris, then you need the extra space afforded by checked luggage. I love to shop on vacation, but I’ve limited myself in the past based on the amount of suitcase space I could spare.

If I’m traveling with my partner, he’s usually very gracious about sharing. (Usually.) Make sure to consider the possibility of taking home a haul of goods with you—in which case, you should probably check a suitcase.

The question of size

Here’s the kicker about carry-ons: many models sold don’t actually meet new airline requirements, especially for smaller domestic flights. Before you decide to stick to a carry-on, make sure it falls within your airline’s acceptable measurements. Many are shrinking their carry-on sizes.

Seasonality

If it’s winter, you need to be ruthless with your packing list for a carry-on. I’m talking about choosing one pair of shoes, one coat, and one or two larger sweaters.

Or check a suitcase. I’d recommend opting for the larger option in this case, as it gives you a bit more space to pack in a souvenir.

Budget

When we’re talking about budget travel, carry-ons are your best friend—usually, at least. Even if an airline clocks your carry-on as too large for their size requirements, they won’t charge you to check it in.

However, if you’re sacrificing packing essentials (from facewash to charging cables), you might end up footing the bill at your destination. If you’re heading into a touristy zone, you’ll be paying a premium for even the most basic items—and the total bill might be higher than a checked bag fee.

Potential losses

One reason that many travelers skip the checked luggage is simply to guarantee their items arrive with them. If you’re worried about losing your check-in suitcase or the items that you pack inside, remove the possibility altogether by sticking to a carry-on.

Or keep those essentials with you via purse or duffel, then check the rest of your items in with your bag.

3 Ways to Deal with Long Layovers: Hotel Day Passes, Daycations, & More

When I first started traveling internationally in the early 2000s, long layovers were more common.

Fewer flight routes and airlines meant that six and seven-hour layovers weren’t uncommon, especially when heading to South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Since then, travel has become a much more accessible hobby, and the length of those layovers has been slashed.

That being said, there’s one reason you might actually welcome an insanely long layover: it’ll save you big on long-distance flights. In a similar vein, your airline might have overbooked your flight, handing you an offer too good to pass up to take the next flight.

Regardless of why you end up with a seven-hour-plus layover, you’ll probably want a few suggestions on how to pass the time.

I’ve got suggestions that let you sleep it off, seize the day, or unwind in total comfort.

3 ways to deal with long layovers

1. Find a sleep pod or lounge at the airport (6 hours or less)

The easiest way to manage a long layover is to get some shut-eye. If you’re crossing many time zones and have a busy schedule at your destination, getting added rest will help you offset those less pleasant symptoms of extended air travel, from jet lag to constipation.

The easiest way to rest at the airport is to find a sleeping pod or an airport lounge that offers day passes. Sleeping pods are listed directly in an airport’s directory; most modern, international hubs offer these, including the US’s JFK, Dallas-Fort Worth, and LAX.

If you’re a little too wired for sleep, you can head to the nearest airport lounge. Many lounges let you purchase a temporary day pass that costs around $100, even if you aren’t a member of the airline’s loyalty program or Priority Pass.

For example, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, and other airline lounges (usually) offer day passes for passengers flying with their airline that day.

2. Find a hotel that offers day passes (8 hours or more)

If your layover is longer than eight hours, I recommend looking for a hotel near the airport that offers a day pass. Similar to airport lounge access, these deals are easier to find than you might think.

The easiest way to look for them is via DayPass, a company that specializes in hooking you up with luxury hotels that offer hourly or daily room rates.

Or if you prefer not to sign up with the company, you can simply look into the airport hotels nearby and then call directly to ask. Usually, these hotels offer airport shuttles, which lets you save on transportation costs, too.

3. Find a luggage locker, then head out on a day tour (10 hours or more)

If you’re facing a layover longer than ten hours, treat it like a normal day. (But first, make sure you don’t need a visa to enter the country.) The vast majority of airports offer luggage lockers.

If not, you can ask your airline to store your luggage until it’s time for takeoff. From there, the city is your oyster.

In Chicago, you can reach sites like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Siskel Film Center from O’Hare easily. The Los Angeles, you can lounge on Manhattan Beach or cruise the boardwalk in Venice.

The point is: don’t write off a little daytime adventure. Even if you only get to sit down for a meal, you’ll have a much better time outside than being stuck in an airport.

5 Florida Cities With the Worst Spring Break Rush—Travelers Beware!

I’ve heard some Floridians dislike the winter bird rush, but I’ve never heard how they feel about the millions of rowdy college students that flood in over spring break. (I’ve heard rumors of a bad breakup, though!)

The months of March and April open a revolving door of college-aged parties across the state.

Back when spring break first began in the 1930s, it revolved around the idea of finding warmer training grounds for college athletes up north—similar to the MLB’s current Spring Training setup.

Over the decades, the trail leading south to Florida for spring break has widened and become well-trodden. While the crazy vibes were once confined to hubs like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, the party scene has proliferated state-wide.

And in the last five years, the crowds have turned from party-focused to unhinged, causing problems for law enforcement and locals.

Residents in Florida cities like Fort Lauderdale, Panama City, Tampa, and beyond have had enough of the unending parties, noise, and mess. Local authorities are gearing up for a 2025 crackdown, while cities like Miami have already launched their own counter-spring break measures.

In lieu of wild parties, most areas are pushing for a family-friendly atmosphere.

Regardless of how you feel about wayward youth shotgunning White Claws in cut-off tees, you might want to know which Florida cities have the worst spring break rush.

5 Florida cities with the worst spring break rush

Miami & Ft. Lauderdale

Though distinct cities, these destinations meld into a single party zone for college kids during spring break. Miami welcomes over 10 million revelers each year, with numbers hiking over 12 million in 2024.

Fort Lauderdale, by contrast, has had more success with its enforcement crackdowns. Last year’s increased police presence and safety measures have caused most springbreakers to shift their plans.

If you have plans to visit Miami in March, consider heading north to Fort Lauderdale. You might be able to escape much of the party rush.

Panama City Beach

Billed as the ‘Capital of Spring Break’, Panama City Beach has also seen major crackdowns over the last two years. Last year, the city’s police chief hailed the new measures as a success. So, while you can expect crowds on crowds in Panama City Beach, they might not interrupt your plans too much.

At least, so long as you book your hotel ahead of time. Last year, the city’s peak travel week saw every single hotel room in the city rented out—which is around 16,000 per day. (I’d vote heading to another Emerald Coast escape altogether.)

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach’s spring break madness peaked back in the 1990s when MTV followed college kids across the beach throughout the heaviest party days. Since then, the city has successfully pivoted toward a more family-friendly atmosphere. Though college spring breakers still rush into town each March, their numbers are far smaller and more staggered.

That being said, you might want to watch out for the overlap of Bike Week, which takes place annually in March. Bike Week is a motorcycle festival that draws in between 300,000-400,000 fans for more than a week of insane stunts and performances.

Florida Keys

The Keys have slowly become one of Florida’s hottest new spring break destinations, especially in Key West. Though the parties aren’t nearly as rowdy as those in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, you can absolutely expect added crowds and price hikes at most hotels.

If you’re heading to the Keys during spring break (throughout March and into early April), try to avoid Key West.

Siesta Key/Sarasota

Sarasota’s Siesta Key has also started to climb the ranks for spring breakers. Close to ten thousand partiers flooded onto Siesta Key last year—and authorities expect a similar influx this year.

While you won’t face the same spring break fervor as in other hotspots, you can expect plenty of noise and hustle at Siesta Key Beach and in the nearby Siesta Key Village.

3 Great Towns in Northern California for Exploring Redwoods

One summer, I worked as an intern in Hoopa, California.

The small valley where Hoopa is located was a gateway to another world—one filled with giant, looming redwoods and sequoias. I grew up in Missouri, where the forests are lusciously green and overgrown… but the size of our most mature bald cypress, bur oaks, and cottonwoods grow to half that of Northern California’s towering giants.

Even though I’d heard many tales of the redwoods before my first trip to Northern California, the scale was still a shock.

I remember driving north to Hoopa from San Francisco. As soon as I entered Marin County, I began to sense that I was in for a very unique and unforgettable experience. Though I’d never had the redwoods on my radar, I was quickly enamored and humbled by their size, along with the otherworldly feeling of being surrounded by them.

I drove for seven hours, inching from San Francisco to Redding, then west to Willow Creek, then onward to Hoopa.

I haven’t gone back since my internship ended, but I’ve thought of Northern California’s wildest stretches often.

If you’re heading to San Francisco anytime soon, I highly recommend setting aside a day or two to delve into the United States’ most jaw-dropping expanse of forest. (In case a short day trip is a better fit, head to Muir Woods National Monument, which is accessible via public transportation from San Francisco.)

If you want to get off the beaten path, stay in these towns in Northern California to experience the wonders of the redwoods at your own pace.

Best towns in Northern California to see the redwoods

Crescent City

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Getty)

Crescent City is a foggy coastal city that serves as a major fishing port. It’s also surrounded by redwood forests and is the perfect home base while you explore nearby parks. (I came here a few times during my internship—it’s a friendly, adorable town!)

The main attraction is Redwoods National Park, which is widely considered the best place to experience the redwoods. Redwood National Park and State Parks is another name for this year, which is bundled with protected stretches like Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

These parks cover an area of almost 140,000 acres, which preserves almost half the US’s total old-growth redwood forests.

I vote you focus on the last option. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to the wild Smith River—the last undammed major waterway in the state. You can enjoy almost 20 miles of hiking trails, along with over 100 campsites.

Eureka

South of Crescent City sits Eureka, another sleepy coastal city that I frequented during my stay in Hoopa. It’s yet another fishing port and stopover for redwood-seekers. (The city is also home to unique Victorian residences if that interests you.)

From Eureka, I recommend heading to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located 30 miles south of the city.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is now the third-largest park in California, which spans over 50,000 acres. Like the other two spots listed above, it’s home to old-growth redwoods. You might have heard of its most famous section: Avenue of the Giants, a must-see for anyone who’s been dreaming of redwoods.

Santa Cruz

Grove of Redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Getty)

Can’t manage a seven-hour drive into the wilderness north of San Francisco to one of the towns in Northern California listed here? There’s no need.

You can explore two major redwood designations from Santa Cruz, located south of San Jose: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park marks the most southern location of California’s remaining coast redwoods. Its stream canyons are dramatic and eye-catching, letting you get up close to some of California’s greatest tree species.

Along with redwoods, you can enjoy bay laurel, tanbark oaks, and coast Douglas Firs.

I also recommend you visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This area was razed in a 2020 wildfire, which destroyed most of the forest and all park structures. It was reopened in 2022 and has since begun to regenerate.

While the devastation is hard to see, you might be encouraged to know that some studies have shown that periodic fires can be beneficial to redwood longevity.

5 Music Festivals for Spring & Summer 2025

March is usually when my summer dreams start taking shape.

And music festivals are a big part of those dreams. Festival culture has been one of my ‘travel constants’ since I first hit the road at age 18. To date, I’ve attended (and camped) at large festivals around the world, from Costa Rica to Australia to Portugal.

Festival culture is dear to my heart—but it takes time to feel comfortable in massive crowds of dancing revelers. (Or, at least, it did for me.)

Even if you know what bands and performances you’d like to see, you might want to bring a few friends to navigate the busy, thrilling world of live music festivals.

But what if you have varied musical interests and aren’t sure where to get started? I vote you make this the year of the music festival. No need to dive straight into Coachella or South by Southwest territory. You can take it easy by focusing on one of the US’s larger and more family-friendly music festivals.

Here’s where to find them this spring and summer.

Best music festivals for travelers this spring & summer

Jazz & Heritage Festival, NOLA

April 24 – May 4, 2025

Little Freddie King, Orange Kellin, Lars Edegran, Johnny Vidacovich, and James River perform at Jazz Fest (Getty)

Dubbed Jazz Fest, this annual gathering takes over New Orleans. Founded in 1970, it’s had over fifty years to get its act straight, which means you can expect a well-oiled lineup and a revolving door of acts.

The musical focus is on jazz, blues, roots, and plenty of rock. But don’t forget about more unexpected projects, like this year’s Lil Wayne & The Roots set.

Jazz Fest is one of the most accessible large-scale music festivals thanks to its range of music, family-friendly atmosphere, and long running time. Because the festival takes place for over a week, you can pop in and out of the city at your leisure, wandering from stage to stage before escaping the madness for a little sazerac.

Governors Ball, NYC

June 6 – 8, 2025

Chappell Roan performs during the 2024 Governors Ball in 2024 (Getty)

I remember the first year that Governors Ball launched in New York City—it was a big deal thanks to its blended lineup and the promise of escaping the city without actually leaving the city.

The festival takes place on Governors Island, a small plot of (relatively green) land between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Fast forward a decade, and the project is still going strong. That’s largely thanks to the well-rounded list of performances. To be fair, EDM is the main musical offering—but it’s hardly the only one. You can expect pop champions galore, from Glass Animals to Tyler, the Creator to Olivia Rodrigo.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Tennessee

June 12 – 15, 2025

Fans crowd toward the barrier as they wait patiently at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Getty)

Located in Manchester, Tennessee, Bonnaroo lets you dance on the funkier side of life. I haven’t personally attended Bonnaroo, but I’m recommending it here because it has a strong community vibe and emphasis on arts—hence the name.

You can catch musical act after music act… or hang out amid legions of really laidback, welcoming people. But you’ll probably be camping for a few days—fair warning. And the most popular acts can draw heavy, bustling crowds. (The picture above paints a solid picture of what Bonnaroo’s prime-time stages look like.)

But speaking of crowds, there’s one for everyone at Bonnaroo, which makes this a great entry point for anyone new to music festivals. And let’s not forget about the dancing and jamming. Bonnaroo regularly signs on diverse performers, from Blue Grass to EDM to hip-hop.

Lollapalooza, Chicago

August 7 – 10, 2025

The Chicago skyscape over Lollapalooza in 2024 (Getty)

Started only 21 years after Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Lollapalooza is one of the US’s most enduring musical gatherings. Since 2005, it’s called Chicago home.

To be fair, I can’t guarantee a sterling experience in Grant Park, where tens of thousands of attendees pack in. This is more ‘hardcore fan’ territory where you can catch acts from the US’s top stars, from Chappell Roan to Alanis Morisette.

That being said, Lollapalooza is still worth mentioning. Not only is it highly accessible, but you can also buy tickets for the specific acts that interest you. When you’ve danced to your heart’s content, you can head out to explore the city—or head to your hotel’s bar to unwind with a drink.

Summerfest, Milwaukee

June 19 – 21, June 26 – 28, & July 3 – 5

Chase Rice performs onstage at Summerfest 2024 (Getty)

Don’t know what you want out of your music festival experience? Head to Summerfest in Milwaukee. This is one of the most quietly impactful gatherings in the United States, even if it isn’t advertised nearly as much as the other names listed here.

This year’s festival includes three weekends of non-stop fun that includes over 600 artistic performances. There’s a band and group for every type of musical leanings.

But even if you aren’t thrilled by the lineup, you’ll still have plenty to do. Just like Bonnaroo, Summerfest offers dozens of activities and programs that you can join. Plus, the organizers go above and beyond to make sure the grounds are family-friendly, which makes Summerfest the most inclusive option of the bunch.

6 Bourbon Whiskey Distilleries Worth a Visit in Kentucky

Bourbon whiskey may take its name from the French Bourbon dynasty, but it almost always comes from Kentucky.

Officially, bourbon whiskey is any whiskey distilled in the United States. However, this special brand of whiskey originated in Kentucky and remains the state’s specialty export. Its 68 distilleries produce millions of barrels of aged whiskey each year.

Thanks to a unique climate that includes hot summers and cold winters (which lets the barrels expand and contract), along with limestone bedrock that filters into the water supply, Kentucky produces some of the world’s most delectable whiskey.

And while you can find plenty of recipes to sample in cities like Louisville, you’ll find even tastier experiences outside of major cities.

Want to drink the best bourbon in the world? Here’s where to find it straight from the source at seven of Kentucky’s top distilleries. (Before you dive in, I suggest reading through these tips on visiting Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries.)

Best whiskey bourbon distilleries to visit in Kentucky

Maker’s Mark Distillery / Loretto, KY

Whiskey experts often recommend Maker’s Mark for drinkers who are new to bourbon. It’s got a versatile and distinctive taste that makes it perfect for sipping on the rocks or neat. Plus, if you visit the distillery in Loretto, you’ll also have a front-row seat look at the state’s whiskey-distilling history.

Buffalo Trace Distillery / Frankfort, KY

Alongside Marker’s Mark Distillery, the Buffalo Trace Distillery (formerly known as the George T. Staggs Distillery) is the oldest in the state. The original distillation site dates back to 1860, though historical records indicate the same area was used for less formal distillation as early as 1775. The tour lets you explore that early distillation history while also exploring modern bourbon aging practices.

Four Roses Distillery / Lawrenceburg, KY

The Four Roses Distillery is a designated Historic Place thanks to its unique Spanish Mission-style architecture. Founded in 1910, Four Roses produces ten unique bourbon blends, which you can learn about in its public tours. During the tour, you can also opt for the tasting experience, which lets you sample its award-winning bourbons.

Jim Beam Distillery / Clermont, KY

Considered one of the premier bourbon destinations in the United States, the Jim Beam Distillery lets you choose from a handful of tours and tasting experiences. If history isn’t your thing, you can learn about modern distillation, then sample the very best Jim Beam bourbons with a tasting tour.

Woodford Reserve / Versailles, KY

Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve and distillery has been in operation since 1812. If you know about bourbon, you’re probably already familiar with the brand, which specializes in small-batch releases. You can tour the distillery with a reservation or show up to the bar ready to drink.

Barton 1792 Distillery / Bardstown, KY

The absolutely massive Barton 1792 Distillery is responsible for producing over 51 different bourbon brands and labels. The most popular variation is the 1792 Bourbon, which was named World Whisky of the Year in 2020 by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible—but I should point out that the distillery was founded in 1879 rather than the previous century. Keep a look out for their special mint julep experiences.