PLAY Airlines Has a Valentine’s Day Deal—30% Off from February 11-18

Can’t find a Valentine this year?

Don’t sweat it. PLAY Airlines has a plan in mind for you: fly to Europe with a 30% discount to find yourself a French lover. Oh, la-la!

Or, on the other hand, if you’re already happily involved with a romantic partner, you can surprise them with a pair of tickets to Denmark, France, the UK, Ireland, Germany, or Iceland.

Ready to smash this Valentine’s Day by creating your own rom-com-worthy adventure? Gift yourself a little jaunt to Europe—or squire your lover across the pond.

Here’s what you need to know about the deal. (Plus, a few tips on putting together a budget trip to Europe.)

When is the PLAY Airlines Valentine’s Day Deal live?

This is a very short sale—so mark your calendars. You can take advantage of up to 30% off on PLAY Airlines flights from the East Coast to select European destinations from February 11-18. You’ll be able to shop around for these offers here.

What does the offer include?

PLAY Airlines’ Valentine’s Day offer is only available for select airports in the US and Europe. You can fly out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and New York Stewart International Airport (SWF).

Boston is the most accessible airport for the average traveler. BWI is fairly easy to get to from Washington DC and other Maryland cities thanks to the MARC Train; there’s a free shuttle from the train station to the airport. SWF is accessible from New York City and most parts of New Jersey via the Metro North, along with service from Amtrak.

I’m not always the biggest fan of flying out of smaller regional airports simply because they’re harder to get through—but that’s not the case in the Northeast where public transportation is a lot more comprehensive than other regions.

In other words, it’s not such a headache to reach BWI or SWF.

So, where can you fly to? The PLAY Airlines’ Valentine’s Day Deal connects you to seven European hotspots, including Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, and Berlin.

Again, make sure to write down the deal dates in your calendar—this is a first-come, first-serve promotion.

What about the fine print for the PLAY Airlines Valentine’s Day Deal?

In addition to that short booking window (February 11-18), this deal also comes with booking windows.

Usually, it’s a good idea to book a trip further out because it gives you more time to plan other elements, like lodging and tours. It also lets you target more budget-friendly activities. That being said, it’s totally up to you.

You can book flights in the following periods:

February 25-28
March 23-April 6
April 8-May 11
May 13-25
September 7-19

Budgeting in Europe

This is a unique offer because it lets you book a cheap, accessible flight to Europe—which is the most expensive continent to travel to.

So, how can you stay within budget after landing those PLAY Airlines tickets?

Here are my three suggestions:

Do some research into the destinations. Berlin, with its young population and tens of thousands of students, likely has highly affordable and trendy hostels that aren’t too pricey. Copenhagen, on the other hand, is known for its high prices.
Once you land, head to a detour destination instead of staying in an expensive hub. Europe is full of drool-worthy detour destinations—and you can usually get to them for free. Use the PLAY deal to get to Europe, then head off the beaten path.
Plan not to check a bag. This deal doesn’t include a checked bag. Don’t bring one; not only can you save on the checked luggage, but you’ll also stay more agile as you use public transportation.

3 Saunas in Munich for Every Mood—Plus, Your Guide to Going Nude

Spa culture in Central Europe is serious stuff, especially when it comes to the sauna.

Many Americans are aware that our European counterparts like to unwind in hot spaces while scantily dressed. Still, the entire affair is still a little foreign.

Though we love to have fun, Americans aren’t nearly as practiced in the art of relaxing—especially not naked in a sauna. But we’re also fairly daring, meaning we don’t mind trying out new activities when on vacation in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Munich is usually known for its larger-than-life Oktoberfest celebration, along with historical attractions, architecture, and nearby landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle.

But as a major German hub, it’s also home to a handful of state-of-the-art spas that let you unwind in style… and in the nude.

Ready to shed it all for a cultural experience in Munich? Here’s what to expect and where to go.

Yes, you need to get naked in the sauna

It’s normal to strip down in spas around the world, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. But there’s one big difference in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria: the spots where people disrobe (the sauna) are co-ed.

In a recent piece on spas in Seoul, I laid out why travelers shouldn’t be nervous about trying out the nude area (the wet sauna, aka jimjilbang)—mainly because it’s gendered. That makes it slightly less terrifying to get naked.

That’s not the case in Munich.

Saunas are no-clothes-zones because they’re designed for wellness, relaxation, and total rejuvenation—not sopping and sweaty layers. And while we tend to think any type of nudity is automatically sexual in the United States, that’s far from the case in Germany.

In Munich, you need to leave all your layers in your locker; usually, you’ll have a robe and shoes to wear. Though I haven’t enjoyed a spa in Munich, I’ve soaked up the saunas of Switzerland butt-naked.

To be fair, I’m a bit of a naturist, so it wasn’t nerve-wracking for me—I think once you manage to drop your layers, you’ll find that the normalcy with which others are naked and relaxed lets you do the same.

No one will sexualize the experience. I promise.

One last note: you will be turned away if you try to enter the sauna area with your clothes on. Be prepared to strip down or don’t go.

Best spas in Munich for your first sauna experience

Mullersches Volksbad

A classic spa set inside a gorgeous Art Nouveau building. This is an iconic local pick that showcases the old world of spa culture and a design that will have you lost in the details. At the same time, you’ll have all the amenities you need for a solid afternoon of relaxation.

Südbad

A modern, no-frills spa experience where you can bring the whole family. Just know that this family-centric approach means that you might not have quite as much quiet time as you want. That being said, if you have kiddos with you, they’ll love this spot.

*Wait, isn’t this a nude spa experience? Most spas have sauna areas that are clothes-free, but you’ll wear swimsuits in the rest of the spa. Or your robe.

Therme Erding

It’s a sauna-centric world at Therme Erding. This spa includes a handful of themed saunas where you can unwind without any layers.

But this is a massive complex where you can find tons of other water-centric ways to relax, like a water park with multiple slides. Here, you can also expect an Aufguss experience—which is a special performance saved for the sauna.

Planning to Travel the World? Read Up on Vaccines & Other Illnesses

The fastest shortcut to learn about vaccine requirements and suggestions is to check out the Center for Disease Control’s travel resources. There, you can find a list of suggested vaccinations and treatments based on your destination.

That being said, it’s a pretty long and mind-numbing process to look through specific requirements.

While you do need to dig in country by country if you want to depart from home safely and in full health, I’d like to demystify the basics and give you a rundown of what types of vaccines you’ll see mentioned and why they’re important—along with other important medical suggestions, like malaria pills.

Ultimately, the decision is yours about what to take when you head abroad. (Aside from requirements, of course.)

Here’s your crash course on vaccine requirements and medication suggestions based on which continent you’ll travel to.

Full disclosure: I’m not a doctor

In the off chance anyone thinks I got my medical degree, I’d like to reiterate: I’m a very well-traveled writer with no medical qualifications aside from a basic understanding of pet first aid.

I highly suggest diving into the CDC’s list of suggestions for vaccines and medications. On top of that, I also recommend you read about taking medications and getting vaccines from experienced travelers.

Why do you need both? Because many medical suggestions are general, while travel stories are hyper-specific.

For example, I spent four months in India where it was highly suggested that I take supplements to prevent malaria. But the pills had side effects like causing really intense dreams, so I ultimately stopped taking the pills to get a good night’s rest. I figured because I was living in a city (Bengaluru), I’d be okay.

My decision paid off—I didn’t get malaria.

However, two of my housemates did get dengue fever. Those malaria pills wouldn’t have done anything to protect me against dengue. So, I kept away from the malaria pills and went hard on mosquito prevention.

See what I mean about knowing how these things go in practice?

Below, I’m going to list common vaccination requirements by continent and other illness-related topics by region. I like to use TravelDoctor for these types of inquiries, but it’s far from the only resource out there.

Do your own follow-up research to learn which vaccines are required versus suggested in each country—and don’t forget to consider the practical applications.

The most common vaccination suggestions by continent

North America: Latin America, & the Caribbean

Yellow fever should be top of your priority list; there have been sporadic outbreaks since 2018 in Latin America. Mosquito-borne illnesses are also a common risk, including malaria, dengue, and ZIKA.

Get a vaccination or booster to prevent these illnesses: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, and Rabies
Consider looking into: Typhoid, Cholera, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Malaria

South America

Yellow fever should be top of your priority list; there have also been sporadic outbreaks since 2018 in South America, especially in Brazil. Mosquito-borne illnesses are also a common risk, including malaria, dengue, and ZIKA.

Get a vaccination or booster to prevent these illnesses: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, and Rabies
Consider looking into: Typhoid, Cholera, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Malaria

Europe

Check out Europe’s disease control resources before heading over. Avian flu has been on the rise over the last year.

Get a vaccination or booster to prevent these illnesses: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, and Rabies
Consider looking into: Typhoid, Cholera, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Malaria

Africa

Mosquito-borne illnesses are also a common risk, including malaria, dengue, and ZIKA. Additionally, cholera outbreaks have been reported in East Africa in January 2025.

*A friend of mine recently traveled from Missouri to Kenya to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro; he opted for yellow fever and typhoid vaccines for his 10-day stay and returned healthy.

Get a vaccination or booster to prevent these illnesses: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, and Rabies
Consider looking into: Typhoid, Cholera, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Malaria

Asia

As of late 2024 and January 2025, there is a parvovirus outbreak in Japan and a string of rabies-related deaths in Vietnam. Your doctor might also recommend additional vaccines for a trip to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. I was vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis for travel in both.

Get a vaccination or booster to prevent these illnesses: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies
Consider looking into: Typhoid, Cholera, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Malaria

Oceania

There are reports of Dengue in the Torres Straight (north of Australia), along with cases of Japanese Encephalitis in Australia.

Get a vaccination or booster to prevent these illnesses: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies
Consider looking into: Typhoid, Cholera, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Malaria

3 Ways to Book a Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Hotel Escape

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching—do you have a game plan in mind?

If you don’t, you’re in luck. I’m full of romantic ideas and travel wisdom, which is just the combination you need to put together a quick, intimate getaway with your boo.

Even if you can’t get a reservation at a restaurant with a special Valentine’s Day menu or missed out on the chance to book a romance-centric spa treatment or can’t wrap your head around spending over $100 for a basic bouquet of flowers, you can still nail a simple-but-effective date night.

All you need is a hotel room that guarantees you some privacy. From there, a few little extras like a bottle of bubbly, a sweet treat, and a heartfelt card can go a long way in curating a lover’s escape.

After all, what couple isn’t in need of a little downtime and TLC?

If you’ve put off your Valentine’s Day date night, here’s how you can book a last-minute hotel without draining your bank account.

Book a last-minute Valentine’s Day retreat with these four companies

There are three last-minute hotel deal websites that you should have on your radar. Given the popularity of Valentine’s Day, you won’t be short on options for last-minute steals.

Hotwire

Hotwire is one of the most well-known hotel deal sites out there—and for good reason. The company has been around since 2000 and has helped travelers save a whopping $3 billion during that time period.

It’s a solid choice if you want to find slashed prices for more luxurious hotels. If you’re willing to download the app, you can find even cheaper room rates.

LastMinute

Looking for more comprehensive Valentine’s Day offers? LastMinute has a bundled flight and hotel offer for lovers around February 14^th.

Like Hotwire, you can shop around for four-star hotel deals—and even five-star selections. Just keep in mind that LastMinute is a UK-based company, so you’ll need to root around a little bit for US deals.

HotelTonight

HotelTonight makes it easy for you to explore deals city by city—which is a little more convenient than other platforms.

Similar to Hotwire, you can find even better deals by downloading the company’s app. And it’s highly rated on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, in case you need any convincing.

Need a Hail Mary? Call the hotel directly

Don’t forget that most hotels (especially boutiques) usually offer special deals for visitors. If you have a certain hotel in mind but can’t find any deals, then call directly.

Sometimes, booking directly with a hotel is cheaper than online. On top of that, speaking with a hotel agent or concierge is the best way to learn more about any special Valentine’s Day packages.

Comparing the US’s 7 Budget Airlines—Which Low-Cost Option is Right for You?

Budget airlines come and go, especially in the United States.

In fact, you might have noticed a few newcomers over the last few years. Breeze Airways took to the skies in 2021, along with Avelo Airlines.

Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy in November 2024. Though it seems ready to claw its way out of the red, there’s still plenty of uncertainty around the company’s future.

Though the US is also home to stalwart low-cost airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and JetBlue, it’s an ever-shifting landscape. (Or skyscape, I guess.)

Can’t figure out which low-cost airline you should book with? Take a short-cut here with this comparison of the US’s most popular low-cost option.

Budget airlines at a glance

Allegiant: Top pick for domestic flights
Avelo: Most convenient features & very reliable
Breeze Airways: Great for flexibility
Frontier: Cheapest low-cost carrier
JetBlue: Classiest pick—with the biggest seats, too
Southwest: Best loyalty program
Spirit: Best no-frills choice

Comparison of budget airlines

Allegiant: Top pick for domestic flights

Allegiant is ideal for anyone who flies out of smaller regional airports. And with truly remarkable low prices, you can fly around the country for less than $100—roundtrip, in some cases.

On top of that, Allegiant lets you purchase an affordable Trip Flex feature, which allows you to change your flight details at no added cost.

Avelo: Most convenient features

Buying a low-cost airline ticket is a tricky decision; you’ll usually end up paying a premium for basic things like a carry-on suitcase, seat selection, and more.

I can’t promise that Avelo Airlines is perfect, but they’ve clearly thought about the types of features that flyers usually want—and they don’t charge out the wazoo for them.

For example, families who fly with Avelo are automatically given seats together. They also waive all online booking fees. Most importantly, they don’t oversell flights. That’s helped contribute to Avelo being one of the most reliable airlines in the US. In 2023, they had the fewest number of canceled flights of any domestic airline.

Breeze Airways: Great for flexibility

Breeze Airways has a pretty limited scope—but it excels with one high-flexibility feature: the company doesn’t charge passengers for changing their flights or canceling them.

While Allegiant has a similar feature, you have to pay for its Trip Flex option. That’s not the case with Breeze, letting you book in peace.

Frontier: Cheapest low-cost carrier

The data is in—Frontier Airlines is officially the cheapest US airline. That means that you’re better off booking with Frontier for shorter domestic flights.

Though it’s cheap, you’ll be saving at the expense of a bit of comfort. That being said, its central hub at Denver Airport goes a long way in making the entire travel experience pleasant.

JetBlue: Best customer service & biggest seats

Despite being a low-cost airline, JetBlue stands out in a few ways. It’s known for its tough-to-beat customer service and excellent in-flight amenities.

My favorite feature is those extra-large seats. Of all US airlines—including non-low-cost providers like United—JetBlue has the largest economy seats.

Southwest: Best loyalty program

To be blunt, I’m surprised to see Southwest Airlines listed as a low-cost airline. There’s not too much low-cost about flying with Southwest, from the ticket seats to the add-ons. (Though you get a checked bag for free, which is highly unique.)

That being said, they’ve got a stellar loyalty program. My dad has been a loyalty member for close to twenty years, which means he saves big on domestic flights—assuming he pays at all.

Again, just don’t expect to see cheap deals from this carrier. And be aware that they love to fly out of smaller hubs, which can be harder to get to.

Spirit: Best no-frills choice

I’m tired of all the Spirit Airlines slander. This airline has saved the day for me a few times—when larger carriers (I won’t name any names) left me stranded.

When all I needed was a seat to get me where I needed to go, Spirit’s Bare Fare was up for the task. This extremely basic setup might not be extra-comfortable, but it has its place in the travel world.

Plus, Spirit flies to the Caribbean and Latin America, which lets you ride that no-frills pony out to paradise.

Tex-Mex in Tucson: Top 6 Restaurants

Tex-Mex cuisine is an American staple.

San Antonio is usually credited as the hometown of Tex-Mex thanks to the Chili Queens of the 1880s. Savvy businesswomen sold chilis that were roasted over mesquite fires, introducing the flavors of Mexico to locals and, increasingly, out-of-towners who wanted a taste.

Since then, the city’s famous spin on Mexican fare has become one of the US’s most recognizable staples. (You might see it billed as Southwestern food in some places.)

Aside from San Antonio, cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas. But let’s not forget about New Mexico and Arizona—or even Southern California. If you want quality Tex-Mex like fajitas and enchiladas, you can find great eats in all four states.

For now, let’s zero in on Tucson, Arizona’s iconic mountain town located 60 miles north of the Mexican Border.

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, this city is known for its blend of American, Mexican, and Native American cultures—which can be tasted in its world-class Tex-Mex dishes.

If you want to eat well in Tucson, here’s where to go to taste the cultural legacy of the Chili Queens of San Antonio—amongst other culinary influences, of course.

First up—what is Tex-Mex, exactly?

At its simplest, Tex-Mex is a style of food that comes from Tejano people.

Tejanos are Texans with Mexican heritage, meaning this type of food blends elements from both cultures. You can probably already name a few famous Tex-Mex dishes, including flour tortilla quesadillas, fajitas, and cheese-centric dishes like chile con queso and nachos.

Tex-Mex differs from traditional dishes from Northern Mexico in that it uses a lot of cumin spice, yellow cheese (especially shredded) instead of fresh cheese, and flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas.

Usually, Mexican restaurants in the United States serve up at least a few Tex-Mex dishes. (That’s not always the case—so check the menu before you make a reservation!)

In Tucson, you can find dozens of top-notch Mexican restaurants, especially when it comes to Sonoran Mexican specialties. My list includes Mexican restaurants that offer Tex-Mex dishes alongside more traditional Mexican offers—the best of both worlds!

Top 6 Restaurants: Best Tex-Mex in Tucson

Guadalajara Original Grill

Want a few Guadalajaran specialties with your Tex-Mex? This Tucson pick has all the standard fare that you’d expect from a Tex-Mex-style restaurant.

There are gorgeous murals on the walls, along with live mariachi performances. But let’s not forget about its delicious menu, which includes Guadalajaran specialties like molcajete along with Tex-Mex favorites like tostadas and quesadillas.

Tumerico

Once again, you’ve got options at Tumerico. Along with traditional Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex favorites, you can find more imaginative takes—like potato tacos and the turmeric lemonade, for example.

On top of that, Tumerico specializes in vegan and vegetarian options. Think of it like an innovative new project that’s modernizing Tex-Mex… while also nailing all those well-known dishes.

Guillermo’s Double L

This restaurant’s top-notch atmosphere has kept it high on locals’ best eats lists since it opened in 1948—even if it’s still a hidden gem by most standards. At Guillermo’s Double L, you can try out some of the most beloved Tex-Mex dishes in the Southwest, from gorditas to jalapeno cheese crisps.

Just don’t miss out on the carne asada—it’s famous.