The 2 Simple Rules of Planning a Last-Minute Trip

Imagine this: A miracle leaves you with a three-day weekend and you’re ready to skip town.

The catch? You have 48 hours to plan your trip from start to finish.

If you’re planning a solo adventure, that’s not too short of a timeframe to get the job done. But the more people you add to your travel plans, and the farther you plan on wandering, the more difficult it is to put together a cohesive and satisfying trip.

Especially when you only have 72 hours to work with.

Despite the challenges, last-minute trips have often been my most memorable adventures. Not only is the excitement factor cranked all the way up, but these lesser-planned trips tend to expose us to more surprises along the way.

For example, I went on a last-minute escape to Sweden in winter to watch a World Rally Championship race a few years back. It was full of side quests I didn’t expect, from manning a dog sled through the forest, making friends with an amazing couple, or sipping on a cocktail that tasted exactly like a pancake.

As rewarding as they can be, planning (successful) last-minute trips requires attention to detail and even some insider knowledge of the travel industry. (Having a weekender bag at the ready helps, too.)

If you want to take your last-minute trips further, keep these two simple rules in mind. They’ll help you save money on lodging and more without missing out on fantastic experiences along the way.

2 simple rules of planning a last-minute trip

Rule #1: Know where to find last-minute deals

Ever seen offers for high-value, last-minute travel deals on hotels and wondered… who has the flexibility to take advantage of those offers? They’re for travelers who want to get away for a few days at the very last hour.

And you can find more than deals on hotels. Many companies also list offers on flights, car rentals, and more.

Platforms like LastMinuteTravel let you shop around specifically for time-sensitive deals, including flights. The more flexible you are on your destination, the more luck you’ll have with these types of platforms.

I also suggest looking into HotelTonight, which is great for finding top-tier hotels with slashed room rates.

Even Booking.com and Priceline offer last-minute getaway deals—and they sometimes come bundled, offering transportation, lodging, and even car rentals.

Priceline almost always has a ‘quick escape’ or ‘deal of the day’ offer boldly listed on their homepage. Booking, by contrast, offers flash sales under their flight + hotel pages, making it easy to book a bundled trip.

*Always read the fine print carefully. These high-value deals come with quite a few strings attached. The most common condition you’ll see is the nature of the reservation, which usually can’t be altered or canceled once completed.

Rule #2: All-inclusive offers and bundles should be your top priority

The resources listed above should help you find all-inclusive offers that come bundled with other amenities, like car rentals. Once again, always read the fine print so that you know what’s included and what isn’t.

Now that you know where to find the deals, let’s focus on what types of offers should be your top priority.

I recommend looking for all-inclusive resort offers for a last-minute getaway. Booking this type of adventure removes almost all of those chores that get in the way of lounging on the beach or exploring interactive museums.

I’m talking about breakfast buffets, a few free cocktails, discounts on tours and activities, and more. The more that comes bundled into your booking, the less you need to figure out—and the fewer details you’re likely to lose track of.

Bonus tip: you don’t need to wander far

Here’s my last piece of advice on planning last-minute trips: If you can’t find a good deal, then don’t wander too far.

Local travel isn’t as exotic or Instagram-sexy as international destinations, but I’ve had great experiences sticking to my general region on last-minute trips.

If you have a car or aren’t shy about traveling by train or bus, you can easily plan a last-minute trip to a hidden gem near you.

Once again, platforms like HotelTonight can even help you uncover new hotels and resorts in your area. This is one of my favorite ways to escape Barcelona and get out of the city. I simply shop around for a last-minute deal in a location I know that I can get to easily, and then I splurge on the extras like spa treatments, cocktails, and even a little shopping.

My point is that you don’t need to go far to have a rejuvenating and satisfying trip, especially if wellness is on your radar.

Fun for the Family: Where to Find All 5 Ice Castles in the US

When I first heard about the famous New Hampshire ice castles, I assumed these were natural structures.

As one of the snowiest places in the United States, I’m sure all types of strange, frigid natural phenomena take place in the state’s forests. In reality, ice castles are manmade projects cobbled from icicle after icicle—and they didn’t originate in New Hampshire.

The idea behind the project, which started in 2011 in Utah, was to bring fairytales to life through the magic of frozen water.

And I’m sold on it—hook, line, and sinker.

Ice hotels might be architectural feats built from ice and determination, but ice castles are much more abstract, imaginative, and dreamlike feats. Best of all, you can come and go at your leisure—no need to stay overnight.

To date, there are five locations in the US where you and your family can experience the brightly lit, jaw-dropping displays.

What is there to do at Ice Castles locations?

Ice Castles are larger than you think (Getty)

Ice castles are like works of art, some of which stretch ten feet (or more) into the air. You can wander from sculpture to sculpture at your leisure, and even cross through gravity-defying archways.

The origin of Ice Castles comes from a father who was desperate to entertain his six kids during the cold winter months. Today, the team remains dedicated to serving kiddos.

While adults will enjoy the sculptures (and grabbing a drink at the polar bar), kids can also cruise down ice slides, get lost in a cavern of winding sculptures, and squeeze through ice tunnels that get smaller and smaller.

Certain locations also offer other activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides and kids’ performances. For the 2024-25 season, sleigh rides are expected at the Utah and New Hampshire Ice Castle locations. A show called Snow Queen & Winter Fairy will be performed at every location.

Where to find all 5 locations

Please check in next winter to make sure the location of the Ice Castles hasn’t changed. Remember—these are built from scratch each year.

Opening dates and hours of operation also change according to each location.

Cripple Creek, Colorado
Eagle, Colorado *No polar pub
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Woodstock, New Hampshire *Includes extras like the mystic forest light walk, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and a winter fairy village
Midway, Utah *Includes extras like sleigh rides and the arctic alcove, but there’s no polar pub

Survival Guide: 7 Tips for Flying with Toddlers

There are few travel topics as divisive as children on planes.

Toddlers, specifically.

The fuss makes sense; children between one and three years old go through intense cognitive growth. They’re learning how to talk and communicate; they’re trying to manage difficult emotions; they want to wiggle their bodies if not run for the hills.

While I don’t have any children, I can appreciate that flying with toddlers must be a very trying experience for parents, especially if they’re having a tough day already. It’s difficult to keep track of luggage and toys, even with two parents involved. Then there’s the art of keeping a child occupied for the duration of the flight.

Despite the obstacles, millions of parents tote their little ones with them to fly around the country, if not the world.

While every child and parent has a different experience flying, there are concrete, tried-and-true tips for getting even the most energetic toddlers off the plane in one piece.

If you’re considering flying with your toddler in the near future, I highly suggest taking a look at some of the most popular tips for parents flying with young children.

The advice below is taken from my close friends who often travel with their children, along with the great minds at the Baby Can Travel blog, Travel Mamas blog, and Parents.

Tips for flying with toddlers from experienced parents

#1 Get your toys down pat

There are dozens of toys that are great for toddlers on planes. Whether you use screens or not, you can find portable, clean toys to keep your tot engaged. Stick to the items that you know capture your child’s attention.

Some parents also recommend busting out a surprise on the plane, as it gives their child a brand-new toy to fawn over for a little’ three-hour flight.

Before moving on, I also want to point out that I’ve seen parents recommend keeping toys in reach throughout the transportation process. Aside from planes, toys will also help your child stay in high spirits on hectic bus rides, when facing delays, and similar challenges.

In other words, don’t pack them at the last minute as an afterthought.

#2 Book direct flights first thing in the morning—or plan a long layover

Whether or not you’re flying with a toddler, I recommend booking a flight first thing in the morning. That helps you avoid delays, especially if you have a layover and need to catch a connecting flight.

After all, nobody wants to deal with delays—but they’re particularly hard on toddlers and their parents.

Aside from missing out on delays, airports are also less crowded in the mornings. That makes it easier for you to get through security with your little one, and then get in a little extra exercise before boarding.

I’ve also seen a few parents mention that their toddler is less prone to meltdowns early in the morning—but I imagine every child is different in this way, so I’ll let you decide what flight time is less likely to coincide with a meltdown.

#3 Keep those next-level distractions in your back pocket for when they’re needed most

In the first section, I mentioned that some parents like to keep a brand-new gift in their arsenal just in case. This tip is similar, as some parents have found that keeping a high-value item—whether a snack or a toy—helps them distract their toddler when the going gets rough.

As I’ll discuss below, many parents have noticed that putting on the seatbelt is high time for a tantrum.

So if you’re looking for tips for flying with toddlers while avoiding full-scale meltdowns, consider packing a few high-value items for those tougher moments. Along with handling seatbelt time, these items can help distract from ear-popping difficulties from the altitude, and other stressors, like loud noises.

#4 Most tantrums come when that seatbelt light goes on—prepare accordingly

If there’s one thing that parents agree on, it’s that many toddlers have trouble respecting the seatbelt rule for landing and takeoff.

Some parents have had success by familiarizing their toddlers with the seatbelt setup, usually at home before the flight. They make a game out of it so that their tot is ready for the challenge when the light turns on before take-off and landing.

Even then, many toddlers dislike the confinement—so this is a great time to bust out that surprise toy or a favorite snack. Some might be swayed with a view out the window, too.

#5 Avoid red-eyes—but don’t stress too much about nap time, either

Almost every travel blog I’ve read on flying with toddlers recommends taking early-morning flights—and also avoiding red-eyes.

Red-eyes wreak havoc on your child’s sleeping schedule while also causing jet lag for the whole family. On top of that, red-eyes are almost exclusively long-haul flights, which are best avoided if this is your first time flying with your toddler.

Instead, start with regional domestic flights.

And don’t stress too much about nap time as you level up your flight distances—there will be time to recalibrate at your destination.

#6 Consider buying the seat next to you even if your child can fly for free

This was one of the more surprising tips for flying with toddlers out there. While some parents like to save money by keeping their toddlers in their lap, as children under the age of two usually fly for free, others insist on buying an extra ticket for access to a full seat.

But even if you’re still able to take advantage of that free ticket, some parents say its best to buy a separate seat.

In addition to being safer, it also gives your toddler more room to stretch out—or even lie down for a nap, if you dare to dream. Just keep an eye on whether or not they’re causing disruptions for other passengers by kicking other seats.

#7 Always go for pre-boarding—it gives your tot time to explore their new surroundings

Some parents traveling with toddlers ignore their pre-boarding rights. They reason that the less time their toddler spends on the plane, the better.

However, seasoned parents actually recommend taking advantage of pre-boarding.

It gives their child time to get used to their new surroundings. They can even take a look around the plane before other passengers start boarding. That gives them a little bit more confidence in their strange new environment—especially for those who haven’t traveled on a plane before.

The Keys to Key West: Best Tours & Activities in Winter

Running from winter?

Key West, Florida is one of the best places you can go. That’s true any time of year, but average temperatures in January sit between 60-74°F. The sun is usually shining, and the heaviest layer you’ll need is a long-sleeve shirt.

On top of the great weather, visitors have an enviable mix of beaches, activities, and museums at their fingertips. Whether you want to get out on the water to do some fishing or shuffle through the area’s coolest museums, you’ll be booked solid for days.

If you’re heading to Key West, don’t miss out on these activities.

Best activities and tours in Key West on a winter visit

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

I haven’t liked a single thing I’ve read by Hemingway, but I’d still set aside time to visit this museum. Even if you’re like me and aren’t swayed by Hemingway’s short stories, he’s still an intriguing and important figure.

And this house in Key West is where the infamous writer penned his most important works. The home has been painstakingly preserved, offering a peek into the architecture and décor of his era.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Part gorgeous beach and part historic museum, these grounds are home to the US’s largest collection of Civil War armaments. You can wander through the old fort and learn more about the area’s history and Civil War legacy.

Or you can sink into the white sand beach and wait for a jaw-dropping sunset to play across the water. With temperatures still relatively high in January, I’d do both.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Butterflies in January? Thanks to the climate-controlled and glass-enclosed habitat, you can stand amid fluttering butterflies at any time of the year.

The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to almost 60 different butterfly species, along with tropical birds and lush plants. You might even forget it’s winter farther up north.

The Overseas Highway

If you’re a fan of mini road trips and scenic, tropical views, then head to the Overseas Highway. This highway traverses 42 long bridges that cut from island to island through the Florida Keys.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to unique stops, eateries, shops, beaches, and more. Though you can find guides that showcase which stops are worth your time, I suggest letting the open road guide you instead.

Duval Street

This street cuts through the heart of downtown Key West. Not only can you find great restaurants and bars, but the area is also renowned for its live performances, art galleries, and hand-rolled cigars.

Just keep in mind that you might see a larger crowd than expected on Duval Street—it only goes ‘quiet’ from March to May.

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum

It’s not just another lighthouse—this location is carefully overseen by the Key West Art & Historical Society.

They have beautifully preserved the lighthouse while also curating exhibits that bring the past to life, including the responsibilities of former lighthouse keepers.

But the real allure is the view from the top of the lighthouse, which offers a great view of the entire town.

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Spanish Galleons at the museum (TripAdvisor)

If there’s one thing I know about Key West, it’s how often pirates once crossed through its waters. During the 1600s and 1700s, Southern Florida was a hotbed for maritime conflict between warring empires, pirates, and all those caught in between.

This museum showcases incredible finds like Spanish galleons from 1622, along with exhibits that explore the science of shipwrecks, the history of Caribbean pirates, and Key West’s role in the Atlantic slave trade.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

If there’s a second thing I know about Key West, it’s that this area is home to incredible ecological diversity—and a range of important mangroves.

From manatees to coral reefs, this center shines a light on the most intriguing elements of sea life. They even have shipwreck artifacts and exhibits that explore how shipwrecks impact marine life.

The Cotswolds in America: Welcome to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

In Grosse Pointe Shores, just outside of Detroit, waits an elegant peek into the Cotswolds.

If you haven’t heard, the Cotswolds is one of England’s most scenic stretches. Rolling hills of grasslands lead from one stone village to the next, many of which are lined with row homes with thatched rooftops.

So, how did such a traditional and stately rural English scene end up near Detroit, one of the US’s greatest industrial cities?

Henry Ford.

The automotive giant had a son named Edsel, who built the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House on the shores of Lake St. Clair back in 1927.

Though Gilded Age mansions are well-known attractions in places like Newport, Rhode Island, and throughout large cities like New York and Los Angeles, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House flies under the radar for millions of Americans.

Though it’s comparable to a Vanderbilt mansion in terms of size and cost, it doesn’t look that way from the outside looking in.

Even more intriguingly, this estate does a lot more than offer short tours. It’s got a fully fledged roster of year-round activities.

And it’s easily the most magical gem I’ve found in the Detroit area.

A closer look at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

The **Edsel & Eleanor Ford House** isn’t quite like other Gilded Age mansions (Courtesy of **Edsel & Eleanor Ford House**)

Here’s the thing about the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House—it almost looks shabbily chic. The Cotswolds has the same type of historic, weathered charm.

In fact, the Fords actually toured England with the estate’s future architect in order to look for inspiration.

The result is one of the most unique and fascinating Gilded Age projects. The home was designed to look like the closely assembled stone homes that define Cotswolds villages. The sandstone walls are dusky, while the slate roof almost looks thatched.

Uniquely, much of the interior is lined with wood panels and fireplaces that were extracted from ancient English Manor houses, and then shipped over to the US.

There’s a chimneypiece from Worcestershire, a staircase from Lyveden Manor House, and stained glass windows that date back to the 1300s.

The grounds are also a mishmash of tradition and unique tastes. The landscape architect chose to design the gardens to reflect the surrounding environment. There’s even a man-made lagoon, which once housed a life-sized pirate ship replica for what sounds like a smashing birthday party.

Is the estate still open?

The drawing room in the house of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (Getty)

In 1943, Edsel Ford passed away in his Grosse Pointe mansion and was joined by Eleanor Ford when she passed away in 1976—having never moved out of the home. Upon Eleanor’s passing, she bequeathed the home to ‘the benefit of the public’.

By 1979, the mansion had been added to the National Registry for Historic Places. In 2016, it was further designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Today, the grounds still rely on funding from Eleanor Ford, along with private donations. As of 2007, the home’s fund stood close to $100 million.

What does that mean for you, humble traveler? You get to wander through a nearly unchanged mansion. Given those hefty funds, restoration projects are top-tier—and have even involved professional English architects.

Though some rooms are still off-limits, ongoing restoration projects are targeting some of the more rundown areas of the building. I doubt you’ll notice, though, as this 30,000-square-foot house is absolutely massive.

How can travelers visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House?

A Paul Cezanne from the **Edsel & Eleanor Ford House** (Getty)

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is open to visitors every single day from 8am to sunset. You’re welcome to explore the gardens, the exhibitions, and even go dining at the newly built Visitor Center.

There are over a dozen tours and events currently planned for 2025—from blood drives to residence tours to trivia nights.

Here are a few of my top picks:

The immersive residence tour
A behind-the-scenes guided tour that exposes the inner workings of such a large estate
All about Eleanor guided tour
Head Over Heels guided tour that explores Edsel and Eleanor’s love story
Ford House After Dark event for couples
Cabaret Over the Cove live Valentine’s event
Trivia Night

How to Get Reimbursed for Delayed Flights in the EU

My favorite part about flying around Europe is the sense of security—financial security, that is.

That confidence is due to the fact that the European Union has some of the most comprehensive air travel guarantees in the world.

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation for flights delayed more than three hours unless there’s an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ preventing the plane from taking off.

Since immigrating to Spain in 2019, I have taken full advantage of my flight rights—usually once a year given how often flights are delayed now.

With more air traffic disruptions than ever before, the EU’s flight compensation regulation is designed to protect passengers from undue delays. And compared to the US’s fledgling Fly Rights policy, it’s accessible, functional, and puts a few hundred dollars back in my pocket at least once a year.

So, how can you get reimbursed for delayed or canceled flights in the EU? I recommend using a little company called AirHelp. Let’s dive in.

First—the fine print

Like I just mentioned, EU Regulation 261/2004 (usually called EC 261) requires airlines to reimburse customers when their flight is delayed by more than three hours.

What they owe you is dependent on how far you’re flying.

You are owed €250 for delays for flights within 1,500 kilometers; €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers; and between €300-600 for flights over 3,500 kilometers.

However, some circumstances bar you from applying for compensation.

For example, my flight from Catania to Barcelona was delayed due to a volcanic eruption, which meant I couldn’t apply for reimbursement—and fair enough.

Another example would be a hefty delay at Warsaw’s budget airline airport. Ryanair got us onto the plane with a 2-hour, 55-minute delay, barely preventing a legion of compensation applications from passengers like me.

Meet AirHelp, my sky-lawyers

Volcanic eruptions and almost three-hour delays aside, I’ve received a handful of reimbursements over the years. In fact, I’ve been paid back close to €1,000 since I first used AirHelp back in 2019.

Here’s a little crash course in how the company works: You document the delays at the airport, then send off your information to the company. That includes your boarding pass and an explanation for the delays, along with how it impacted your trip.

That last part is particularly important. If a delay incurs more costs for you or shaves precious time off your trip, those considerations could possibly impact how much you’re paid out. In other words, every detail matters.

After that, AirHelp handles the claim until the airline is ready to give you cold, hard cash.

Bada-boom, bada-bing. It’s really that easy.

My experience using AirHelp

I know I just hit you with a flagrant bada-boom, bada-bing. Turns out there’s a little more you need to know about using this platform.

Here’s what I think you should know about using AirHelp based on my own first-hand experiences:

First, it’s not absolutely necessary to use AirHelp. You can apply for reimbursement yourself. That being said, the process is mind-numbingly wordy and complex. I highly recommend handing it off to the experts.

Second, AirHelp takes 35% of your reimbursement to cover their fees. Some users have found that to be too high, but I’m just excited to have air travel rights. Even if I didn’t get the money, I’d still want someone to hold airlines accountable for their mistakes, especially when they cause me to miss connecting flights.

Third, AirHelp takes a few months to process. If an airline pushes back and wants to take AirHelp to court, it’ll take even longer. That being said, you’ve already spent your money on the plane tickets—so a little delay doesn’t seem unreasonable to me.

Lastly, AirHelp is a bona fide success—and I imagine airlines see them as the Boogeyman. Of all the applications for compensation that I’ve sent in, only one was challenged by the airline and sent to litigation. Despite the delay, AirHelp came through with a big win.