Latest Travel News tips

This April was a good month for airlines and travelers alike. The latest numbers from the Department of Transportation show airlines canceled just one percent of flights for the month, down from 2.8 percent in March. That also beats the airline cancellation rate from April 2017, which was 1.6 percent.

Have you had your eye on an interesting museum but haven’t gotten around to visiting? It’s time to clear your schedule on Saturday, September 22, because nearly 1,500 museums and cultural institutions nationwide will be free and open to the public for one day.

Do you like NFL football? Do you like to travel? Do you also enjoy receiving normally expensive things for free?

You might be able to skip two steps in the trudge through airport security soon, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a plan to test new scanners that could allow flyers to keep their liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags.

During a lengthy government shutdown, travelers are often rightfully concerned about the strain on TSA workers, who are required to continue airport screenings without pay. A poll by Airfarewatchdog (SmarterTravel’s sister company) recently found that 62 percent of travelers are concerned about safety at airports during a shutdown. Plus, 47 percent think that airlines should have to pay for private security to fill gaps during worker shortages.

Maybe you’ve been chasing national parks since the National Park Service celebrated its centennial in 2016. But have you ever made it to (or even heard of) Dark-Sky Reserves and Sanctuaries? These little-known protected parcels of land are some of the best places to stargaze in the world.

With less than two weeks until the final season of Game of Thrones premieres, excitement has been ramping up, and so has HBO’s marketing campaign. So far, HBO has hidden Iron Thrones in real-world locations, partnered with brands to sell limited-edition snacks, and now Westeros has invaded the Las Vegas Strip.

In a big step for animal rights, TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) recently announced it will no longer “sell tickets to, or generate revenue from, any attraction that continues to contribute to the captivity of future generations of cetaceans.” The policy on whale and dolphin activities is part of TripAdvisor’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of animals globally, particularly animals in tourism, which began in 2016 when the company adopted an animal attractions policy. Both guidelines extend to TripAdvisor’s activity-booking service Viator, as well.

TripAdvisor users can now create and share cruise reviews and photos and compare cruise prices with TripAdvisor Cruises. In a statement, TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) said the new feature will simplify the process of planning a cruise by bringing the hotel, flight, and cruise components together on one platform.

In the three weeks since the FAA grounded Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft, we’ve learned a lot about the plane and what likely caused the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. But we’re still waiting to hear when, exactly, Boeing will have a fix for the aircraft to return to the skies.

If you’ve ever sat with your knees wedged up against the seatback in front of you, you might be wondering which North American carrier is the airline with the most legroom. And the answer depends entirely on an aircraft measurement called “seat pitch.”

May is here, which means Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer–is just around the corner. Memorial Day isn’t the biggest travel holiday of the year, with many people choosing quick, local getaways (read: driving, instead of flying).

Here’s a secret: If you want to visit Europe during peak season without the crowds, take to the ocean. A small-ship sailing tour lets you explore the hidden gems of Croatia, Italy, or Greece, without having to fight traffic or cram yourself on a crowded train.

The latest study from J.D. Power proves something you might have already suspected: Air travelers aren’t too happy. The 2019 North America Airport Satisfaction Study found that travelers’ satisfaction with domestic airports plateaued this year amidst widespread delays and crowds. According to the findings, the halt in passenger satisfaction comes after several years of rapid growth.

Facial recognition is slowly making its way into U.S. airports, with the technology thus far being limited to non-U.S. citizens who are entering or departing the country. But that might be changing soon: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it wants to expand the practice of airport face scans to include U.S. citizens entering and exiting the country, too.

We send our editors all over the world searching for unique destinations, unforgettable experiences, and expert travel tips. On these trips, our editors capture countless hours of video footage as well, because we don’t just want to tell you where or why to go, we want to show you too. So we’re thrilled to announce the official launch of our new YouTube channel. So excited, in fact, we’re giving away $500!

They say misery loves company, right? There will be plenty of company, at least, on the nation’s highways (and airways) this week, as an estimated 55 million travelers embark on Thanksgiving travel.

Want more expert tips and vacation inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

As we head into a new decade, let’s take some time to acknowledge the incredible events and momentous changes in the travel world since 2010.

A new plane seat design from a startup called Molon Labe Seating aims to provide a wider middle seat on short-haul flights, and the company says two unnamed airlines are set to try out the change in 2020. The design would afford three extra inches of shoulder room to anyone who gets stuck in the middle seat, changing its seatback width from 18 to 21 inches.

As reported yesterday, the U.S. has grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft until further notice. The move came after most major international regulatory bodies took similar action, notably in the Europe, the U.K., and Canada.