Newsflash, Californians: You may have to put your souvenir or gift-giving dreams on hold. Or, at the very least, in a checked bag. There are some odd items that are forbidden in carry-on luggage. A Disclaimer This isn’t a complete list of the bizarre items you can’t bring in a carry-on bag. Always verify with…
The United Kingdom is an old monarchy, and it has some laws dating back to medieval times. It’s hard for North Carolinians to fathom, but some of these archaic rules are still on the books. There are laws about everything from “operating a cow” while intoxicated to gambling in the library. And many of them…
Some things are just so American. The irony, though, is that so many Minnesotans—and Americans as a whole—are clueless about them. During my over a decade of traveling and living abroad, I’ve learned a lot about not only other cultures but also my own. These are some of the things that are classically American. How…
Most Pennsylvanians who’ve flown at least once already know the basics—no giant shampoo bottles, no pocket knives, and definitely no soda. But even seasoned travelers can get blindsided at TSA with stuff that looks totally harmless. We’re talking about snow globes, peanut butter, and other everyday items that somehow end up on the no-fly list….
Many of us hold stereotypes about other countries, whether we realize it or not. The same is often true of foreigners’ perceptions of the United States. During my over a decade of international travel, I’ve met non-Americans who’ve shared their unknowingly skewed views of the U.S. with me. I’ve also talked with travelers who’ve heard…
There’s something about airport security lines that transforms an otherwise average Joe (or Joanna) into being downright rude. It’s not even TSA’s fault. Most of the time, it’s the passengers. One passenger’s having a loud phone call, another’s arguing with TSA about his energy drink, and someone else just forgot to pull out their ID……
Pennsylvania’s rising cost of living has many residents looking to save money by moving abroad. The good news for those considering doing so? You can save a significant amount of money if you do your due diligence. U.S. News & World Report determined the easiest countries on one’s bank account that are also great travel…
Some passengers leave good manners on the ground, according to a 2024 YouGov survey that asked for flyers’ feedback on in-flight etiquette. Whereas most Oregon travelers are “on board” with the idea that watching a movie without headphones on is unacceptable behavior, others question why anyone would be bothered by a passenger using a laptop…
Tip guilt. Tip fatigue. Tipflation. All of these words are relatively new to American vocabulary, and yet far too many of us can relate to them. That said, tipping restaurant staff isn’t customary in all parts of the world. In some countries, it’s even viewed as rude and disrespectful. So, if you’re planning an international…
In 1974, tipping was a feel-good gesture. Fast forward to 2025, and many Illinoisans—and Americans as a whole—feel pressured to leave higher tips than ever before for services that have already become pricier due to inflation. Americans know they pay high tips. But how do our tipping practices compare to other countries in the world?…
