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Travel

Parents Share Heartbreak After Missing 20-Year-Old Found Dead During Family Vacation In Japan Parents Share Heartbreak After Missing 20-Year-Old Found Dead During Family Vacation In Japan
Parents Share Heartbreak After Missing 20-Year-Old Found Dead During Family Vacation In Japan A search that stretched across continents is now giving way to grief. The family of James "Weston" Higginbotham, the 20-year-old US college student found dead in Japan, shared its heartbreak in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 6. "Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found deceased by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto," parents Nancy and Keith Higginbotham wrote. "The grief we feel is impossible to put into words. "We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what lif…
Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why
Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why A shift in how Americans plan their trips is offering new insight into what’s driving travel decisions this year. More Americans are scaling back how much they spend on travel, according to a Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans commissioned by CheapCaribbean Vacations that highlights a growing focus on value. The study found that 58 percent plan to spend less on travel than they did last year, with budgets down an average of 23 percent. Three in four respondents said their travel budget does not stretch as far due to higher prices. Rising costs appear to be reshaping behavior. Seven …
No REAL ID? TSA Will Let You Fly For $45 Starting In February No REAL ID? TSA Will Let You Fly For $45 Starting In February
No Real ID? TSA Will Let You Fly For $45 Starting In February Air travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID will soon have a new way to fly, but it will come at a cost, federal officials announced. Beginning Feb. 1, the Transportation Security Administration will roll out a modernized program called TSA ConfirmID, giving travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification an alternative option to pass through security, according to a national TSA press release issued Thursday, Jan. 15. Under the new system, travelers who do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification may pay a $45 fee to use …
Feds Tell Flyers To Dress 'With Respect,' Launch Push For 'Civility' In Air Travel Feds Tell Flyers To Dress 'With Respect,' Launch Push For 'Civility' In Air Travel
Feds Tell Flyers To Dress 'With Respect,' Launch Push For 'Civility' In Air Travel If you've ever been on a flight with someone barefoot or parents with disruptive kids, the federal government is looking to help. The US Department of Transportation rolled out a new campaign called "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You" on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The program to promote civility at airports and on planes comes after a rise in high-profile incidents in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported that in-flight outbursts have risen 400% since 2019, including 13,800 "unruly passenger incidents" since 2021. The issues especially spiked during the COVID-19 pan…
Apple’s New AirPods Can Translate Conversations In Real Time Apple’s New AirPods Can Translate Conversations In Real Time
Apple’s New AirPods Can Translate Conversations In Real Time Apple just dropped its most advanced earbuds yet — the AirPods Pro 3 — and they can now do something straight out of a sci-fi movie: translate conversations in real time, right in your ear (scroll for a video to watch the translation in real time). The highly anticipated Live Translation feature means you can chat with someone in another language without fumbling for your phone. Just pop them in, start talking, and let Apple Intelligence and computational audio do the work.  “Now when you’re with someone who speaks a different language, AirPods Pro will help you understand them in your…
Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects
Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects Holiday shoppers are expected to spend less in 2025, marking the first decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey. PricewaterhouseCoopers released its 2025 Holiday Outlook on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The financial firm found that Americans plan to spend an average of $1,552 over the holidays, down 5% from 2024. Gift budgets are taking the biggest hit, dropping 11% to $721, as consumers pull back on shopping amid President Donald Trump's widespread tariffs. "People are going to keep shopping, but with continuing concerns about tariffs and elevated prices (especially on electr…
Razor Rules: TSA Tightens Carry-On Guidance Razor Rules: TSA Tightens Carry-On Guidance
Razor Rules: TSA Tightens Carry-On Guidance Airline passengers have long faced confusion over what can and can’t make it through airport security. Now, the Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers where to draw the line when it comes to razors. In an advisory shared this week, the agency confirmed that disposable razors and cartridges are permitted in carry-on bags.  But safety razors with blades, loose razor blades, and straight razors are prohibited and must be checked. The TSA clarified that travelers may bring the handle of a safety razor in a carry-on only if the blade has been removed. Blades themselv…
Big Spike In COVID-19 Cases Revealed In New CDC Data Big Spike In COVID-19 Cases Revealed In New CDC Data
Big Spike In Covid-19 Cases Revealed In New CDC Data Federal health officials are sounding the alarm over a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just reported a noticeable increase in COVID test positivity rates across the United States in data posted Friday, Aug. 29. The latest numbers arrive just days before Labor Day weekend, a peak period for travel and gatherings. Test positivity climbed to 11.2 percent for the week ending Saturday, Aug. 23, up from 10.2 percent the previous week, according to updated CDC figures. Nearly half the country now faces a test positivity rate of at least 10 percent.…
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy How much money does it take to feel financially content? A new national survey suggests Americans have a specific number in mind, and it comes with strings attached. The Talker Research survey, conducted for SurePayroll by Paychex, asked 2,000 adults what they would consider the perfect salary.  Respondents pointed to an average figure of $74,000, though nearly one in five said nothing less than six figures would cover their lifestyle. Even so, half of those surveyed said their current pay is not enough to support their needs, and one in four admitted they are unhappy with their incom…
Fox News Anchor Hospitalized With 'Severe Case' Of Malaria Fox News Anchor Hospitalized With 'Severe Case' Of Malaria
Fox News Anchor Hospitalized With 'Severe Case' Of Malaria A Fox News anchor is being treated at a northern Virginia hospital after coming down with a "severe case" of malaria. John Roberts, co-anchor of "America Reports," revealed his diagnosis in a social media post on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Late-night news anchor Trace Gallagher filled in for the 68-year-old on his broadcast with co-host Sandra Smith. It's unclear when Roberts will return to the air. "I somehow came down with a severe case of Malaria," Roberts posted. "I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with Malaria. In fact, one of my doctors said I'm t…
Craft Store Owner, New England Dad From Convicted In Russian Smuggling Plot: DOJ Craft Store Owner, New England Dad From Convicted In Russian Smuggling Plot: DOJ
Craft Store Owner, New England Dad From Convicted In Russian Smuggling Plot: DOJ Two suburban husbands — one from New Jersey, the other from New Hampshire — lived comfortable family lives while secretly helping Russia obtain U.S.-made technology and sniper ammunition, federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Vadim Yermolenko, 43, of Upper Saddle River, NJ, a dual U.S. and Russian citizen, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in the illicit network, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. His co-defendant, Alexey Brayman, 38, of Merrimack, NH, an Israeli citizen born in Ukraine, pleaded guilty and is awaiting se…
Spirit Needs More Cash To Survive, Airline Warns: 'There Is Substantial Doubt' Spirit Needs More Cash To Survive, Airline Warns: 'There Is Substantial Doubt'
Spirit Needs More Cash To Survive, Airline Warns: 'There Is Substantial Doubt' Despite recently emerging from bankruptcy, Spirit Airlines warns that it may not survive the next year without raising more cash, according to a new filing. Spirit said it's facing significant financial pressure due to "elevated domestic capacity and continued weak demand for domestic leisure travel" in the second quarter of 2025. The budget airline disclosed its concerns in a quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, Aug. 11. The Dania Beach, Florida-based company said it expects to face a "challenging pricing environment" through at least the end of…
More Trips, Better Mood? Poll Explores Travel’s Link To Happiness More Trips, Better Mood? Poll Explores Travel’s Link To Happiness
More Trips, Better Mood? Poll Explores Travel’s Link To Happiness For many Americans, a healthier state of mind might just require a passport stamp. According to a new Talker Research poll, people with excellent mental health take twice as many trips each year as those who report feeling poor or very poor. Additionally, they are far more likely to describe travel as a key part of their lifestyle. The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed a striking connection between how people feel and how often they leave home.  The average respondent said they feel 67 percent better mentally after a trip, with those who travel frequently more likely to report good o…
TSA Announces New Changes At Security Checkpoints TSA Announces New Changes At Security Checkpoints
TSA Announces New Changes At Security Checkpoints Traveling just got a little easier at America’s airports.  The Department of Homeland Security has announced new changes to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.  They are rolling out dedicated lanes for families and military members to streamline the screening process. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem introduced the “Families on the Fly” program at Nashville International Airport on Tuesday, Aug. 5.  She explained that families traveling with children will now have access to special security lanes designed to make the process less stressful. The…
CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike
CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike Fueled by a fast-growing new variant, COVID-19 infections are regaining ground just as summer travel peaks. New CDC transmission estimates released Friday, Aug. 1 show the effective reproduction number, or Rt, above one in 40 states, meaning overall US infections are again expanding. In 28 states the agency assigns its highest confidence category — “growing” — while another 12 fall into the “likely growing” bucket. No state is currently classified as declining, and nine are holding steady. For more info, view the CDC's interactive map here, and click on a specific state. Nationally, the R…
Viral Jet2 Holiday Meme Delights Internet, Turns Into Political Flashpoint Viral Jet2 Holiday Meme Delights Internet, Turns Into Political Flashpoint
Viral Jet2 Holiday Meme Delights Internet, Turns Into Political Flashpoint You may have heard that a Jet2 holiday can't be beaten. A commercial for British travel company Jet2holidays has emerged as a viral sensation over the summer. The January 2024 advertisement has been used in hundreds of thousands of memes on TikTok and Instagram. The upbeat commercial is set to the 2015 song "Hold My Hand" by UK pop singer Jess Glynne. A family is seen arriving at an airport for a Jet2 flight and enjoying a vacation at a tropical resort. The original ad promotes a deal to save 50 British pounds per person on a getaway. "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday," the female voiceover a…
Citi Launches New Premium Card Aimed At High Spenders, Frequent Flyers: See The Perks Citi Launches New Premium Card Aimed At High Spenders, Frequent Flyers: See The Perks
Citi Launches New Premium Card Aimed At High Spenders, Frequent Flyers: See The Perks As major companies battle for premium customers, Citi has entered the ring with a new high-end credit card promising big rewards, flexible perks, and airline lounge access. Citi has launched its most exclusive credit card yet, the Citi Strata Elite, the company announced on Monday, July 28. The card joins a wave of recent upgrades from competitors like American Express and Chase aimed at frequent travelers and high spenders. The $595-per-year card offers up to 12x points on hotel stays, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel, plus 6x on air travel and weekend…
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When Say goodbye to setting an alarm to get your best possible spot in a Southwest Airlines boarding line. Southwest's open seating will officially end on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Dallas-based airline said in a news release on Monday, July 21. Customers can start picking their seats for those flights when booking online starting on Tuesday, July 29. The move marks a major shift for Southwest, which is known for its policy of A-B-C groups marked off by large stanchions near gates. "Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," said Tony Roach, executiv…
No. 1 American City Revealed In New Survey No. 1 American City Revealed In New Survey
No. 1 American City Revealed In New Survey They’re vibrant, unforgettable, and according to thousands of travelers, worth visiting again and again. Travel + Leisure has unveiled its 2025 list of the world’s best cities, based on votes from its readers — and one destination in Mexico claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. The annual rankings spotlight cities that blend atmosphere, history, hotels, dining, culture, and bang-for-your-buck value.  In this year’s survey, voters particularly favored cities in Asia and Latin America, with seven of the top 10 located in Asia and six in Latin America. While beloved global …
Rule Involving Status Of Popular Carry-On Item Spelled Out By TSA Rule Involving Status Of Popular Carry-On Item Spelled Out By TSA
Rule Involving Status Of Popular Carry-On Item Spelled Out By TSA Before you zip up your suitcase, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants you to rethink where you stash one of the most-used travel gadgets of the smartphone era. The agency has issued a summer reminder about portable power banks — those pocket-size lithium-ion battery packs that keep phones and tablets alive on long flights. The bottom line: they are allowed only in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. TSA’s rule is explicit: Carry-On Bags: Yes Checked Bags: No "Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags," th…
Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years
Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years Southwest Airlines is planning to begin flights to a popular Caribbean destination as the carrier expands its network for the first time in about five years. Southwest is looking to fly to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for the first time, the airline said in a news release on Monday, July 14. Service to Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) in Charlotte Amalie is expected to begin in "early 2026," pending government approval. St. Thomas would be Southwest's first new destination since 2021. "Today marks an exciting milestone for the US Virgin Islands and our growing tou…
This Massachusetts Locale Among Top 10 Best Towns To Visit In America This Massachusetts Locale Among Top 10 Best Towns To Visit In America
This Massachusetts Locale Among Top 10 Best Towns To Visit In America Where can you find a waterfall, a blues club, and world-class waffles, all in one Top 10 list? CNN Travel has unveiled its second annual ranking of America’s Best Towns To Visit, spotlighting small cities with standout charm, and a big dose of the unexpected. The outlet tapped its readers and contributors for nominations.  It then narrowed the field by evaluating each town’s attractions, dining and drink options, cultural and nightlife scenes, identity, diversity, proximity to other destinations, and general “wow factor.” Travel essentials like lodging and accessibility were also con…
$1M Lottery Jackpot: Western Mass Woman Plans To Enjoy Retirement With Payday $1M Lottery Jackpot: Western Mass Woman Plans To Enjoy Retirement With Payday
$1M Lottery Jackpot: Western Mass Woman Plans To Enjoy Retirement With Payday A retired woman from western Massachusetts has hit the jackpot and is ready to spend the money living it up during her golden years. Teresa Moreno, of Ludlow, is the second $1 million grand prize winner in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “Triple 777," a $5 scratch-off game. Related: Mass Couple Jumping For Joy On New Trampoline After $4M Lottery Win She chose to take the lump-sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) instead of the annuity option, which would have paid out the full amount over 20 years. Moreno plans to use her winnings to invest, travel, and enjoy a well-deserved re…
Here's How Many Days Parents Need To Recover From Family Vacation Here's How Many Days Parents Need To Recover From Family Vacation
Here's How Many Days Parents Need To Recover From Family Vacation Family vacations may be packed with memories, but for many parents, the real trip starts when they get home. It takes the average parent two and a half days to recover from traveling with kids, according to a new survey of 2,000 parents of children under 12. For one in three, the peaceful part of the journey doesn’t even make it past the first hour.  Whether by plane, car, or train, bickering, meltdowns, and mood swings are frequent fliers on most family itineraries. When asked to estimate how long it takes to feel fully like themselves again after a trip, parents said they needed 2.…
TSA To End Shoes-Off Policy At Airport Security Checkpoints, Report Says TSA To End Shoes-Off Policy At Airport Security Checkpoints, Report Says
TSA To End Shoes-Off Policy At Airport Security Checkpoints, Report Says It may soon be time to leave your shoes on at the airport. After nearly two decades of making travelers remove footwear at security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly phasing out the long-standing policy at many major airports across the country. Passengers in general screening lanes — not just those with TSA PreCheck — will no longer need to remove their shoes at dozens of high-volume US airports, according to an internal agency memo obtained by ABC News. The change will roll out gradually nationwide, with more airports adopting the new approach ov…
Here's What’s Keeping Millions From Enjoying Summer Travel Here's What’s Keeping Millions From Enjoying Summer Travel
Here's What’s Keeping Millions From Enjoying Summer Travel One in four Americans say a surprisingly common issue could derail their summer travel plans. That’s according to a new survey by Talker Research on behalf of health company NBPure, which found that 27 percent of Americans report digestive troubles serious enough to disrupt vacations and summer trips. Whether it’s constipation, bloating, or general stomach discomfort, 42 percent say they have gut health issues, and 38 percent report symptoms that get worse when they travel. The fear of a digestive episode looms so large that nearly half of respondents (49 percent) said they bring supplemen…
Future Forecast: Here's How Americans Expect Life To Look In 40 Years Future Forecast: Here's How Americans Expect Life To Look In 40 Years
Future Forecast: Here's How Americans Expect Life To Look In 40 Years Renting forever. Working less. Living with robots. That’s the vision many Americans have for the year 2065. A new survey asked 2,000 adults to imagine what life could look like four decades from now. The predictions suggest a future shaped more by practicality and technology than luxury or tradition. Among the most striking forecasts: Twenty-five percent of respondents said they expect to rent for life, and only 35 percent of non-homeowners believe they’ll ever own property.  As for the price tag? The average home is expected to cost more than $680,000 — about $270,000 higher than to…
In-Flight Wi-Fi Speeds Ranked In New Study: See Which Airlines Excel, Lag In-Flight Wi-Fi Speeds Ranked In New Study: See Which Airlines Excel, Lag
In-Flight Wi-Fi Speeds Ranked In New Study: See Which Airlines Excel, Lag Wi-Fi is quickly becoming a must-have for travelers on airplanes, but new data shows many airlines are still falling short of providing the best connections. Internet analytics company Ookla released a study of airlines' Wi-Fi offerings on Monday, June 30. Airplane internet ranked dead last among 21 airline benchmarks in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, behind baggage handling, seat comfort, and even airplane food. Ookla analyzed its Speedtest data from the first quarter of 2025 and found wide gaps in performance. Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways topped the list for fastest…
This New England Airport Among America's Top 10 In Brand-New Rankings This New England Airport Among America's Top 10 In Brand-New Rankings
This New England Airport Among America's Top 10 In Brand-New Rankings The airport is usually the part of your trip you try to survive, not savor. It can be a soul-sucking pit stop full of delays, overpriced pretzels, and fluorescent lighting that makes everyone look like they slept in baggage claim. But not all airports are created equal. In fact, some, according to Americans surveyed, are actually enjoyable. A new Washington Post ranking has revealed the top 50 in the US, based on a combination of traveler feedback, Yelp reviews, and data from more than 450 U.S. airports.  Here’s a look at the Top 10: Portland International Airport (PDX): A leafy, l…
Inflation, Trump Tariffs Hurting Americans' Fourth Of July Plans, Survey Finds: Here's How Inflation, Trump Tariffs Hurting Americans' Fourth Of July Plans, Survey Finds: Here's How
Inflation, Trump Tariffs Hurting Americans' Fourth Of July Plans, Survey Finds: Here's How The stars and stripes may fly high on the Fourth of July, but most Americans say they're feeling financially grounded in 2025. WalletHub conducted a survey, along with compiling facts and figures, about how the US will celebrate Independence Day in 2025. The studies were released on Wednesday, June 25. The personal finance website found that 79% of Americans believe the country's independence is threatened by the rising federal debt. More than half are adjusting their Fourth of July plans because of inflation, high prices, and a shaky economy under President Donald Trump's sweepin…
Boston Among 20 Best Cities For July 4th Fun, Study Says: See What Held Beantown Back Boston Among 20 Best Cities For July 4th Fun, Study Says: See What Held Beantown Back
Boston Among 20 Best Cities For July 4th Fun, Study Says: See What Held Beantown Back Northeast cities have widely different Fourth of July celebrations, with the region having some of the nation's best and worst, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst Places for Fourth of July Celebrations on Wednesday, June 25. The study scored 100 cities on everything from food and hotel prices to fireworks shows, walkability, and weather. Data came from public records, tourism offices, and national databases as of Wednesday, May 28. "The Fourth of July is one of the most beloved holidays in America, allowing many of us to not only celebr…