What keeps the safety director of the most vulnerable spot in US up at night before hurricane season
ORLANDO, Fla. — No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys.
The chain of islands celebrated by singer Jimmy Buffett in his odes to tropical escapism is surrounded by water, jutting out 120 miles southwesterly from Florida's mainland to Key West with the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean on either side.
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Forbes
20 minutes ago
- Forbes
7 Contests For Free Summer Trips To Orlando, Hawaii And The Caribbean
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Travel + Leisure
35 minutes ago
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These Flight Attendant Hacks and Off-menu Perks Could Make Your Next Long-haul Flight More Comfortable
Let's face it. Long-haul flights can be rough, especially if you're sitting in economy—but they don't have to be. In fact, there are ways to turn that next hours-long flight from a miserable experience (into dare we say it?) a pleasant one, and those strategies go beyond booking the right seat or bringing a neck pillow. And who knows more about flying than the professionals who spend their working lives in the sky? Their insights come from thousands of hours of observing the things that work for themselves and for passengers. We recently tapped a few flight attendants who work long-haul routes to learn their insider tips on maximizing comfort at 35,000 feet. The next time you fly a long-haul, try incorporating some of these flight attendant-approved strategies. You may just find that the time passes more quickly and comfortably. A passenger drinking tea after ordering hot water on a flight. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Flight attendants can provide more than just the standard beverage service. According to Larry Holcombe, an American Airlines flight attendant, passengers can request first aid supplies like Band-Aids or over-the-counter pain relievers. Parents of infants can even ask crew members to warm up baby bottles by placing them in hot water. Holcombe says passengers can also request hot water. While hot water on its own doesn't sound too exciting, it can help make your trip more enjoyable if you've packed your own tea or an instant meal. Anne-Marie Miller, a flight attendant for Air New Zealand, points out that on long-haul flights, passengers can use the in-flight entertainment system to order snacks and drinks—but you can also do something else with them. "A lot of people don't realize you can also order items like dental kits and eye masks,' she says. 'We have these available on request for customers in economy." Miller also says that if you feel chilly in the cabin, don't hesitate to request an extra pillow or blanket. 'We usually have a few spares tucked away, and a little extra support can make a big difference to your comfort," she says. A passenger opening a water bottle. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure The cabin environment can be surprisingly dehydrating, and cabin humidity usually hovers around 20 percent. In comparison, average indoor humidity usually measures in at around 40 to 60 percent. To counter the effects of the dry atmosphere, it's important to plan accordingly. "Airplane cabins can be quite dry, so hydration is important," says Holcombe. "Some customers bring a refillable water bottle and ask the flight attendants for refills. We're happy to provide them with water during beverage service and at other times." Miller agrees, emphasizing that staying hydrated is one of the most critical factors of in-flight comfort. 'Cabin air is extremely dry, which can cause fatigue, dry skin, and headaches,' Miller says. 'Try drinking eight glasses before boarding, and keep sipping throughout the flight. It's a simple habit, but it can leave you feeling so much fresher when you land." For those looking to level up their hydration game, Holcombe mentions that experienced travelers often bring their methods of sprucing up hydration, from a tea to individually packed hydration supplement packets. Little touches like those can make the flight more enjoyable and staying hydrated less tedious. An empty airplane seat. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Timing matters when it comes to in-flight requests. Holcombe suggests waiting until after takeoff to ask about switching seats—never make a request during boarding when the crew is trying to get everyone settled. Once the plane is in the air, though, flight attendants are generally happy to help you move within your ticketed cabin as long as it doesn't disrupt the flow of the flight. As for getting a drink refill or asking for help? You're good to go when the seatbelt sign is off, but just avoid doing so between door closure and takeoff. 'The only times we ask customers to hold off on the call button are during takeoff and landing or when the captain has asked us to be seated during turbulence,' says Miller. A passenger listening to noise canceling head phones. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Flying-related anxiety is extremely common. 'If you're feeling anxious or unwell, don't hesitate to let the crew know—we're here to support you however we can," Miller says. For those who struggle with anxiety or fear of flying, Holcombe recommends deep breathing exercises and distraction techniques. "Nervous travelers might be interested in the Calm Channel, which features soothing music and relaxing soundscapes and is available through our Wi-Fi streaming," he says. Holcombe adds that ginger candies or over-the-counter medication like Dramamine can help with motion sickness, and that customers can ask crew members for cold, damp towels to put on the back of their neck. Passengers wearing noise cancelling head phones and eye mask. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Flight attendants can often spot frequent travelers by what they bring, and Holcombe says experienced fliers usually use noise-canceling headphones to block out cabin noise and sleep masks to block out light. "Some bring a personal blanket and pillow or layer their clothing to adjust to varying cabin temperatures," he says. Miller says another way to tell if someone is a seasoned flyer is when they buckle their seatbelt over their blanket. 'We love this because it means we don't have to disturb you during turbulence checks," she says. For entertainment, Holcombe notes that experienced travelers, "regularly bring a book or download music and movies on a personal device for entertainment." While this might seem obvious, having your entertainment predownloaded (rather than trying to access it on spotty in-flight Wi-Fi) can make a big difference on a long journey. Holcombe recommends regularly wearing compression socks on long-hauls. "Standing, stretching, or walking a bit is also helpful," he says. These simple precautions can reduce the risk of discomfort and even more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis on extended flights. A full row on a flight. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Choosing the right seat can dramatically impact your flight experience. There's always a trade-off between aisle seats and window seats. Holcombe says some passengers prefer easy access to the aisle to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom, while others prefer window seats so they can rest their heads and enjoy the view. Another consideration that some passengers may not think of is luggage strategy. Holcombe explains that checking a bag can ease stress during boarding and deplaning, and customers won't have to worry about finding overhead bin space. Passengers with a travel pillow and noise cancelling headphones. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure What do flight attendants personally prioritize packing while traveling? Holcombe never travels without "a personal blanket, toiletries like toothpaste and a toothbrush, and at least one change of clothing in my carry-on bags." He also makes sure to pack charging cords and a portable charger. He's especially prepared for family travel. "When traveling with kids, I make sure we have extra snacks, quiet games, and kid-friendly movies on the iPad," he says. Miller, on the other hand, swears by a good neck pillow. 'It might feel awkward at first, but once you find one that properly supports your head, it's a game-changer for getting a solid rest onboard," she says. "I'm also never without a pair of earplugs or Bluetooth headphones for blocking out the cabin noise—and I love tuning into our inflight meditation playlists for some relaxation." View of a flight attendant call button. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure When it comes to common in-flight misunderstandings, Holcombe explains that while seat changes can be made, there are cabin limitations, and passengers can't move from the main cabin to first class even if there is an open seat. He adds that flight attendants are not responsible for seat assignments. He also cautions against a few common misconceptions about using the call button. "It's not necessary to use the call button for small things like trash pickup because we will pick up trash during our cabin walk-throughs throughout the flight," Holcombe says. "Passengers can politely get our attention and ask for assistance as we walk the aisles. We won't bite." Meanwhile, Miller wants to dispel the notion that flight attendants dislike the call button. 'One myth I've heard is that we don't like answering the call button outside of scheduled service,' she says. 'That's not the case at all! If you'd like a drink, a snack, or need help fixing a screen or adjusting your seat, that's what we're here for—so please go ahead and press the button." However, as Holcombe points out, there are also practical limits to what flight attendants can do. "Flight attendants cannot retrieve your checked luggage to get your prescription medications and car keys out," he says. "Those are things customers should always put in their carry-on bags."
Forbes
36 minutes ago
- Forbes
Why Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Is One Of The Best Wellness Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale's scenic outdoor pool Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Wellness is a word that's routinely bandied about these days, but it's something Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has quietly embodied since opening in 1999. Set in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, the scenic 40-acre resort continues to attract guests from all walks of life. But the best thing about this iconic destination resort is how it's always understood, from day one, that wellness is far from a one-size-fits-all concept. I arrived on a typically warm and sun-drenched day in mid-April, feeling burned out. I'd just come off an intense, but thoroughly fun, two-week work trip to Seoul a few days prior, and was feeling weighed down in more ways than one. I'd timed my visit to overlap with the resort's Heart of the Desert spring programming, a three-month-long celebration (March 8 to May 31) of curated culinary offerings, wellness experiences, and social events to help guests like me reconnect to themselves and draw inspiration from their breathtaking natural setting. A casita at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale As soon I stepped into my casita, stress started melted away. Modeled after Southwestern adobe-style homes, these spacious accommodations that feel more like sleek residences are appointed with luxe touches like fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and private balconies for gazing at the Sonoran Desert by day and stars at night. Most importantly: the casita was whisper-quiet. The only outside noises I heard during my three-night stay were the sporadic coos of White-winged Doves. Talavera is the signature steakhouse of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Whether you're in the mood for nourishment or indulgence—or as in my case, both, as I believe wellness is about balance, not abstinence—you'll cure your cravings at the resort's four restaurants and bars. Highlights included Onyx Bar & Lounge's Spanish-beer broth mussels; Saguaro Blossom's poolside creamy salmon poke; Talavera's sublime pan con tomate (the anchovies are a must); Proof Canteen's irresistible Fresno Buffalo tulip chicken wings and equally addictive bourbon-caramel sticky buns; and a private cocktail class hosted by the lovely Julie Figueras, a global ambassador for award-winning mezcal brand The Lost Explorer. Rather than prescribing pre-set agendas like other wellness retreats, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale meets you right where you and offers flexibility to carve your own path. Though I appreciate the dry desert heat, my sensitive skin doesn't fare well under the sun's rays. Instead of hiking, golfing, and playing tennis outdoors, as many guests do, I hit up the gym; enrolled in a couple of gentle stretching and pilate mat classes; took in leisurely strolls once the sun dipped below the horizon; and clocked in as much sleep as my body craved. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale's Spa Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Though all the delicious food, invigorating movement, and sound sleep helped my body shake off the heavy fatigue from travel and work, it was the Spa's Sacred Sound Therapy that really sealed in the benefits of my visit. Over 90 minutes, my intuitive therapist blended a restorative full-body massage with the grounding sounds and vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls. Though I'd experience both on separate occasions, together at this serene resort they helped me feel a whole new level of balance, calm, and as you'd guess, wellness.
