%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-plane-wing-pastel-sky-AIRTRAVELLP0525-132370fa8ed04295ada9715fe3f3fb2e.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The Air Travel Issue
I get it; I used to operate this way. Now I'm someone who flew across the country for 24 hours just to secure her Delta status and picked Qatar Airways as her honeymoon airline before choosing her destination.
Believe me, prioritizing your time in the air will change the way you travel for the better. Imagine looking forward to the airport and seeing the flight as a part of the vacation. You'll set yourself up to make the most of every minute out of office, and you'll land (and leave) with a better attitude. Nina Ruggiero (left) with her husband Alex and Desert & Delta guide, Isaac (right), preparing to see Nxaragha Island by helicopter safari from Camp Okavango in Botswana.
When I booked a safari in Botswana, I was dreaming of lion sightings and photographing giraffes from a Jeep. I had no idea what a memorable role aircraft would play in that trip. My husband and I started in a Qsuite, cuddled up with a Thanksgiving menu and a long roster of Christmas movies, wishing we could take a few extra laps around the globe. Then, there were the bush planes between camps, flying low enough to give us an exhilarating sneak peek at the landscapes we were about to encounter. And finally, there was the helicopter safari, where we spotted herds of hippos and zebra from an entirely new point of view. A huge portion of the trip was spent in the sky, but none of that time felt wasted.
I hope The Air Travel Issue will show you that traveling 'flight first' is worth it—whether you have the means to splurge or are simply ready to start traveling smarter. In this issue, we'll guide you through every step of the journey, from booking to check in, and from lounge to landing. We've gathered tips from the experts to make sure you have a smooth and enjoyable flight.
Thank you for flying with us,
Nina Ruggiero
Senior Editorial Director, Travel + Leisure
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-maine-has-weird-summer-weather-tout-3112bb87f3c74a558f373b32399852d0.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
Maine's Summer Weather Is Unpredictable—Here's What to Pack for Visits This Season, According to a Local
As a travel writer, I'm often asked by friends and family for vacation-planning advice. I've helped plan everything from low-key European beach trips to quick weekend getaways from NYC. But since I grew up in a stunning summertime destination along the East Coast, no question comes up more frequently than: What do I pack for Maine? When visiting my home state, it can be tricky to know how to pack. You plan the trip dreaming of sunny days on the coast, but the area can also get rainy days and chilly nights even during the summer—so you have to pack plenty of options when it comes to your travel wardrobe. Here are the go-to items that I always put in my suitcase for summer trips to Maine. Maine's summertime weather is pretty idyllic. Never really reaching above the low-80s, it's warm enough to hit the beach while remaining temperate. But that also means it can get a bit chilly when the sun goes down, so I always travel with at least one hearty sweater like this fisherman-style version from Quince. You'll likely get some wear out of it on at least one evening spent outside—but even if you just throw it over your shoulders to create a coastal chic outfit, it's worth the extra suitcase space. I love all styles of Everlane's must-have shirt, but I reach for the linen version when I go to Maine. It's lightweight and breathable for humid days, while also offering some sun protection if you wear it as a beach cover-up. I also love how the traditional piece leans into Maine's coastal aesthetic and it's the perfect staple to have on hand to combat Maine's unpredictable weather. L.L. Bean's iconic boat and tote is really having a moment, but this classic wardrobe staple has always been a Mainer's go-to bag for summertime adventures. Throw the medium-sized bag in the backseat and load it up with corn and the season's best tiny blueberries during impromptu stops at roadside farm stands, or grab a small version for a cute purse. I also like the extra-large size because it has plenty of room for towels, sunscreen, and other beach day essentials for your entire crew. On a trip to Maine, you've gotta lean into all things lobster. This cute wristlet is a subtle way to honor the state's famed crustacean. The bag is made by a Maine-born company that creates bags, home decor, and more out of recycled sails from local boats, so it's a rugged and beautiful option for storing small essentials in your beach bag or carry-on. Whether I'm wandering along the rocky coast or picking peak-season strawberries in a field that may be a little muddy, I'm wearing my Birkenstocks. Since my favorite pair is made with ethylene vinyl acetate, a rubber-like material that's both waterproof and durable, they can take you through any Maine adventure you may have planned—and they're easy to clean, whether you cover them in sand, soil, or sauces from your summertime barbecue. Between mountains, thousands of miles of rugged coastline, and the beloved Acadia National Park, a trip to Maine isn't complete without some adventurous outdoor activities. For those moments, I bring along a sportier warm layer. This pullover Patagonia fleece is lightweight enough to roll up in your suitcase (or act as a makeshift in-flight pillow) and will keep you warm if it cools down while you're out on the hiking trail or open ocean. In Maine, you never know when a little summer shower will hit. That's why it's paramount to pack a waterproof jacket. I like this version from Athleta because it's stylish enough that even if you never see a raindrop on your vacation (fingers crossed!), you may still want to wear it to dinner or on a morning coffee run when it's still crisp and dew coats the grass. Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and even surfing are all on the summertime agenda in Maine. So no matter how you plan to get out on the water, you need a bag that ensures your belongings are safe from water damage. This Yeti sidekick bag comes in multiple sizes, so you can take a small bag out on a sunset sail or opt for the larger version to fit snacks, a camera for capturing memories from your trip, and any other items you want to keep dry without worrying about space. A classic set of pajamas, like this short-sleeve set from is perfect for summer nights in Maine. The preppy style is totally on trend in this coastal destination, and the crisp cotton blend will provide just enough warmth to get you through the night. When I'm in Maine, I love nothing more than spending the day on the beach. But even though the temperature isn't overwhelming, the sun is still strong enough to require some extra protection. That's where this straw lantern hat from Madewell comes in. Its small brim protects you from the sun, but you can also wear it while shopping in charming beach towns or grabbing lunch from a waterfront seafood restaurant. I've been living in this linen-blend skort from Gap all summer long, especially on a recent trip to my home state. With built-in shorts, you can easily take this piece from a long walk along the rocky coast to a late-afternoon stop for ice cream. Although the skirt I love is sold out, I found this similar one at Quince that also offers a light linen material will keep you cool when temperatures heat up and the humidity rolls in. Summersalt's line of quick-drying swimwear will keep you comfortable and dry all summer. The suits are also made with fabric that offers SPF 50 UV protection so you don't have to worry about a burn that will ruin your trip. And the faster dry times mean you can seamlessly transition from taking a dip in the lake or playing in the crashing waves to sitting down for a Maine lobster roll. Maine has the ideal humid summer climate for mosquitoes. These pesky bugs love to hang out along the state's lakes, ponds, and rivers—unfortunately, that's where you'll also want to spend time on your trip. So be sure to pack a trusted bug spray like this editor-tested version from Sawyer Products. It contains 20 percent picaridin, a powerful insect repellent that will make nights around the campfire much more enjoyable. You never know when your summertime plans in Maine will take you outside. That's why I like to keep my makeup routine simple and start every day by putting on this lightweight tinted sunscreen from La Roche-Posay. This SPF 50 sunscreen protects you from the sun without leaving a white cast. Plus, the gentle tint provides light coverage for an effortless summer glow with a matte finish. Designed to reduce glare when looking out onto reflective surfaces like the water, polarized sunglasses are a must-have for any trip to Maine. Views from an iconic lighthouse or the top of Cadillac Mountain (the first place in the country to see the sun rise, by the way) will be that much more beautiful with the help of a quality pair of sunnies. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Bloomberg
3 hours ago
- Bloomberg
Late Bookings Have Airlines Facing 'Nail Biter' On Holiday Travel Season
By and Max Rivera Save US leisure and business travelers beaten down by economic uncertainty are waiting until the last minute to book air travel. Many trips are being booked less than two weeks ahead of time — instead of the more typical one month or more. That is making it tough for airlines to forecast the capacity they need, putting revenue and profits at risk if carriers misjudge demand.
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Forbes
Three Unexpected Reasons To Take Your Family To East Hampton
One of the beautiful homes you can rent in East Hampton on Airbnb. Lois Alter Mark As our family continues to grow — we now have a two year old grandson and two pregnant daughters-in-law — multi-generational trips have quickly become my vacations of choice. In July, we decided to spend two weeks in the Hamptons so the kids wouldn't have to travel far. We rented a cozy cottage in East Hampton with a pool, a grassy backyard and enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone. I wish we could have stayed for the whole summer. East Hampton is a lovely town, with gorgeous homes and stunning landscaping, and people flock there for the beaches, the trendy restaurants and the social life. We did very little of that, opting instead to barbecue or bring in pizza and pasta from La Capannina. We walked to Levain Bakery for cookies and Goldberg's for bagels and, in the evenings, we played Dutch Blitz and drove over to The Sweet Spot for ice cream and Dylan's Candy Bar so our grandson could scoop a couple of his favorite chocolate covered pretzels. (Shout out to Langston there for being so sweet to him!) It was a magical time because it was so low key and everything was just easy. We discovered three random places that we would never have expected to become important to us but they made our vacation even more special. I highly recommend spending time at all of them. East Hampton Library Even Taylor Swift likes to hang out in the East Hampton Library. Lois Alter Mark I know this sounds weird but we probably spent more time at the East Hampton Library than any other place during our visit. Expansive, welcoming and full of comfortable nooks and crannies in which to sit, study and scroll, it is a mecca for readers of all ages. Plus, on a hot day, it's a great way to get out of the sun. My husband, grandson and I all fell in love with the library immediately and ended up going back for story time, music and to borrow books. We just had to show a copy of our rental agreement in order to get a library card. Our grandson was captivated by the librarian, who helped him find a bunch of Little Blue Truck books, invited him to pick a prize for signing up for the summer reading program and donned a 'sparkly jacket' when he led the super fun toddler class. The children's section is filled with puzzles and toys in addition to books and free coloring pages and bookmarks to take home. There's also a special area downstairs just for teens that offers a podcasting studio, crafts materials and snacks. We came upon it by accident but the staff was so nice and, when no older kids were there in the middle of the day, they let us come down for a few minutes each time we visited because our grandson insisted on seeing Taylor Swift. This library also has a life size Connect Four game in its outdoor courtyard and tons of free books donated by patrons. I was happy to see that the library was always busy, reinforcing the fact that libraries, in general, are so important to a thriving community and must be supported. Honestly, I would seriously consider living in East Hampton year-round for this particular library alone. Children's Museum of the East End The Children's Museum of the East End will keep kids entertained for hours. Children's Museum of the East End Between my kids and my grandson, I have been to a lot of children's museums but, after just one visit. Children's Museum of the East End quickly became one of my favorites. There's so much to see, do and learn here and lots of spaces for even the youngest kids to be independent. They can run a farm stand, scoop ice cream at a diner, sail a giant ship, climb and slide on the indoor play structure, make art and so much more. I tried to get my grandson to don the realistic firefighter jacket, hat and boots for a photo op but he was having too much fun just driving the fire engine and pulling out the hose to stop for an outfit change. In addition to all the indoor exhibits, the museum has its own mini golf course and brand new outdoor playground along with a playhouse and Rainbow Music Garden. It is just an amazing facility. I also appreciate that they sell snacks in the lobby and have a fridge full of kid-friendly pouches and beverages available. Our grandson loved picking out his favorites and then sitting down at one of the small tables to eat and chat about everything we had done already. He still talks about getting a hole in one (okay, he picked up the ball and put it in) and about the pictures he created with light pegs. We can't wait to bring him back. Guild Hall The gorgeous theater at Guild Hall in East Hampton. JENNY GORMAN We didn't discover Guild Hall until our last day in East Hampton, when we decided to stop by for the Clothesline Art Show, an annual fundraising event for the prestigious Main Street arts center since 1946. Hundreds of pieces by local artists (who, amazingly, have included Jackson Pollock and Elaine and Willem de Kooning) are hung up and ready to be grabbed by the art lovers who have lined up early to find the next superstar. (Can you imagine grabbing a Jackson Pollock original?) We bought two small pieces we could fly home with and learned we had missed a lot of great events and exhibits at Guild Hall over the couple of weeks we were in East Hampton, including Mariska Hargitay in conversation with Molly Jong-Fast and a one-woman show by Candace Bushnell, both of which I would have attended in a second. We peeked in on the Guild Hall theater, which is absolutely stunning with its Big Top-inspired ceiling, and bemoaned the fact that we hadn't gotten to experience its intimacy for one of the many live performances presented there. Guild Hall also features beautiful gardens, a variety of programs for children and the Guild Hall Museum, one of just 1000 formally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. My family will be spending a lot of time at Guild Hall next summer.
