Our Retirement Travel Plan? Wing It.
In our 20s, my new husband and I took a year off from our fledgling careers to travel in Southeast Asia. Equipped with paper maps, we began in China and improvised each day's 'itinerary' on the go. A gap year for grown-ups, I called it, although I scarcely qualified as one.
Nearly 40 years later, we are new retirees with the same wanderlust. We wondered: Could we recapture the thrill of winging it—enduring rough roads and cheap hotels?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
TSA Says Costco Cards ‘Absolutely' Don't Count as REAL IDs While Confessing ‘Love' for Costco Hotdogs: ‘Please Stop'
The TSA warned travelers that Costco cards do not count as REAL IDs in a lighthearted Facebook post on June 4 The government agency shared the message to dispel rumors that travelers can use their Costco cards at airports REAL IDS became mandatory to fly domestically and enter federal buildings in most states on May 7The Transportation Security Administration has warned travelers that a Costco card is not a valid form of travel ID to fly. The TSA shared a message on Facebook on Wednesday, June 4, to dispel rumors that travelers can use their Costco cards at airports. 'We love hotdogs and rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not,' the government agency wrote. The post prompted a chorus of amusing responses from commenters. 'So, you're saying we should bring you a chicken?' one person replied, while another Facebook user commented, 'I'm pretty sure that the Costco card is stronger than some passports.' The need for REAL IDs rolled out nationwide on May 7, and the majority of states now require them for domestic airline travel and access to federal buildings — although Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) as an alternative. The REAL ID is a form of identification that meets higher security standards set by the federal government. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and it finally became a reality after a number of delays and pushbacks. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. REAL IDs can be obtained through the DMV, though they do require you to provide more detailed documentation as compared to previous licenses and IDs. Because of this, it's wise to check your local DMV's website to ensure you have all the required paperwork before applying for one. Generally speaking, applicants will need to bring: One proof of identity (like a U.S. birth certificate or passport), one proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), two proofs of state residency (like a utility bill or rental agreement) and proof of name change if applicable. Applicants will need to bring originals or certified copies of all documentation — photocopies will not be accepted. And if you don't have a REAL ID yet but still need to fly domestically? You will be notified of your non-compliance, and may be directed to a separate area of the airport to receive additional screening. The same goes for federal buildings that require identification. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security website. Read the original article on People
Fox News
3 hours ago
- Fox News
Woman rips into 'stupid showers at hotels' and those responsible for designing them
A thread on Reddit has gone viral as a woman is criticizing the designers, installers and others responsible for "the stupid showers at hotels," saying she cannot step into a shower today while traveling and not "be blasted by cold water that gets my head wet." Over 6,000 people reacted to the post to date and nearly 1,000 comments have come in, with commenters sharing their own frustrations about the hotel travel experience. "Who designs the stupid showers at hotels?" the woman wrote in her post on social media, addressing her note to "male hotel room designers." She wrote, "I'm a woman. I don't wash my hair every day. Please give me a way to turn on the shower without having to get in and be blasted by cold water that gets my head wet." She also said, "I miss shower curtains, and now we have glass walls that don't move." She closed her post with, "Signed, A Traveler with Loyalty Status." In an edit, she later added, "Wow, the number of times I have been called bleeping feminist (or worse) on this post is kinda s-----. I have no problem being a feminist, thank you." The woman then offered more context. "The start of this was a conversation I had with a male colleague who has opened eight hotels (under different flags), and he had never considered that not all people wash their hair every day," she wrote. "We also talked about rain showerheads," she wrote, "and [the] lack of other amenities geared toward women travelers." People who responded to the post shared their own ideas for improving the hotel room experience. "I want a door on my shower." "Please make sure there are hooks in the bathroom," wrote one person. For more Lifestyle articles, visit Wrote another person, "I want a shower that is fully enclosed so that I'm not cold and there isn't water all over the floor after the shower! I also want counter space to set [up] my toiletries! Is that so hard?" Said another commenter, "Expensive hotel doesn't mean great shower design." Another person wrote, "I want a door on my shower." She added, "In the long run, I am certain the money they saved [by] not putting a door on the shower is wasted in energy costs as I have to turn up the hot water during the shower." Said another person, "Do not make me climb into the shower to turn the water on. Have the faucet on the same side as entry so we can reach in."
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: First-Class Experiences For Executives
getty The best Father's Day gifts aren't things—they're experiences. And for high-achieving dads who already have every gadget, bottle, and briefcase under the sun, what they really crave is time well spent, comfort maximized and stress minimized. Whether he's jetting between boardrooms, teeing off at a new course while doing deals, or simply trying to reclaim a rare weekend off the grid, there's no better way to celebrate dad than with a first-class experience tailored to his lifestyle. This curated collection is built for the executive who runs on efficiency and excellence. Think private aviation memberships that cut hours of friction from travel, yacht days that unwind the tension of the C-suite and high-tech services that make to-do lists disappear. Every item on this list is more than a gift—it's a value-added upgrade to his already full life. Sitzmann Photography For the executive dad who values his time as much as his comfort, Jet Linx offers a private aviation membership that makes flying private not just aspirational—but practical. With 20+ private terminals across the country, members skip TSA lines and flight delays while enjoying on-demand scheduling and personalized service. Whether it's a last-minute client meeting, a surprise weekend getaway, or just getting home for a family dinner, Jet Linx makes the journey seamless. Price: Membership pricing available upon request Michael Friberg + Taylor Strohmeyer/Omaha Productions For dads who travel often — and prefer to do it without the chaos—Ship&Play is the ultimate stress-buster. This premium luggage shipping service eliminates baggage claim, oversized rental cars and the mad airport dash, letting him breeze through the terminal unburdened. Bags are picked up from home and delivered directly to his hotel, resort, or rental, so he can walk onto the plane like a pro and arrive with everything already waiting. It's the kind of luxury that makes economy feel first class. Price: Varies by distance and luggage weight Daytrip For the executive dad who values both comfort and efficiency, Daytrip transforms long travel days into curated experiences. This global platform offers private, door-to-door car transfers with English-speaking drivers in over 130 countries—no rental cars, no crowded trains, no waiting around for a rideshare and no stress. What sets Daytrip apart? Travelers can add custom sightseeing stops along the way to turn a simple transfer into an unforgettable road trip. With full control over pickup times, routes, car types, and stop durations, it's a smarter, more luxurious way to explore a region without sacrificing convenience. Price: Varies by route and customization Restore Hyper Wellness Whether he's recovering from a hard workout, long-haul flight, or too many back-to-back meetings, gift dad cutting-edge treatments from Restore Hyper Wellness, a national wellness brand with more than 250 locations. The 'Ditch the Tie' lineup includes cryotherapy to reduce soreness and inflammation, red light therapy to accelerate muscle repair and nutrient-rich IV drips for energy and immunity support. Sessions are affordable, stackable, and can be scheduled on his time. Price: $25–$156 per session, depending on service HomeExchange Collection For the executive dad who loves good food but not the hassle of cooking or making reservations, Take a Chef brings fine dining home. In partnership with HomeExchange Collection, this global platform connects users with private chefs who craft custom menus and prepare meals in the comfort of their own kitchen. From intimate dinners to family celebrations, it's a five-star restaurant experience without leaving the house. Price: Varies by location and chef Five Iron Golf Whether Dad's a scratch golfer or just warming up to the sport, Five Iron Golf's Callaway Tour Fitting experience is a tailored way to upgrade his swing. Available at 34 locations nationwide, this premium custom fitting blends cutting-edge tech and pro coaching in a laid-back, club-free setting. For Father's Day, gift cards include up to $150 in bonus value, or opt for a $99 Swing Evaluation for a personalized improvement plan with instant feedback. It's a pro-level experience without the stuffy country club vibes. Price: Swing evaluation: $99; Gift cards: $50–$500 with bonus value ShipSticks If your dad loves to play golf while traveling, you know the drill: oversized bags, long waits, rental car gymnastics, and the looming fear of lost clubs. ShipSticks solves all of it. This premium shipping service delivers his golf gear directly to the course, resort or vacation rental—no schlepping required. Price: Gift cards available from $50–$500 Getmyboat Nothing says Father's Day like a day on the water—preferably with a captain, crew, and cold drink in hand. Getmyboat is the world's largest boat rental marketplace, offering easy access to luxury yacht charters in coastal cities and lakeside destinations across the U.S. Whether it's a private family cruise or a relaxing escape with friends, each charter includes all the perks of high-end yachting without the ownership hassle. Bookings are fully customizable, from route to catering. Price: Varies by location, yacht size, and duration Duckbill For the dad who manages teams, deadlines, and family life like a juggling act, Duckbill offers an ultra-modern personal assistant service that combines AI efficiency with real human execution. He simply submits tasks—like booking appointments, making reservations, or gift planning—via app, web, text, or email. The platform's AI (named Bill) handles the smart stuff, then passes it off to a human Copilot when it gets complex. It's time back in his day, without the friction. Price: Memberships start at $99/month SUPER If Dad's favorite artist is on tour this year, SUPER turns a regular night out into a backstage-level experience. This premium platform offers VIP concert packages with perks like meet-and-greets, exclusive merch, and behind-the-scenes access—all curated for top acts like Metallica, Josh Groban, and 311. Some packages even include rare collectibles, like a signed Stratocaster. Price: Varies by artist and package tier Slate Aviation Slate Aviation is redefining luxury air travel with its new shared-charter model—an elegant, cost-effective way to fly private without renting the entire jet. The $595 annual membership shaves $395 off each seat (up to four seats per flight), meaning the membership pays for itself in just two bookings. Onboard, the 18-seat aircraft feels more like a boutique hotel lounge: nearly 50 inches of legroom, gourmet dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, and service by trained attendants. Flights currently operate from NYC to popular hubs like Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, with more destinations coming in 2025. Price: $595/year for membership; per-seat flights range $1,800–$2,500
