Latest news with #traveltips
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
I've stayed in several 5-star hotels. Here are 6 mistakes I made in some of the most luxurious places I've booked.
I've stayed in five-star hotels in the US, Canada, and Europe. I've made mistakes at these luxury hotels that kept me from making the most of my stay. I regret getting laundry services, packing toiletries, and booking one-night stays. I never thought I'd find myself alone on the rooftop terrace of the Versace Mansion in South Beach, Miami. I never thought I'd stay in suites that cost $1,000 a night with closets as big as my bedroom at home. And I never thought I'd be standing on a private balcony in a lavish robe 21 stories above Vancouver, British Columbia. Being a travel reporter at Business Insider has given me the opportunity to stay in the hotels of my dreams. Since I started traveling for work in 2021, I've stayed in many luxury hotels, from the Four Seasons to Fairmont castles. Four years later, I'm still not used to the high-end lifestyle. I often make mistakes at these five-star hotels that leave me with regrets when it's time to check out. Packing my own toiletries for five-star hotel stays was a waste of space. Before my high-end travel days, I packed my own toiletries for trips. I thought I'd rather squeeze my shampoo and conditioner into tiny, reusable bottles than take a chance on the soaps available wherever I'm staying. But at five-star hotels, I've found toiletry brands I can't even afford on the bathroom counters. From Le Labo and Byredo to Floris, the hair products, body washes, and lotions I've used in these top-tier establishments have felt like a treat. Nowadays, I leave my bathroom products at home when I book luxury stays. Getting my laundry done at a five-star hotel left me over budget. When I arrived at one of Salt Lake City's only five-star hotels, the Grand America Hotel, in January 2025, I was fresh off a 15-hour train ride from Denver. My clothes were sweaty, and chunks of snow were on my pants, so I took advantage of the hotel's laundry service. I stuffed my dirty clothes into a provided bag and left it outside my door. The next day, three clean shirts, two pairs of pants, a single hoodie, a blazer, and a vest arrived on hangers. My six undergarments were wrapped in tissue paper inside cardboard boxes like a gift. It was the swankiest laundry service I'd ever experienced, and the most expensive. My 14 articles cost $115 to wash — enough money for a whole new outfit. Doing laundry was my most costly mistake during my trip to Salt Lake City. While the price tag may not faze some five-star guests, it wasn't worth the splurge to me. I've regretted sticking exclusively to room service meals. One of my favorite parts of staying in a nice hotel is ordering room service. Answering the door in a plush robe and slippers to have a cart roll in with cloches, condiments in tiny glass bottles, and drinks in stemmed glasses makes me feel like a VIP. But I've often missed out on what could have been exceptional dining experiences had I put on clothes and walked down to the hotel's restaurants. At five-star hotels, I've found that the restaurants typically have a luxe ambiance, award-winning cuisine, and different menus from the in-room dining options. In spring 2024, when I stayed at the Phoenician, a five-star mega-resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, I didn't try any of the award-winning dining venues — Mowry & Cotton, J&G Steakhouse, and Thirsty Camel. At the Grand America Hotel, I opted for room service breakfast, so I didn't get to experience the European vibe at the bistro, Laurel Brasserie & Bar. I did the same thing when I woke up at the Versace Mansion in 2021, and I missed out on a meal on the patio next to a 24-karat gold pool. At the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City in 2022, I didn't even see the rooftop restaurant, Eléa. Most recently, when I booked one night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in May, I ordered dinner instead of getting a table at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Botanist, which was filled with live plants. Next time I stay at a five-star hotel, I'll eat in the hotel's restaurant. I've also regretted leaving my bathing suit at home during fall and winter trips. When I visited Salt Lake City in the winter, a swimsuit was not on my packing list. While packing my suitcase with scarves and thermals, the thought of swimming didn't even occur to me. Then I saw the indoor pool at the Grand America Hotel and instantly regretted leaving my bathing suit at home. The Mediterranean-style pool was in a cave-like room with curvy, white walls and plenty of windows leaking natural light. The room had a calming vibe and was empty when I visited, perhaps because others had made the same mistake. I should have known better. When I visited Jackson Hole in the fall of 2024, I wished I had brought my swimsuit to use the 75-square-foot heated outdoor pool at the Four Seasons. In the future, I'll pack a bathing suit — no matter the weather. Turning down turndown service was a mistake. Turndown service was a luxury I wasn't accustomed to before my five-star stays. In the early evening (usually), an attendant stops in to prepare the room for sleeping. They make the bed, adjust the shades and lighting, and sometimes leave treats. On a few occasions when I was in my room in the evening, I've said "no, thank you" to the housekeepers coming by my room, But I stopped saying no after my stay at the Bulgari Hotel and Spa in Milan in 2022. On my bedside table, I found a menu with a selection of pillows — lavender-scented, aloe vera-infused, and memory foam, to name a few. When an attendant stopped by for turndown service, I requested two and was thrilled to receive them five minutes later. I wondered if I'd missed out on this amenity at other luxury hotels. Since my stay at the Bulgari, I've noticed that pillow menus and complimentary essential oils are common offerings at five-star hotels. And they make an already lavish stay feel even more elevated. Now, I always say "yes, please" to the service. I always regret booking just one night at a five-star hotel. It's always hard saying goodbye when I check out after just one night in a five-star hotel. I've left longing for another bath in a deep soaking tub, another snooze in a king-sized bed with custom pillows, and more time to take advantage of top-tier amenities I didn't even get the chance to try — from gyms with Peloton bikes and group fitness classes to spas, pools, and pickleball courts. With a standard 4 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. check-out, one night simply isn't enough time to enjoy all the luxuries five-star hotels offer. So, if you plan to book a stay at a five-star hotel soon, don't make the same mistake. When your friends ask you how the Mediterranean-style indoor pool was, you'll want to have something to say. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
These Are the Dirtiest Parts of a Hotel Room, According to Housekeeping
Here's what to avoid next time you check Points Hotel rooms, even the nicest luxury digs, often look squeaky clean—but some areas of your room may be cleaner than others. High-touch surfaces like phones, remotes, light switches, and carpets can harbor germs. Oft-overlooked items such as barware, ceiling fixtures, and bathtubs may be overlooked during standard housekeeping you check into a hotel room, the crisp linens and sparkling bathroom might give a false sense of cleanliness. However, seasoned travelers and hospitality professionals know that some of the dirtiest places in hotel rooms are often hidden in plain sight. Between high turnover rates and limited staff, there's often not enough time in the day to deep clean every room every day. Enza Laterrenia, head of housekeeping at Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel, explains that under standard conditions, a room is cleaned by a housekeeping pair in about 30 minutes, highlighting the time pressure housekeeping teams often face. Decorative Pillows Maria Diego, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and a self-proclaimed germaphobe, says she always takes action immediately when she gets to her room. 'Having worked in hotels, the first thing I fling off to a far corner of the room are decorative pillows and any decorative runner that goes along the foot of the bed," she says. "These never get washed." Laterrenia agrees, noting that many hotels wash their decorative elements infrequently. High-touch Surfaces For travel advisor and coach Rani Cheema, hotel room phones are the most unsanitary items. "If there's an actual phone and I need to pick it up, I am grossed out by the receiver,' Cheema says. 'I think it's ... the mouth part, because no one's cleaning that." From a housekeeping perspective, carpets are another culprit. "They tend to trap dust and bacteria, making them one of the more demanding items to sanitize," Laterrenia says. Cheema, however, notes that many higher-end properties are adapting. "There are a lot of five-star hotels that no longer have carpeting, so it's hardwood floors or an area rug, and that's about it," she says. Even in luxury hotels, though, thoroughness has its limits. 'At higher-end hotels, major touch points like switches, remote control, phones, get a wipe before every check-in, but I'm still cautious about these spots,' Diego says. Hidden Contamination Spots Some of the most overlooked surfaces are the ones tucked away. 'I'm also wary of barware inside drawers or cabinetry, anything that might be sitting for prolonged periods or handled by guests unbeknownst to housekeeping teams,' Diego says. She's also particular about the bathroom. 'I also won't take a bath in a hotel unless it's a super luxe five-star hotel, and only if it's a non-jet bathtub," she says." Laterrenia reveals that certain areas are often overlooked during standard hotel cleanings. "Hard-to-reach spots—such as high ceilings, chandeliers, ceiling fans, curtain rods, and shower heads—are often neglected.' So next time you check into a hotel, toss the decorative pillows and bed runners to the side, wipe down the high-touch surfaces, and be selective about using the tub. When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to do a quick clean of your own. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Google Data Reveals the Best Times to Book Flights for the Cheapest Airfare
If you're looking to save some money on your next flight, check with Google before you hit the buy a vacation can be stressful -- and expensive -- especially during peak travel seasons like the summer or the holidays. The good news? Our CNET experts have gathered a wealth of travel tips to help you find affordable flights and pack like a pro. That includes a deep dive into key insights from Google Flights data, so you can make smarter, more informed decisions when booking airfare. Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money. For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET's roundup of the best headphones for travel. How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 9:29 Loaded : 1.06% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 9:29 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro What days are the cheapest to fly? CNET If you're planning to book a flight, you're likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data. Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly. Do layovers on flights save you money? It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight. Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights? There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren't really cheaper days to book. "There's not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week," according to the Google report. Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday. Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance? To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it's better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it's better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel. For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip -- with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average. For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, "Average prices don't meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself" for international travel from the US. Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again./Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET When is the best time to book a flight in every season? Here's what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations. Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book. Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest -- meaning it's best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October. Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It's best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October. Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average. When is the best time to book a flight to Europe? International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean? International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That's because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest. For more, check out CNET's picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
I used to be a British Airways flight attendant – why you should never sit at the back of the plane
A FORMER British Airways stewardess has revealed why passengers should never sit at the back of a plane - and it is not what you would expect. After spending years criss-crossing the globe, former British Airways flight attendant Jane Hawkes says when it comes to choosing a plane seat, the back seat my not be the best option. 4 And it is isn't anything to do with safety. Jane said: "Choosing a seat away from the back of the plane is the best way to avoid jetlag. "If you struggle to sleep on a plane but have a late flight, I always advise travellers to avoid a seat at the back of the aircraft and around the galley areas as they are generally noisier." In addition, Jane - who now runs the Lady Janey consumer advice website - added that travellers should set their watch to the time of the destination and avoid night flights if they have difficulty sleeping on planes. "You can also make gradual changes to your bedtime and meal routines in the run up to your flight which can make adjusting to a different time zone much easier," she explained. And - even though potentially disappointing - alcohol and caffeine should be avoided before and during the flight too. Jane stated: "It might be tempting to get a drink before you fly, and to enjoy a drink on the aircraft, particularly if it is included. "But alcohol will dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep, making your jet lag feel worse." While caffeine can help you to doze of quicker, it can impact the quality of your sleep. The former flight attendant also share that travellers should avoid making adventurous plans on arrival as it can be stressful to navigate around a new place. This can then worse when the jet lag kicks in. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying She said: "Take short naps if necessary but avoid napping for longer than 30 minutes as this can stop you from falling asleep properly later and will delay the adjustment process. However, a flight safety expert has previously revealed why you should always sit at the back of the plane. Acccording to Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, an aviation safety researcher at the University of North Dakota, sitting at the back of the plane is the safest. He told Wired: "The front section, obviously, is comfortable because it's away from the engine and the noise… that's normally the first point of impact. And so it's a high vulnerability area." But the back of the plane is likely to stay whole - despite having a decent chance of breaking from the rest of the fuselage. According to a 2015 study, the seats in the middle of the cabin have the highest fatality rate (39 per cent). This is then followed by the seats at the front (38 per cent). Seats at the back of aircrafts then had the lowest fatality rate (32 per cent). Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." A flight attendant has also revealed five outfits they'd never wear on a plane. Plus, another flight attendant has revealed the grim secret behind the free hot towels given out on the plane. 4
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
Never Forget These 4 Travel Items if You Wear Contacts
As a person who needs contacts to navigate life, I've learned a couple of things to avoid doing if I want to enjoy my trip. The biggest offense I'm guilty of committing is accidentally sleeping in my contact lenses. This means I wake up with blurry vision, sticky lenses and dry eyes. Sleeping in lenses that aren't intended for overnight use raises the risk of an eye infection and could cause other issues down the line, such as corneal damage or even loss of vision. This can be a major problem when I'm traveling on a plane or in a car and trying to remove my contact lenses. Thankfully, one of my co-workers gave me important time-saving tips for removing my contacts safely and effortlessly. The trick is to do things in advance, before you get sleepy or busy. These tips are too good not to share, but you should know that these are for reusable contacts and not daily disposable lenses. Read more: An Optometrist Shares 13 Mistakes You're Making With Your Contact Lenses 4 items to travel with if you use contacts Grab some contact cases, hand sanitizer and contact solution. Katie Teague/CNET Contact lens case This is a must-have when you're traveling anywhere. When you're out, the last thing you want to risk happening is your contact lenses dry out or stay in your eyes too long. Contact lens solution Packing your solution is equally important. Contacts aren't cheap, and ruining them can be a huge hassle. Not to mention, you'll be wasting money as you replace things. Hand sanitizer bottle If you're in a pinch and can't wash your hands before removing your contacts, you can bring a bottle of hand sanitizer to clean your hands before pinching the contacts out of your eyes. Especially since you'll be touching surfaces on the plane or while stopping for a snack or gas on the road. Even after the sanitizer has dried, however, you still may have some residual alcohol on your fingers, so if you have the option to wash your hands with soap and water, I recommend doing that. A pair of eyeglasses "Airplanes have quite dry air and even the most comfortable of contact lenses can become dry and irritating, especially on those long-haul flights," Dr. Mika Moy, clinical professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California Berkeley, told me. Instead, she said, "wear glasses on airplanes for better comfort and so you don't have to worry about napping with your lenses on." You can put your contacts back in when you've arrived at your destination. Read more: 10 Eye Protection Hacks You Need to Know Before Spring and Summer Trick for prepping contact lenses for travelBefore leaving for your trip, prep your contact lens case by cleaning it. Then fill each side about halfway with contact lens solution or the amount you normally use to fill up your case. Close the lids tightly to avoid any leaks, and store the case in a Ziploc bag inside a backpack or purse, where you'll have easy access. You can fill multiple contact cases so that you'll have a backup if anything goes wrong, and you won't have to pack a huge bottle of solution. When it's time to remove your contact lenses from your eyes, just grab your case and place your contacts inside. Make sure your hands are as clean as possible. This simple solution is clever because it saves time and will keep your eyes feeling fresh. Read more: Yes, You Can Save Money on Travel Despite Inflation Dos and don'ts for your contact lenses When it's time to remove your contacts, be careful. After all, you only have one set of eyes. Try these recommendations. ❌ Don't do this: Remove your contact lenses during turbulence on the airplane. Contact lens solution may spill, your contact could go flying and you might jab yourself in the pupil. ✅ Do this instead: Wait until the plane is steady to avoid poking your eye. Or better, instead of wearing contacts, wear your glasses during the flight to avoid your contacts drying out. ❌ Don't do this: Try to take out your contact lenses while driving or if the road is bumpy. ✅ Do this instead: Wait until you stop at a gas station to wash your hands and remove your contacts. ❌ Don't do this: Only bring one pair of contact lenses with you. Anything can happen when handling your contacts, including ripping a lens or dropping one onto the floor, which you want to avoid. ✅ Do this instead: Always bring an extra pair or two of contacts with you as backup. Or you can also consider bringing one-day disposable lenses. "If you wear one-day disposable contact lenses when traveling, you can avoid needing solutions or cases at all," Moy said. "One-day lenses are typically more comfortable and healthier for the eyes because they are only used once and do not need to be disinfected at all." ❌ Don't do this: Put contacts in when you have red eyes. ✅ Do this instead: Always bring a pair of glasses in case you develop an eye infection while traveling. ❌ Don't do this: Sleep in your contacts. Eye doctors will tell you it can cause an infection and even result in permanent vision loss. (I admit, I need to take this advice.) ✅ Do this instead: Place the case filled with solution next to your bed so you can easily remove your contacts without getting up -- whether you're traveling or at home tucked into bed. For more life tips, here's how to make distilled water for free, how to cut cake like a pro with floss and how to end junk mail for good.
