Foot fetish“There were two older ladies who were sitting, and every time we would walk by, they would look uncomfortable but wouldn’t say anything. … Only afterwards did we investigate. There was an older man who had some sort of foot fetish or fascination with these two ladies’ feet, so he had crawled in under his seat and you couldn’t see him then. He was just kissing their feet and caressing and tickling their feet. They were so proper but so horrified that they were too embarrassed to talk a

Before you head outSwing by the Center for Disease Control website which gives specific advice for individual countries. This includes a list of possible health risks, immunizations you should get done, and even a list of recommended items to take with you. If you have health concerns, visit your physician some weeks before you travel, and ask their advice about which medications to take with you in your travel first aid kit. They’ll be able to offer clear and specific advice, and prescrib

The 51st state?There’s a lot more to Washington, D.C. than monuments and cherry blossoms, and we mean a lot more. Washington, D.C. has more residents than some states: With 706,000 residents, it’s more populous than both Wyoming and Vermont. This is just one of the reasons its residents and representatives are pushing harder than ever for it to become a state. In June 2020, the House of Representatives passed a bill for the first time to make D.C. a state—and while it likely won̵

JanuaryNew year, new you. Going away doesn’t mean casting aside your resolutions. Stick to your goals on the Seabourn Sojourn. (Might we suggest the 14-day passage to Seychelles, Phuket, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives?) A holistic health program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil gives guests access to expanded spa facilities, pampering treatments, Pilates, yoga, meditation, and a state-of-the-art gym. No wonder it’s such a hit with wellness enthusiasts! Find out the best cruise based

CambodiaThis Southeast Asian nation is home to world wonder Angkor Wat, which is reason enough to visit. It’s also one of the foreign countries you likely didn’t know use the U.S. dollar. It’s the country’s unofficial second currency (it’s official one is the riel), and local ATMs dispense greenbacks. Don’t miss these 16 mind-blowing truths about money. PanamaDid you know this country, on the isthmus linking Central and South America, has been using U.S. dolla

Follow the 60-day ruleGenerally speaking, cruise lines raise their prices when demand increases, but as departure dates draw closer, those rates start to come down. That’s because cruise lines would prefer to sail with a full ship than leave even a few cabins empty. “Families who sail with us usually need to plan ahead if they have kids, but as we get closer to our departure dates, we top some cruises off with special rates,” says Jennifer Haile Tinn, senior manager of marketin

Westbury Castle, North WalesYou (and 37 of your nearest and dearest) can pretend you are the new royal family when you sleep in this grand castle built by the Mostyns, an historic Welsh family. The gorgeous, antiques-filled space features nine bedrooms with intricately carved four-poster beds, a billiards room, and even a knight in shining armor (literally). Check out more fairy tale accommodations you can spend the night in. Beachfront Villa, Montego Bay, JamaicaYou won’t have to lift a f

Pico, PortugalDon’t be deceived by the small size of this Portuguese gem in the Azores; although it may be small (only 10 miles at its widest), it’s the home of the tallest mountain in Portugal (Ponta de Pico), and actually the largest (though one of the least known) islands in the Azores triangle. Its black volcanic soil has given the local vineyards UNESCO World Heritage designation. It’s a perfect destination for crowd-free sipping, strolling, and exploring. These are the 10

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey, CaliforniaFollow the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from the towns of Pacific Grove to Castroville and you’ll have a perfect view of one of California’s most famous and dramatic coastlines. Photo ops include everything from otters lounging on the shore to surfers tackling the waves along the rugged, scenic peninsula. For shops, cafés, and a side of entertainment on the way, check out Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row,

Crystal CruisesFor the past two decades, Crystal has led the luxury ocean cruising category in food and service. Now, the line has five river ships, a luxury yacht, and air tours with more—such as expedition ships and more ocean ships—on the way. Best of all, they’re in the process of updating their two ocean ships right now with new dining concepts and cabin offerings.Don’t miss: Sure, lots of cruise lines serve sushi onboard, but the Japanese restaurants on the line’s two lar

Town and Country in San Diego, CaliforniaWith two kidney-shaped pools, a kitschy lawn filled with 80 plastic flamingos, and a giant wooden statue called Riki Tiki that harkens back to the heyday of tiki bars, Town & Country resort in San Diego embodies the best of the 1960s. In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2020, the hotel will undergo an $80 million renovation that includes the addition of a vintage camper converted into a bar. Locals embrace the hotel’s quirky marquee known

Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal is universally recognized as the greatest masterpiece in Indo-Islamic architecture. The white marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.Spatial grandeur, arches, domes, relief work, and precious stone inlay are among its defining characteristics. Bonus: You don’t have to blow your budget to witness the majesty of the Taj Mahal. India is one of the top spots to travel cheap while living

It wasn’t the first monument built in George Washington’s honorConstruction of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. began on July 4, 1848, but the first Washington Monument was actually built near Boonsboro, Maryland more than 20 years earlier. According to the Maryland Park Service, on July 4, 1827 most of the town’s 500 residents lent a hand to build a 15-foot stone tower on a 54-foot circular base. Located atop South Mountain and part of the Appalachian Trail, where i

Ostrich babysitterMany teens make some extra cash by babysitting their neighbors’ kids, but what if you could make a living babysitting ostriches instead? In South Africa, ostrich farms hire people to watch over their birds. Ostriches can be very aggressive and territorial, so ostrich babysitters must be vigilant and protect the babies that can’t defend themselves. MournerMourning a loved one is a delicate and emotional process, but that hasn’t stopped people from turning it in

AlabamaIt’s got to be good hunting land if Mossy Oak used to lease it and International Paper Company executives used to hunt it. This 4,744-acre tract in Alabama is up for sale with a price tag of $13.44 million. Included is a three-bedroom, two-bath home.Photo: Courtesy of Zillow AlaskaYou might be able to see Russia from your backyard at this Alaskan home on the market for $3.9 million. The 4,322-square foot, five-bedroom, 3-1/2-bath home sits on near Cook Inlet and has its own airstrip. Clai

StrasbourgThe Alsace region, on the Eastern edge of the country, has seesawed between French and German control for centuries. Its capital, Strasbourg, is an intriguing blend of both influences—as reflected in its architecture, culture, and cuisine. Grand Île, its UNESCO-listed central island, surrounded by the Ill River and the Faux-Rempart Canal, is home to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, with its Gothic edifice and animated astronomical clock. Don’t leave without experiencing a

The Hill of TaraFrom above, the Hill of Tara in County Meath looks like a message to the gods carved in the earth. In reality, this ancient mound was the seat of the Celtic High Kings of Ireland, who ruled over all the lesser kings of the land. But Tara’s mythical importance goes back even farther, as the stronghold was built over Neolithic tombs. The ancient people believed gods dwelt here at the entrance to an other-world of eternal joy. And the place continues to inspire today: Archaeol

Don’t trust the background checksThe background checks on us aren’t as thorough as you’d think. We don’t get fingerprinted, though it’s the norm for limo and taxi drivers. Instead, the companies do name-based checks. When some cities tried to require more oversight, Uber and Lyft suspended driving there. (These are Uber hacks that every customer should know.)ⓘ Use referral codesIf you’re going somewhere with a friend who doesn’t have Uber or Lyft, don’t offer to order the ride. Inste

Lisheen Castle, County TipperaryFor the ultimate Irish fairy-tale experience, rent this entire 7,000-square-foot 19th-century castle, which is only a two-hour drive from Dublin Airport. With nine bedrooms, it can host large groups and offers a fully-equipped kitchen for cooking meals for your crew. Open your windows and look out at the seemingly never-ending rolling green fields and distant mountains, just as the owners would have done 200 years ago. The castle’s location is conveniently l

We practically live at the airport“It may be different elsewhere, but we HAD to stay open until the last flight departed (within six gates of our location). Sometimes we were there three hours later than normal, catering to a handful of [bored and angry people].” —Reddit. We go through the same security you do“You have to go through security every day. You have sign out knives for cutting garnishes and you’re given a limited amount of time [to return them].”—Reddit.