Travel Tips

How to Check Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs Upon Arrival

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A few minutes of prevention is worth avoiding a nightmare.

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Walking into a fresh hotel room should be a moment of relaxation, but the rising problem of bed bugs can turn that dream into a stressful ordeal. These persistent pests are expert travelers and can be found in even the most high-end accommodations. Taking a few moments to conduct a quick inspection upon arrival is the single best thing you can do.

This simple routine doesn’t require any special equipment and offers invaluable peace of mind for the rest of your stay. You can relax knowing you won’t be taking home any unwanted, six-legged souvenirs.

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Europeans Are Laughing—13 Painfully American Tipping Mistakes in Europe

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Americans often forget that tipping in Europe follows a different script.

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There’s no faster way to out yourself as a tourist in Europe than to handle tipping like you’re still sitting in a California diner. It’s not just the amount that’s off—it’s the whole attitude. While Americans may see tipping as a moral obligation, many Europeans see it as unnecessary or even awkward. Walk into a quiet Paris café and try dropping a 20% tip with a cheerful grin. You’ll likely get confused glances and maybe even a head shake.

European tipping culture tends to be subtle, situational, and far less driven by guilt. But that doesn’t stop countless Americans from throwing down bills like confetti, or worse, acting insulted when a tip isn’t accepted. Even in countries where tipping is welcome, it’s usually modest—just rounding up the bill or adding a euro or two.

Not understanding the local norms can come across as arrogant or clueless. These tipping habits don’t just make you look out of place; they feed the stereotype of Americans being brash and entitled. Here are 13 tipping blunders that make Europeans shake their heads—and quietly snicker behind their wine glasses.

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Before You Book That Dream Trip, Beware of These 11 Disaster-Prone Destinations

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Don’t book that flight until you know the truth about these hot spots.

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Before you book that dream trip, you need to hear this. Not every jaw-dropping destination is as blissful as it looks in the brochures. Some places are plagued by disasters that can turn your once-in-a-lifetime getaway into a panic-inducing mess. Sure, the Instagram photos are breathtaking, but what you don’t see are the potential hazards that could derail your trip. We’re talking about sudden weather disasters, crumbling infrastructure, crime waves, and unpredictable events that have left plenty of tourists wishing they’d done a little more research.

The travel industry loves to glamorize exotic locations, but the reality on the ground isn’t always so picture-perfect. Avoiding a travel catastrophe could be as simple as knowing which destinations come with serious risks. Before you hit that “book now” button, make sure you know what you’re really signing up for. Your vacation dreams might depend on it.

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Forget Times Square—12 Secret NYC Spots Only Locals Know Exist

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If you haven’t seen these New York City spots, you haven’t truly experienced the city.

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New York City is packed with famous attractions, but the real magic happens far from the tourist traps. Locals know there’s so much more to the city than Times Square and Central Park. The hidden gems are what make New York truly unforgettable, but most visitors have no clue they even exist. It’s the cozy cafes tucked down quiet streets, the secret gardens hidden between skyscrapers, and the quirky spots only longtime residents seem to know about.

Finding these places feels like being let in on the city’s most cherished secrets. Sure, seeing the Statue of Liberty is cool, but experiencing the lesser-known corners of NYC is what makes you fall in love with it all over again. Ready to uncover the city’s best-kept secrets? You’re about to discover some mind-blowing places only true New Yorkers can tell you about.

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13 Travel Cons You’re Falling For Without Even Knowing It

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Don’t get duped—these common travel cons are costing you big time.

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Traveling can be an incredible experience, but it’s all too easy to get ripped off without even realizing it. Scammers and money-hungry businesses are getting sneakier by the day, using tactics designed to seem completely normal or even helpful. Some of the most common travel cons are hiding in plain sight, disguised as friendly advice, “necessary” expenses, or amazing deals.

Even experienced travelers can fall for these traps if they’re not paying attention. And the costs can add up fast—leaving you with an empty wallet and a bitter taste in your mouth. If you’ve been traveling without questioning the fine print or trusting every friendly face along the way, you might be getting played more often than you think. Ready to find out how to avoid the most common travel cons before they happen to you? Keep reading.

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