Scott Laird

How to Plan a Multi-City European Tour (Without Completely Losing It)

Spending a week bopping around Europe is easier than you think with these planning tips. For many Americans, a multi-stop European tour is the stuff of travel legends. The Grand Tour, first embarked upon by the British aristocrat class in the 18th…

The Items You Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy at Duty-Free Stores

From alcohol to fashion goods, duty-free shopping gives travelers the chance to purchase luxury items at a discount. Duty-free shopping is one of the best parts of international travel. Not only are there some good deals to be found, it’s that extra…

How to Get the Maximum VAT Refund When Shopping in Europe

Get that refund! It’s a great time to go shopping in Europe. The value of the euro compared to the dollar is at two-decade lows, and many products made in the European Union can be gotten for cheaper across the pond than they can be in the U.S. Goods…

Review: Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino

At first glance, the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino doesn’t look all that impressive. Located in San Juan’s Convention Center District, it lacks the glossy brochure panache of Condado’s beachfront resorts or Old San Juan’s enchanting boutique…

10 Vacations That Need to Be Booked NOW for Next Summer

Already dreaming of your summer vacation? Book these destinations now to ensure the best availability. It might feel a bit early to plan travel for next summer, but for many destinations, a year or so in advance is the best time to begin planning and…

10 Rural American Destinations Definitely Worth a Trip

Too often, major cities across the United States—from New York to Los Angeles—snag tourists' attention, but to skip these rural destinations would be a mistake. Many foreign and domestic travelers in the United States are enchanted by the country’s…

Pro Tips for Traveling With Just One Carry-on Bag

Do I absolutely need four French Horns or am I ok with three? A packing adage I get the most mileage out of is to lay out all the clothes and money you tend to pack, then take away half the clothes and take twice the money. Naturally, there are more…

The ABCs of Selling Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao

The “ABC" islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao lie in the Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. While many North American travelers are broadly familiar with Aruba, the neighboring islands of Curacao and Bonaire have distinct personalities of…

10 Most Historic Hotel Pools Around the World

Tap into decades past by swimming at these stunning pools housed within historic hotels. There’s nothing quite like staying at a historic hotel that is rich with history, especially when that hotel has a pool. Public hotel pools are generally a…

Exploring San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego might be more famous for much newer attractions, but some of the most eclectic dining and entertainment options are in the city's Gaslamp Quarter, right in the middle of Downtown San Diego. The Quarter has maintained its historic character…

7 Ways to Look Less Obviously American When Traveling Abroad

The best advice is not to stick out. There’s nothing wrong with being American. Globally, we’re known for exporting cultural hegemony in the form of music, soft drinks, and films. Many of our cultural icons, from Marilyn Monroe to Shaquille O’Neal,…

Thompson Hotels Bets Big on Texas

When I told a colleague I would be touring three Thompson Hotels in Texas, the response was “Thompson who?” He could be forgiven for not being familiar with the luxury hotel brand founded in 2001, which grew slowly until it was acquired by Hyatt in…

6 Ways to Ensure the French Will Treat You Well

Forget the old stereotype that the French are rude. The French have a reputation for being difficult with foreigners. A good amount of that reputation is likely thanks to the Hollywood stereotype—typically in the form of stock characters like a…

Thinking of Booking a Luxury Resort With Points? Read This First

Booking a luxury resort with points is a great idea, but it just requires some some research first. It’s one of the major benefits of a travel loyalty program: saving up points. Whether earned via hotel stays, airline trips, or credit cards, you can…

11 Scams Targeting Tourists in Europe

From "free gifts" to dropped bags—don't fall victim to these classic scams. It’s an unfortunate fact of travel: in many tourist centers, scammers prey on the unfamiliarity, gullibility, and jetlag of travelers to make some cash. Some of them are even…

5 Innovative Berlin Restaurants for Foodies

Berlin’s 20th century was more fraught than many, though that is when the city discovered many of the simple, but hearty foods that are now emblematic as local favorites. Visitors to Berlin are bound to try a currywurst from a street vendor (or from…

The Pros and Cons of Gay Cruising: What to Know Before You Book

It’s Pride Month! We’re kicking off this joyous, meaningful month with a collection of features completely dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers. Follow along on a gay writer’s thought-provoking Kentucky road trip and learn about the tropical honeymoon…

The Island Paradise That Embraces All Genders

It’s Pride Month! We’re kicking off this joyous, meaningful month with a collection of features completely dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers. Follow along on a gay writer’s thought-provoking Kentucky road trip and learn about the tropical honeymoon…

What’s New at Como Laucala Island and Vomo Island Resorts

Fiji reopened to international tourists on Dec. 1, 2021, and three of its luxury properties have unveiled some news. Vomo Island Fiji: Taleitaki At Vomo Island Fiji resort, for example, there’s a new private residence accommodation that is ideal for…

8 Hacks You Need to Know Whenever You’re Using Foreign Currency

Sidestep high exchange rates and pesky international transaction fees with these pro tips. One of the fun parts of traveling to another country is getting use to the local monetary system. If nothing else, local banknotes (which are most often not…