5 Popular Kids' Toys That Could Be Confiscated Before Boarding A Plane
Toys can provide comfort and entertainment on a flight, but some of your child's favorite playthings may not be allowed through airport security.
Read MoreKirtana Menon
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Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
Stories By Kirtana Menon
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Forget Bali, Visit This Less-Crowded Destination Filled With Coastal Vibes, Pristine Beaches, And A Rich History
Looking to visit an island locale with white-sand beaches? Visit this Southeast Asian gem while immersing yourself in its peoples’ revolutionary history.
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Why Many Hotels Avoid Having This Seemingly Normal Room Number
Some hotel room numbers are noticeably absent from floor directories, and the reason has more to do with guest behavior than superstition or design choices.
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The Netherlands' Largest Artificial Lake Is An Outdoor Paradise With Charming Towns, Boating, And Coastal Vibes
What was once part of the North Sea is now an expansive lake northeast of Amsterdam that offers sailing, windsurfing, and historic maritime towns.
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5 Caribbean Restaurant Rules American Tourists Break Within The First 10 Minutes
Aside from the picturesque beaches, the cuisine is what makes many U.S. vacationers excited for a Caribbean holiday -- though some customs catch them off guard.
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Colorado's Only Active Volcano Is A 'Mysterious Anomaly In The Rockies' To Explore Under An Hour From Vail
Although most of Colorado’s mountain landscape was formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity, one active volcano remains near Vail.
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The 10 Most Beautiful Lighthouses In Scotland
When you think of a lighthouse, you probably picture tall cliffs, sweeping views, and bright white towers. These 10 Scottish lighthouses perfectly embody this.
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5 Vietnamese Etiquette Rules American Tourists Break Within The First Day Of Visiting
Visiting a country with different social norms from yours, such as Vietnam, may seem daunting; however, knowing a few rules can help prevent any faux pas.
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Be Cautious Taking A Fall Vacation To This Popular State Where Bear Attacks Are On The Rise
This popular fall vacation destination is seeing a rise in bear encounters and attacks as a result of scare food sources, here's what you need to know.
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Spain's Largest National Park Is An Underrated Mediterranean Gem With Ethereal Blue Waters And Underwater Forests
To enjoy turquoise waters and underwater marine forests, secure a permit to visit Spain’s largest national park on a pristine Mediterranean island.
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Goodbye Bali, So Long Maldives: This Philippines Secluded Island Sanctuary Is A New Hotspot For Pristine Beaches
This island resort in the Philippines reopened in 2026 after a renovation, offering privacy and luxury to guests while preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
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This Gorgeous German National Park Is A UNESCO Gem With Scenic Beaches, Coastal Cliffs, And Ancient Forests
Take a moment to explore what nature has to offer at Germany's smallest national park, filled with white chalk cliffs, stunning views, and miles of hiking.
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One Of The UK's Most Dangerous Hikes Highlights Idyllic Nature Views Of The Scottish Highlands
Seeking adventure? You might not have considered this spot in the Scottish Highlands to be a challenging trek, but its distance and views make it worth it.
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Ignoring The Airport Liquid Rule With This Common Food Is A Red Flag For TSA
This common pantry item may seem innocent enough, but TSA agents will count it as a liquid and flag it if it's packed in your carry-on luggage.
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Not California, Not Hawaii — This East Coast Gem Is The Most Environmentally-Friendly State In 2026
WalletHub ranked US states based on their environmental quality, eco-friendly behaviors, and climate change contributions, and this state shines in those areas.
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Wisconsin's Largest State Forest Is An Outdoor Paradise With 900 Lakes Straddling 3 Counties
Straddling Vilas, Oneida, and Iron counties, this Wisconsin outdoor oasis offers something for everyone, from fishing and boating to hiking, camping, and more.
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The 5 US States To Visit With The Fewest Lakes
These five states have some of the fewest lakes in the country, but they still offer scenic shorelines and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
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Outside Rockford Near The Wisconsin Border Is Illinois' Nature Preserve With Scenic Wetlands And Trails
This preserve lies along the Sugar River, providing a lovely few miles of quiet woodland walking and prairies filled with wildflowers in the spring.
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Colorado's Luxury Hot Springs Resort In The San Juan Mountain Region Wasn't Always In The 'Best Of' Lists
With a long, storied history, these Colorado hot springs have had ups and downs, but new owners and a massive renovation put this luxury resort spa back on top.
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Near Rockford Is Illinois' Nature Preserve With Scenic Wetlands, A Peaceful Trail, And Wildlife
A quiet escape near Rockford, Illinois, offers bird-watching, wildflowers, old-growth oaks, and a peaceful hike through restored natural habitats.
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The Best US Airline For Affordable Domestic Flights In 2026 Isn't Frontier Or Allegiant
According to one 2026 study, this major U.S. carrier offers more domestic flight deals than other airlines, even beating out ultra-low-cost carriers.
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The Peaceful Experience Proving There's More To Gateway Arch National Park Than Its Boring Reputation
Some visitors find St. Louis' Gateway Arch National Park to be disappointing, but there's another way to see the iconic arch from a different vantage point.
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Everyone Thinks About Banff When Visiting Canada, But They Always Miss Out On This Little-Known National Park
Beyond Banff and Jasper, one of Canada's most remote national parks offers Arctic wilderness, abundant wildlife, rugged mountains, and pristine wetlands.
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9 Vibrant Parks That Are Just A Day Trip From Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Explore the natural beauty that surrounds Gettysburg, from rolling hills you can hike to lakes you can relax in, forested trails, beautiful views, and more.
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Under An Hour From Allentown Is New Jersey's Town With Quaint Shops, Tasty Eats, And Victorian Charm
When a community takes pride in its history, everyone wins, and this charming small town between New York and Pennsylvania is worth a day trip from either.
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Texas' Pretty Panhandle Brims With A Colorful Lake Oasis Surrounded By Sculpted Canyons
The Texas panhandle is known for its sweeping plains, but this scenic lake will make outdoor adventurers feel like they've been transported somewhere else.
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Between Columbus And Pittsburgh Is Ohio's Once-Scenic Wildlife Area With An Upsetting Future Ahead
This Ohio wildlife area has gone through a long period of restoration in the last decades, but now it is facing a new round of environmental dangers.
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