Planetware

Florida's panhandle is a summer vacation destination for thousands of families each summer. The warm sunshine, white sand, and clear blue waters make it a perfect place to take some time away from the real world. But the waters can be dangerous, and the last thing anyone wants is for a tragedy to mark what should be a festive vacation. This is why Panama City Beach is putting extra focus on an important swimming rule along its shores.

Airplane seats are notoriously small — and only getting smaller — so it's no surprise that many fliers can't comfortably fit in them on hours-long flights. To make matters worse, Southwest Airlines began charging bigger-bodied passengers extra to squeeze into its seats, a move that some travelers viewed as a form of discrimination. The policy was just one of many costly changes the Dallas-based airline implemented since the beginning of 2026, including fee increases for checked luggage.

Oregon has no shortage of incredible mountain towns dotting the state. From well-known cities such as Bend to hidden gems like Joseph, Oregon's "Little Switzerland," each has unique outdoor recreation opportunities.

Travelers heading to or from California at the end of summer on American Airlines may have an unexpected stop along the way. Per The Street, American will suspend six nonstop routes between August 5 and October 5, following in the footsteps of other airlines that have made flight cuts due to increasing fuel prices. American's schedule changes will largely affect travelers flying across the country, with LAX being hit hard.

For many travelers, cruises are an ideal vacation choice, offering a combination of entertainment, convenience, and value. Not only do most cruises include food, accommodation, and activities for one all-inclusive price, but they also allow you to visit different cities and countries without the hassle of planning. Despite all the upsides, though, cruises may not be the best choice for everyone. In fact, there are a few drawbacks to cruise vacations that are worth considering.

California's beautiful beaches are widely known as places to kick back and relax on a hot summer day, or even partake in winter camping adventures. Nestled between two popular beach towns, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz, lies a third, under-the-radar beach getaway: Avila Beach. This spot boasts some of the sunniest beaches in the Golden State that pair perfectly with soft, white sands and the easygoing vibes of SLO Cal.

A town's plan to limit the number of cruise passengers who can explore its downtown took a dramatic hit this spring. In May, a federal judge ruled an ordinance limiting the number of cruise passenger visitors as partially unconstitutional. Bar Harbor, Maine, the gateway to Acadia National Park, has limited passenger disembarkations to 1,000 people or fewer per day since voters passed the ordinance in 2022.

Las Vegas is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., and the Las Vegas Strip is considered one of the most iconic attractions in the country worth visiting at least once. But Sin City might be losing its luster, and as fewer people visit the Nevada entertainment hub, it's becoming harder to reach the city by air. Las Vegas Review-Journal reported a 3.5% decrease in the number of available airline seats on flights to Las Vegas between 2024 and 2025.

The summer travel season is heating up, and although travel experts expect some disruptions this year, there's no need to press pause on your warm-weather getaway. And best of all, you don't even have to brave the soaring temperatures outside. Beginning in June 2026, Atlanta is welcoming a new indoor theme park filled with adrenaline-spiking rides and attractions — and you can enjoy it all without sacrificing air-conditioning.

The grandeur of U.S. national parks often evokes images from the West — think the picturesque landscape of the Grand Canyon and the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Few people imagine the national parks of the South, which is why they are some of the region's best-kept secrets. Not only do the South's national parks hold tremendous natural treasures, but they are also living archives of the area's history.