Travelling can expose you to various health risks. Prioritize hygiene by washing hands and wearing masks. Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations and a travel health kit. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and eat cautiously, opting for bottled water and fresh food. Stay hydrated with fiber-rich foods. Manage stress by planning ahead to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip.

No one wants to get sick on their vacation, but the number of diseases circulating worldwide plus the added challenges of travel makes it difficult to manage our water or healthy food intake. Staying healthy while travelling is everyone’s priority, so you need to be prepared and be aware of any health issues and take measures to protect yourselves. The effort to stay healthy while travelling starts way before you go on that trip.

You need to take preventive measures before and during your trip, and we have curated the perfect list for you:

Hygiene is the priority

While travelling, it is necessary to keep your hands clean. So keep your hands properly clean with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating food or touching your face. When you are in crowded places, wear a mask to prevent any airborne diseases like the flu or measles. You should also disinfect areas in public places with a sanitizer spray or disinfectant wipes.

Visit your doctor before leaving for your international trip

Before you leave for that much-awaited trip, go to your doctor and confirm that you’re fit to travel. Take all the vaccines that have been pending before you travel.

Most importantly, you need to prepare a travel health kit with all the medicines that you might need- pain relievers, anti‑diarrheal meds, ORS packets, and insect repellents.

Get as much sleep as possible

During international travel, the main impact on you is the disrupted sleep schedule due to different time zones. If you focus more on exploration than on sleep, you’re definitely going to get sick. Try to get 8 hours of good‑quality sleep and sleep at appropriate times. Sleep is very important for the proper functioning of our immune system.

Eat cautiously

Food and waterborne diseases are common while travelling, so you need to consume cautiously while traveling. You should avoid tap water and always opt for bottled or filtered water to avoid infection. It can feel tempting to consume the local street food on vacation, but that should be done cautiously too. Always check if the food is fresh and if proper hygiene practices are being practiced there. If you’re eating raw fruits or vegetables, wash them thoroughly with clean water.

Stay hydrated

While travelling, it is very important to stay hydrated, as your gut needs all the support it can get. Most people suffer from travel related issues like constipation, and staying hydrated greatly helps with this. Try to have at least one meal a day that is rich in fiber, or eat chia seeds, greens, beans, berries, bananas, and pears, which are gut‑friendly snacks.

Say ‘NO’ to stress

When packing for an international trip, we are constantly on edge about documents, immigration procedures, the weather, what clothes to pack, and more which causes a lot of stress. You should try to get everything done as early as possible to avoid stress at the last minute. Stress is a major contributor to sickness, so you need to avoid it at all costs to prevent it from ruining your vacation.

TSA enforces strict rules on carry-on liquids, gels, and spreadable items, limiting them to 3.4 ounces or less. Common foods like peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, and soft cheeses are often confiscated if exceeding this limit. While solid snacks are permitted, creamy or spreadable foods must adhere to the size restrictions or be packed in checked luggage to pass security.

TSA limits liquids, gels, and anything spreadable to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. That includes things like hummus, peanut butter, and yoghurt. If you’re bringing any of those, make sure the container is small enough or plan to pack it in your checked luggage. Here are some snacks to double-check before you fly.

The TSA recently clarified that six foods that are most commonly taken away include yoghurt, hummus, cream cheese, creamy dips and spreads, jam, and peanut butter. Every Thanksgiving, the government agency reminds travelers that leftover turkey is perfectly acceptable as an in-flight snack. However, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes might be confiscated, depending on how liquid-like they are.

List of snacks you can’t bring in your carry-on bag on a flight

1. Peanut Butter

Even travel-sized packs are often over 3.4 ounces, making them non-compliant with TSA’s liquid/gels rule. If it can be smeared, it’s considered a liquid.

2. Hummus

Like peanut butter, it’s classified as a spread. Unless it’s in a container under 3.4 oz, it will be confiscated.

3. Yoghurt and Pudding

These creamy snacks, often packed by parents, are also gels. Popular brands like KozyShack usually exceed size limits and won’t pass TSA checks.

4. Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert)

Tasty? Absolutely.

TSA-approved? Unfortunately not. These are deemed too spreadable and get flagged as liquids or gels.

5. Salsa and Honey

Both are thick liquids. Containers over 3.4 oz won’t make it past security—even if sealed.”If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it—it’s considered a liquid, aerosol, or gel,” a TSA spokesperson told USA Today. “And if it’s over 3.4 ounces, it needs to go in your checked luggage.” While solid snacks like chips, pretzels, or hard candies are allowed in carry-ons, any food item that doesn’t meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule could be taken away at security. There are exceptions, however, for baby formula, breast milk, and certain medications, which may be carried in larger quantities with proper declaration.

If you’re heading to the airport soon, make sure to double-check both the contents and quantity of your carry-on. Any creamy, spreadable, or gel-like items must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces—or they should go in your checked luggage.

In simple terms, if you can scoop it, smear it, or eat it with a spoon, TSA likely considers it a liquid. And if it exceeds the size limit, it won’t make it past security.

From soaring skylines in East Asia to vertical expansions in the Middle East, skyscrapers have become defining features of modern urban landscapes. But not all cities build upwards equally. Some have turned high-rise architecture into a signature, driven by population density, land constraints, and economic ambition.

According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which maintains a database of high-rise structures, these are the cities with the highest number of completed buildings over 150 metres in height. The rankings, updated as of July 2025, offer a fascinating glimpse into where and why the world is building tall. These are the cities with the most skyscrapers.

The cities with the most skyscrapers in the world

1. Hong Kong: over 550 skyscrapers

No city in the world has embraced vertical living like Hong Kong. With over 550 completed buildings taller than 150 metres, the skyline is a forest of high-rises squeezed between mountainous terrain and the sea. A shortage of flat land, coupled with rapid economic growth in the late 20th century, made vertical development inevitable. Many of Hong Kong’s residential skyscrapers are tightly packed and uniform, while commercial landmarks like the International Commerce Centre and Bank of China Tower punctuate the skyline with dramatic architectural flair.

2. Shenzhen, China: over 380 skyscrapers

Shenzhen’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From a fishing village in the 1970s to a megacity with over 380 skyscrapers over 150m, it represents China’s model of hyper-urbanisation. Home to some of the tallest buildings in the world, including the Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen’s vertical expansion is tightly linked to its identity as a tech and manufacturing powerhouse. The city’s skyscrapers are not just tall but often architecturally ambitious, part of a broader plan to position it as a global design hub.

3. New York City, USA: over 320 skyscrapers

Often credited as the birthplace of the skyscraper, New York still ranks among the top with over 320 high-rises over 150 metres. From the historic Chrysler Building to new icons like One World Trade Center and the pencil-thin towers of Billionaire’s Row, the city’s skyline has constantly reinvented itself. Zoning laws, air rights trading, and engineering breakthroughs have allowed for dramatic verticality. Unlike Asian counterparts, many of NYC’s skyscrapers blend commercial, residential, and institutional functions within a single footprint, reflecting the city’s layered, mixed-use urban fabric.

4. Dubai, UAE: over 250 skyscrapers

Dubai has become synonymous with architectural ambition, and its skyline is anchored by the world’s tallest building, the 828 metre Burj Khalifa. With more than 250 skyscrapers over 150m, the city’s vertical push has been largely driven by oil wealth diversification, tourism, and real estate speculation. Many towers in Dubai are concentrated along Sheikh Zayed Road and the Marina, blending luxury apartments, hotels, and office space in ever-taller structures. Sandwiched between sea and desert, Dubai’s rise to the top of global skylines has been both literal and symbolic.

5. Guangzhou, China: over 220 skyscrapers

Another Chinese city leading the skyscraper race, Guangzhou has over 220 completed towers exceeding 150 metres. As the capital of Guangdong province, it’s a key economic hub and trading centre with a long history. Skyscrapers here are clustered along the Pearl River and the Zhujiang New Town CBD, where landmarks like the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou International Finance Center rise. The city’s skyline reflects both historical depth and contemporary ambition, blending cultural motifs with cutting-edge design.

6. Shanghai, China: over 200 skyscrapers

Shanghai’s skyline is a symbol of modern China, with over 200 skyscrapers surpassing 150 metres. The city’s financial district in Pudong, once farmland, now houses architectural icons like the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Beyond Pudong, other districts like Lujiazui and Xujiahui are also seeing rapid vertical growth. Shanghai’s mix of futuristic towers, Art Deco mid-rises, and historic shikumen makes it one of the world’s most visually layered high-rise cities.

7. Tokyo, Japan: over 190 skyscrapers

Japan’s capital isn’t known for towering height due to strict seismic and zoning regulations, but it still boasts over 190 skyscrapers over 150m, an impressive feat in a country frequently rocked by earthquakes. Tokyo’s vertical growth has been strategic, concentrated in business hubs like Shinjuku, Marunouchi, and Roppongi. Its towers often prioritise structural resilience and design elegance, with standout buildings like the Toranomon Hills, Midtown Tower, and Shibuya Scramble Square. Even with height limitations, Tokyo’s skyline remains dynamic and futuristic.

8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: over 180 skyscrapers

With around 180 completed skyscrapers, Kuala Lumpur is a Southeast Asian standout. Its skyline is defined by the Petronas Twin Towers, which held the title of the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. The city’s vertical growth has continued steadily since, with towers concentrated around the KLCC and Bukit Bintang areas. Many of its buildings blend Islamic motifs with contemporary glass-and-steel façades, reflecting Malaysia’s cultural and architectural hybrid identity. Recent additions like The Exchange 106 continue to push the limits of both design and height.

9. Chicago, USA: over 160 skyscrapers

With a long-standing legacy in architectural innovation, Chicago has over 160 high-rise buildings exceeding 150m. Its skyline marries architectural innovation with industrial grit, from the early steel-frame Home Insurance Building (now demolished) to today’s bold supertalls like the St. Regis Chicago and Willis Tower. While New York may overshadow it in numbers, Chicago’s contributions to vertical design, especially the development of structural systems, have been globally influential. The city’s high-rises are concentrated around the Loop and along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, offering one of the most cohesive and historically rich skylines in the world.

10. Wuhan, China: over 150 skyscrapers

Wuhan, a central Chinese city often overshadowed by coastal giants, has quietly climbed the ranks with over 150 completed skyscrapers. Its high-rise development surged in the last two decades as part of China’s inland urban expansion strategy. Today, districts like Jianghan and Hanyang feature skylines studded with glass towers, office blocks, and residential high-rises.

What counts as a skyscraper?

As per this data, a skyscraper refers to a completed building that is at least 150 metres tall. This benchmark is widely accepted in urban development and architectural databases as the minimum height for a high-rise structure to be classified as a skyscraper.

Where is the data from?

The rankings are based on the latest figures (as of July 2025) from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The CTBUH tracks the height, construction status, and structural details of buildings worldwide, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use towers.

Does this data change often?

Yes. In fast-growing cities, especially in Asia and the Middle East, new skyscrapers are completed regularly, shifting the rankings every few months. The data in this story reflects the most recent available snapshot from CTBUH at the time of publication.

Discover the cheapest time to visit Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Vietnam, Amsterdam & Phuket. Smart travel tips, best dates & fares for your mid-year getaway.

Mid-year getaways are more than just a breather from work—they’re an invitation to recalibrate, explore, and give your routine a well-earned pause. With lighter crowds, temperate weather, and flexible calendars, this shoulder season opens up some of the most coveted destinations at prices that are friendlier than peak-time rates.

A recent Skyscanner Smarter Summer Report finds that more than half of Indian travellers are rethinking their usual haunts, with 58% exploring destinations they hadn’t considered before, and 51% looking to craft multi-stop itineraries. The focus this season? More experience, less expense.

Here’s a destination-by-destination guide based on the report’s findings—featuring optimal travel dates and how to stretch your budget further.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday
Most affordable week: Week of 14th July

A fixture on the summer travel map, Bangkok delivers its charm in contrasts—ornate temples by day, neon-lit street food markets by night. Visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace before chasing rooftop views with a chilled drink above the Chao Phraya River. If time permits, slip away to nearby Pattaya or take a ferry to Koh Laan for a quiet stretch of beach away from the city pulse.

According to the report, flexible travellers can benefit most by scanning prices across the month to find the lowest fares.

2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday
Most affordable week: Week of 7th July

Dubai is a city that never does anything halfway. Towering landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab define its skyline, but it’s the energy on the ground—from indoor skiing to desert safaris—that makes it unforgettable. The report also points to growing interest in automobile tourism, with Dubai’s supercar culture and attractions like the Dubai Autodrome drawing enthusiasts from around the world.

3. Singapore

Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday
Most affordable week: Week of 4th August

Singapore offers a rare balance—modern without losing soul. From the sweeping vistas at Marina Bay Sands to the green calm of Gardens by the Bay, it’s a city designed for both wonder and efficiency. Adventure seekers can detour to Universal Studios, while those craving quietude can find it at a heritage kopitiam with kaya toast in hand. The report suggests red-eye flights can help maximise time without adding to costs.

4. Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hanoi – Cheapest day: Thursday | Week: 18th August
Ho Chi Minh City – Cheapest day: Sunday | Week: 25th August

Vietnam continues to gain favour among Indian travellers, with its twin-city charm offering two distinct flavours of Southeast Asia. In Hanoi, time slows down by Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter’s alleys hum with history. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City brings a bolder rhythm—its night markets, French colonial relics, and Bui Vien nightlife tell a different story altogether. The report notes these destinations as top picks for those seeking cultural immersion on a budget.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cheapest day to fly: Saturday
Most affordable week: Week of 18th August

Long daylight hours and warm breezes transform Amsterdam into a postcard in motion. Canal cruises, open-air cafes, and visits to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum become rituals in the sun-drenched summer months. The report identifies August as a sweet spot—before autumn crowds return, and while the mood remains light. Be sure to book ahead, especially for entries to the Anne Frank House and other timed museums.

6. Phuket, Thailand

Cheapest day to fly: SaturdayMost affordable week: Week of 21st July

Phuket in July delivers a quieter, more introspective version of itself. While there may be a chance of tropical rain, the upside is clear: fewer crowds, lower prices, and cooler temperatures. Visit Big Buddha, walk the colour-soaked streets of Old Phuket Town, and spend an evening at Phuket FantaSea. For a mindful interlude, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park offers a responsible, rewarding way to connect with nature.