Planning a winter trip? Consider northerly destinations like New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Montreal for lower prices, fewer crowds, and shorter lines.

Planning a trip this winter? Yes, it’s tempting to look for sunny spots where you can lie on a beach or play golf. But some of my favorite winter vacations have been to northerly destinations at their coldest, darkest times of year. I don’t ski, so I’m not looking for powder. But I have seen northern lights in Alaska, explored an ice cave in Iceland, and stood outdoors in 20-degree weather watching migrating cranes in Nebraska. I’ve been to Detroit in December, Canada for Christmas, Finland in February. And I’ve taken visitors around my hometown, New York City, in January, when holiday crowds are gone and prices are lower.

Here are some tips and ideas for planning a trip in the depths of winter.

CITIES

There’s a reason New York City runs Restaurant Week prix fixe menus and 2-for-1 Broadway specials Jan. 16 to Feb. 4: It’s a way to drum up business at a slow time of year. Hotels and theater tickets also dip in price in January and February. Plus, you can get reservations that are otherwise impossible to score, and popular attractions have fewer crowds and shorter lines.

Weather can be mild on a sunny day in January in Manhattan, but bitter cold and snow are not unusual. While city streets are no fun to navigate covered in slush, consider that most of your time will be spent indoors visiting museums, seeing shows, shopping and eating your way around town.

Similar price-and-crowd patterns hold true for other northerly cities like Boston, Chicago and Montreal, though all three are typically colder and snowier than New York. So check forecasts, wear warm and waterproof boots, and save a bundle — on airfare, too — compared to trips in May or October.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

The northern lights flare on an 11-year cycle and 2024 is near the peak of that cycle. Of course, there are no guarantees you will see the aurora borealis, but at least this is a good year to try. Iceland, Alaska, and northern parts of Scandinavia and Canada are all good places for viewing, but do your research on weather data for cloud cover in specific destinations. You can’t see northern lights in cloudy skies.

When my son was 9, we flew to Fairbanks, Alaska, in February, checked out the ice-carving festival (this year, Feb. 17-March 31), then headed 60 miles north to Chena Hot Springs. The resort is its own little world; there’s no town, no cell service, limited Wi-Fi; and meals served with produce from greenhouses. We visited the resort’s ice museum, went dog sledding and snowmobiling, soaked in a geothermally heated outdoor pool, and yes, we saw the aurora.

City lights make it hard to see the northern lights, but on a recent trip to Reykjavik, Iceland, my husband and I simply drove our rental car to a waterfront walkway where people gather nightly to search the skies. The view there faces away from the city, and our detour paid off: We saw the aurora, albeit briefly.

SAUNAS AND ICE CAVES

Any trip you plan hoping to catch the northern lights should include other adventures. In Finland, you’ll want to visit Helsinki’s cozy cafes, plus Market Square and Old Market Hall, and, of course, saunas. Loyly Sauna is perched on the Baltic Sea, so dare to take a cold plunge in the icy waters while you’re there.

Just outside Helsinki, you can meet and feed reindeer at Nuuksio National Park, but for a real adventure, head north to Lapland and book a reindeer safari. While I haven’t done this, it appeals to my winter-loving soul: ice floating in Finland’s Oravi channel, dressed in a special “drysuit.”

Iceland is famous for its outdoor pools, heated by geothermal hot springs. (The famous Blue Lagoon is closed due to a nearby volcano, but authorities say the eruption’s impact is localized and that tourism and air travel elsewhere is unaffected.) I took a dip in the geothermal pool at the Secret Lagoon while driving Iceland’s famed Golden Circle route, which also includes Thingvellir National Park, Geysir (which is actually a field of geysers), and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall.

The highlight of our Iceland trip, though, was exploring an ice cave in Vatnajokull National Park. You must be accompanied by a registered guide, and it’s not an expedition for the faint of heart. Crampons attached to your boots give you the necessary traction to walk down a flight of stairs carved from sheer ice, and you spend an hour walking underground around a magical — but claustrophobic — frozen canal with walls of blue ice and icicle ceilings.

The cave was part of a two-day tour we took of the country’s South Coast that included otherworldly landscapes including glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches and lagoons full of icebergs.

WESTERN WILDLIFE

Many national parks in the northern U.S. close roads, lodges and other facilities in winter. But winter visitors to Yellowstone can stay in Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and enjoy guided tours by snowmobile, snow coach, snowshoe or cross-country ski. It’s easier to see wolves in winter in Yellowstone than in summer; you might also see bison, elk, otters and other wildlife.

Birdwatching, too, can be a cold-weather pursuit. I took a chilly trip to Nebraska to see the sandhill crane migration. That’s when a half-million migrating birds stop to feed in the fields around the Platte River near the city of Kearney. The migration starts mid-February but peaks in mid-March. Guided tours are offered, but it’s also easy to access public viewing sites in Gibbon, Alda and Fort Kearny State Park.

WEATHER, CLOTHING AND PACKING

Temperatures vary tremendously in northern destinations, so do your homework. Winter temperatures in Reykjavik average in the 30s, comparable to New York, but elsewhere in Iceland, roads can suddenly be shut down by winter storms. Also, plan your days strategically based on sunrise and sunset. When my husband and I visited Iceland in late November, we left our hotel in total darkness at 8 a.m. to get to our first stop on the Golden Circle by 10 a.m., when the sun was finally visible.

Remember the old adage: There’s no such thing as bad weather — just bad clothing. For Iceland, all I needed to stay warm was a fleece under my parka. But for Fairbanks and Chena, I borrowed a full-body ski suit and bought used boots on eBay guaranteed for below-zero weather. By the way, N-95 or cloth masks from your pandemic supplies are a good way to keep faces warm in icy winds. I regretted not bringing waterproof gloves to Iceland; it didn’t rain, but railings and ropes along steep paths were often wet with icy condensation.

One final tip: Long pants and thick socks take up more room in luggage than shorts and T-shirts. To conserve space, wear your boots on the plane. Pack everything else in plastic compression bags; you won’t believe how much less room your clothes take up once you seal those bags and squeeze the air out.

If you’re planning a trip this summer, make sure to pack some important items in your bag. Often in the excitement of travel, people forget essential summer gear – and that can spoil the fun.

We all love to travel, and as soon as the children’s summer vacation begins, many of us start planning holidays. In India, this season brings intense heat, prompting people to escape to hill stations or beaches for some relief. But even in the hills, the afternoons can be quite hot. After returning from a trip, many people realise they’ve developed sunburn, tanning, or even heat-related illnesses.

If you’re planning a trip this summer, make sure to pack some important items in your bag. Often in the excitement of travel, people forget essential summer gear – and that can spoil the fun. Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure your summer travel is comfortable and safe.

Here Are 7 Items You Must Pack For Summer Trip:

Light and Breathable Clothes

When travelling in summer, pack light and comfortable clothing. Cotton is ideal as it absorbs sweat and is breathable. Avoid tight jeans or synthetic fabrics, which can cause skin rashes and discomfort due to sweating.

Sunscreen

A high-quality sunscreen is a must. Apply it to exposed areas before stepping out in the sun. Harsh sunlight can damage your skin, leading to tanning and sunburn. Sunscreen helps protect against harmful UV rays.

Sunglasses and a Hat

The sun’s glare can be quite intense during summer. Sunglasses protect your eyes, while a hat or cap shields your head and helps keep it cool – especially useful if you’re planning on trekking or walking long distances.

Wet Wipes or Tissues

Sweating and dust are common in summer travel. Keep wet wipes or tissues handy to freshen up your face and neck. A quick wipe can make you feel instantly refreshed during a hot day.

Comfortable Footwear

Choose footwear based on your destination. Breathable shoes, sandals, or sneakers are great for most summer trips. Flip-flops are a good option for the beach. Always prioritise comfort to avoid sore feet.

Reusable Water Bottle

Always carry a reusable water bottle and sip water regularly to prevent dehydration. You can also carry ORS or electrolyte powder, especially if you’ll be walking a lot or spending time outdoors.

Basic Medicine Kit

Heat-related issues like dehydration, headaches, or stomach upsets are common in summer. Pack a small medicine kit with essential medicines and antiseptics for immediate use if needed.

With the right preparation, your summer holiday can be relaxing, safe, and truly memorable.

Cramped seats, salty snacks, and long periods of sitting are a recipe for uncomfortable swelling. But these expert tips can help you prevent discomfort and deal if you experience the condition.

When you fly, you’re trapped in a tiny seat in an enclosed area without much room to move — so it’s no wonder you may land with swollen feet. And although leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless, per the Mayo Clinic, it can still put an uncomfortable damper on your travel plans.

Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent it. Here, three doctors share their tips on how to avoid swollen feet and ankles during air travel and what you can do if you do experience some swelling.

Why Do Your Feet Swell When You Fly?

It comes down to inactivity during flights, says Lauren Wurster, a doctor of podiatric medicine and an Arizona-based podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “The longer you are sitting still, the more gravity pulls fluid down to your feet and ankles,” she explains. “Also, the position you are sitting in, with your legs bent, increases the pressure on the veins and increases swelling.”

When sitting, the muscles that help pump fluid out of your legs are not active, says Timothy Ford, a doctor of podiatric medicine and an associate professor in the department of orthopedics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. As a result, blood may pool in your feet, leading to swelling, medically known as edema.

Travel day habits can also contribute to feet swelling, says Todd Taylor, MD, an associate professor at Emory University’s department of emergency medicine. “As we travel, we tend to eat in restaurants, eat snacks, and consume other processed foods high in salt. This will raise our salt level in our body, increasing the fluid and again contributing to dependent edema [leg swelling].”

Finally, Dr. Wurster notes, there are certain health conditions that can cause swelling in your legs or feet regardless of your altitude, including heart, liver, thyroid, and kidney conditions; pregnancy; and venous insufficiency. (That said, if minor swelling occurs only during air travel, it’s more likely due to the lack of mobility in your legs than an underlying medical concern.)

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of leg swelling during travel and potentially reduce swelling when it happens. Read on for the experts’ tips.

10 Ways to Prevent Swollen Feet During Travel

1. Drink Water Throughout Your Travels

Even though it might feel counterintuitive to add more fluids to your body when it’s retaining fluid, the Cleveland Clinic notes that drinking more water can help clear your system of excessive sodium, which contributes to fluid retention. Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of the trip so that you don’t start out dehydrated. Bring a big bottle of water with you on the plane, and refill it as needed to stay hydrated. Another plus to drinking a lot of water: It’ll motivate you to get up and walk to the bathroom when nature calls.

2. Watch Your Diet and Avoid Salty Foods

Avoid salt as much as possible on the day of and even the day before. Salt can cause you to retain fluid, notes the Mayo Clinic, which can make your feet swell even more.

3. Reach for a Pair of Compression Socks

Your flight day outfit should include compression socks that reach up to your knees. “I really love this one as they are really effective,” says Dr. Taylor. And these days, they don’t have to be boring! Endurance athletes use compression socks during and after racing, so you can find cool colors and patterns. The APMA also offers a list of its approved socks and hosiery. “Avoid normal socks that constrict above the ankle,” suggests Ford.

4. Stretch Your Legs on Long Flights

If possible, get up to walk the aisle every hour or so, especially on flights over two hours, recommends Dr. Ford. Standing or walking to the bathroom can get your blood flowing and help combat swelling.

5. Give Your Feet a Seated Workout

Even when you can’t get up and walk around, you can work the muscles in your feet. Point your toes up and down, then side to side to get your feet moving. The focus here is flexing the muscles in your feet, calves, and legs to get them engaged after a long period of inactivity, says Wurster.

6. Stow Bags Overhead to Maximize Legroom

If your feet are fighting for space with your carry-on bags, they’ll be cramped even more into awkward positions that cut off the blood supply. Store your bags overhead.

7. Don’t Cross Your Legs

Your circulation is already slower when you’re sitting for hours, so don’t cut it off even more by crossing your legs. (Past research has also suggested crossing the leg at the knee results in a significant increase in blood pressure for people with hypertension.)

8. Shift Positions Regularly While Seated

The position of your legs when you are seated increases pressure in your leg veins, explains the Mayo Clinic, so don’t stay locked in one position for too long. Wurster advises shifting your seated position frequently to avoid being in one position for too long.

9. Elevate Your Feet to Help Blood Flow Return

Keeping your legs raised can help improve circulation, per the Cleveland Clinic. Wherever possible, try to raise your legs and feet; if there’s no one next to you, stretch out and prop your feet up across the seats.

10. Opt for Comfy and Practical Footwear

Ford recommends wearing slip-on shoes on travel days because “they can be removed easily and allow you to massage your feet or exercise your feet.” A foot massage could help stimulate blood flow — just be conscious of your neighbors. (This might be one tip to save for a road trip rather than a crowded plane.)

How to Reduce Swelling in Feet After Travel

Once you’ve landed, you can use a lot of the same tools to reduce swelling after your travel: “Stay hydrated, move around, and wear compression socks,” says Wurster. “Also, be mindful of what you’re eating and avoid foods too high in sodium because that can also add to further swelling.”

If you can’t move around, elevating your legs after traveling can also help, says Taylor. Use gravity to your advantage and prop your feet up to help your circulation move that blood around. For those who can manage it, the Cleveland Clinic recommends a yoga pose called Viparita Karani, where you lay with your back on the ground perpendicular to a wall and then press your legs up against the wall. (Steer clear of this pose if you’re living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure, though.)

When Should You See a Doctor About Swollen Feet and Legs?

“Usually, the swelling isn’t serious and will improve with activity after the flight lands,” says Wurster. “However, in long periods of travel and with people with certain risk factors, the swelling can be a sign of a blood clot in the calf, also known as a deep vein thrombosis. This can be very serious if not treated appropriately.”

Wurster and Taylor say any of these red flags would be a reason to go to the nearest emergency department for an evaluation:

• Severe leg swelling
• One leg bigger than the other
• Swelling, pain, redness, and warmth to one of the calves
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

As global travel rebounds and luxury hospitality flourishes, five-star hotels have become a tangible marker of a city’s tourism ambitions and infrastructural muscle. While the definition of ‘five-star’ can vary across regions, these properties typically offer a consistent level of luxury, service, and amenities that cater to the upper end of the market. So which cities in the world house the most five-star hotels today?

Where does this data come from

For this ranking, we relied on data from Booking.com, one of the world’s largest hotel aggregation platforms. The site uses local classification systems to tag hotels by star rating, offering a consistent global interface. While not an official government source, Booking.com listings reflect what travellers are most likely to encounter when booking luxury stays, making it a useful barometer of real-world availability.

The methodology

We filtered Booking.com’s listings to include only properties currently tagged as five-star in each city, excluding serviced apartments and resorts outside city limits. These counts reflect active listings as of May 2025. While the platform doesn’t publicly share criteria for assigning stars, it aligns its categories with local tourism boards, offering a degree of standardisation across markets.

What the data says

Istanbul leads the global list with 201 five-star hotels, buoyed by its role as a transcontinental hub and the Turkish government’s push to grow its tourism economy. Bangkok and Shanghai follow closely, both major players in Asia’s high-end hospitality scene. Western capitals like London and Paris also feature in the top ten, but it’s clear that Asian cities are dominating when it comes to sheer volume of luxury stays. India doesn’t feature in the top ten, but cities like Delhi and Mumbai each have over 50 five-star properties listed on Booking.com, signalling a strong presence in the luxury segment and steady growth in urban hospitality infrastructure.

The 10 cities with the most five-star hotels, ranked

Istanbul: 201 five-star hotels

Shanghai: 201 five-star hotels

Bangkok: 200 five-star hotels

London: 162 five-star hotels

Dubai: 133 five-star hotels

Manila: 127 five-star hotels

Paris: 116 five-star hotels

Beijing: 112 five-star hotels

Mexico City: 88 five-star hotels

Batumi: 86 five-star hotels