The Alps, stretching across eight European countries, are home to some of the world’s best ski destinations. Whether you are an experienced skier or a beginner looking for breathtaking scenery and world-class resorts, the Alps offer something for everyone. Here are the eight best ski destinations in the Alps for an unforgettable trip.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a paradise for ski lovers, with its stunning views of the Matterhorn and an extensive network of slopes. The high-altitude terrain ensures excellent snow conditions throughout the season. The car-free village adds to the charm, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is known for its challenging slopes and legendary off-piste skiing. As the host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, this resort attracts advanced skiers looking for steep descents and deep powder. The vibrant town also offers great après-ski options.

St. Anton, Austria

St. Anton is a top choice for those seeking both thrilling ski runs and an exciting nightlife. The resort is famous for its challenging terrain, deep snow, and a lively après-ski scene. With modern lifts and excellent facilities, it’s a must-visit destination.

Courchevel, France

Part of the massive Les Trois Vallées ski area, Courchevel is known for its luxury, well-groomed slopes, and incredible dining options. Skiers of all levels can enjoy the diverse runs, while non-skiers can indulge in world-class shopping and fine dining.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is a haven for expert skiers looking for steep, off-piste challenges. The resort also boasts breathtaking views, excellent après-ski venues, and a lively atmosphere. With a vast ski area and luxury accommodations, it is perfect for thrill-seekers and luxury travelers alike.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel is one of the most charming ski resorts in the Alps, known for its picturesque medieval town and world-famous Hahnenkamm downhill race. With diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels and a cozy atmosphere, it is an excellent destination for families and professionals alike.

Val d’Isère, France

Val d’Isère, combined with Tignes, forms one of the most extensive ski areas in the world. Known for its reliable snow conditions, varied slopes, and lively après-ski scene, it is a top choice for skiers of all levels looking for a well-rounded experience.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Located in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers breathtaking scenery, world-class ski slopes, and a touch of Italian elegance. This resort is perfect for those looking to combine skiing with a luxurious and stylish experience in one of the most beautiful regions of the Alps.

Mexico is the most popular international tourist destination for American travelers. But what are the safest areas to visit?

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. According to research, it’s the top location of choice for Americans who want to flex their passports, and for good reason. The nation is easily accessible with countless flights arriving at major ports of call every day. Likewise, land crossing is also possible, which makes it convenient for anyone who lives near the border.

But just as when traveling to any locale, tourists do have to focus on safety. While taking proper precautions and being somewhat street smart is always advised when traveling anywhere in the world, many people often ask where are the safest places to travel in Mexico. Overwhelmingly, the best advice is to stick to the well-known tourist regions. That still leaves travelers with plenty of options in a country as diverse and beautiful as Mexico.

Safest Parts of Mexico in the Pacific Coast

Known for its beautiful coastline and sapphire waters, the Pacific Coast region is a popular one for tourists traveling to Mexico. Popular destinations in this region include Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada, and Huatulco.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination in its own right. But many people are unaware that it’s also known for its rich art scene. Specifically, there are plenty of art galleries to spend time when not on the beach. Likewise, architecture is stunning in this city with one of the crown jewels being the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Puerto Vallarta is a definite tourist town so the infrastructure here is more than sufficient to give travelers peace of mind. Crime rates are fairly low when compared with national averages and even organized crime is not as influential here as with other parts of the country. As is the case with many tourist destinations, petty crime such as pick pocketing and scammers trying to either upcharge at restaurants or convince unsuspecting tourists to repay them for phony broken cameras are the biggest threats.

Ensenada

This beachside town is also located on the Pacific coast but is part of Baja California. Ensenada is close to Tijuana, making it a great nearby pitstop for people choosing to enter Mexico through a land crossing. This town is a lot more laid back than other tourist destinations across the country and may be a bit pricier than other locales that attempt to woo budget travelers. Crime is also relatively low here with petty activities being the most likely scenario to occur — if at all.

Huatulco

Huatulco is another Pacific coast town that’s got a laid back vibe and a strong tourist industry. This flourishing destination offers over 30 white sandy beaches, along with plenty of luxury resorts to choose from. Unlike most of the other places on this list, organized crime is a bit more prevalent here. However, as with US cities with organized crime ties, tourists should be okay if they stick to more populated or well-trafficked districts across the city.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination on the Pacific Coast. It’s located along Baja California Sur and is known for the gorgeous beaches, beautiful golf courses and countless outdoor activities on land and sea. Cabo San Lucas is another locale that’s really designed with tourists in mind so the infrastructure prioritizes safety.

Mexico City

Along with being the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is a destination in its own right. This massive metropolis is home to the fifth largest city population in the world at over 21 million residents. This historic city which was formerly Tenochtitlan during the Aztec empire, features a vibrant collection of old world meets new world as travelers can see architecture from the Aztecs, during European rule, and modern structures of today.

The city is also home to countless historical and cultural sites, museums, and is known for a vibrant food culture and nightlife scene. While it is a major city, it actually has a well-deserved reputation for being fairly safe thanks to an increased police presence and incorporation of surveillance cameras to deter would-be criminals.

Still, as with any city vacation, stick to well trafficked areas to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Specifically, tourists are cautioned to stay away from Tepito and Merced especially at night. Both of these neighborhoods are known to have more reported crimes than other parts of the city.

Safest Parts of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is inarguably one of the most frequently visited regions in Mexico. This area is home to popular tourist attractions like Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Play Del Carmen, Cozumel and Cancun. Generally speaking, this region — which is also known as the Riviera Maya — is one of the safest in Mexico because it’s so highly coveted as a tourist destination.

Tulum

Tulum is a popular attraction that’s fairly easy to reach even for travelers staying in other cities along the Yucatan Peninsula. The town has a wealth of Mayan ruins for tourists to explore along with plenty of excursions and activities.

As is common in this part of the country, tourist destinations have areas designated as tourism zones. Staying in this area is the best way for travelers to avoid becoming victims of violent crime. However, petty crime is still a risk in this area with the majority of them being pickpocketing, and credit card or overcharging scams.

Cancun

The major tourist towns in the Yucatan Peninsula aren’t that far from each other. This is why many travelers can easily hop between the top cities thanks to shuttle buses or taxis. Cancun is not only a popular tourist destination, but it’s also where the main international airport is located in Quintana Roo, the state that mainly encompasses the Yucatan Peninsula.

Because of its popularity, crime is fairly low here thanks to governmental efforts to create a safe environment for visitors. Similar to Tulum, tourists are urged to stick within the designated tourist zones which have more of a police presence and surveillance. This area is unlikely to be a backdrop for more serious crime. Petty crime is still possible and tends to center around pickpockets, credit card scams, and up-charging scams.

Playa del Carmen

Whereas Cancun is a more vibrant party tourist town, Playa del Carmen is a bit more laid back. This town is just east of Cancun, and is easily accessible via shuttle, ride-share or taxi from the Cancun International Airport. Playa del Carmen is known for its all inclusive resorts that line white sandy beaches and popular shopping malls are the main attractions here. Again, stick to the tourist zones to avoid rough experiences.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is an island just off the coast of Cancun. Most tourists choose to visit the island as part of a day trip rather than stay onsite for the entirety of their trip. This little island getaway off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is considered incredibly safe. Visitors can book boat cruises, peruse the island and of course enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Guests are more likely to find themselves fighting the ferry schedule to get back to the mainland on time from Isla Mujeres rather than running into criminal activity.

Cozumel

Cozumel is another of the island destinations that sits just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a popular port of call for cruise ships traversing the Riviera Maya. Because it’s so heavily frequented by tourists, this town also has a fairly safe reputation. Often people visit here for half day trips — especially the cruise goers. From water attractions to historical sites, there are plenty of things to do here to keep travelers occupied and entertained. While Cozumel is considered fairly safe, it’s always smart to be vigilant of pickpockets and scammers trying to overcharge tourists for souvenirs or food.

Is Mexico Your Next Destination?

Mexico is a beautiful country that offers visa-free entry for US passport holders. Thanks to countless flights heading to the region, cruise ships that stop in various ports of call, and several land entry points, there’s no reason not to add Mexico and its vibrant cities to a bucket list. As with any travel plans, be smart. Avoid flashing large amounts of cash or expensive items. Don’t wander into questionable neighborhoods, especially late at night. And always be aware of your surroundings.

When preparing for a flight, many travelers gravitate towards comfort, often opting for casual attire like shorts. However, flight attendants strongly advise against wearing shorts during air travel, and the reasons behind this may surprise you. While shorts seem like a great option for staying cool and comfortable, they might not be the best choice when you’re in the air.

Tommy Cimato, a flight attendant with years of experience, shared his insights on TikTok about the importance of travel etiquette, and one of his most notable pieces of advice is to avoid wearing shorts on a plane. “You never know how clean the seats are going to be,” Cimato explains. “If you wear pants, you minimize the risk of germs coming into contact with your skin.” While it’s tempting to wear lighter clothing for comfort, especially on long flights, shorts expose your legs to potentially unsanitary surfaces on the seat and elsewhere in the cabin.

The Unsanitary Truth About Airplane Seats

While most passengers focus on the seatbelt sign and overhead compartments, they often overlook the cleanliness of the seats themselves. In confined spaces like airplanes, where cleanliness may not always meet the highest standards, shorts can leave your skin directly in contact with surfaces that are frequently touched by others. These surfaces, such as seat arms, trays, and the headrests, can harbor bacteria and germs from previous passengers.

Cimato further emphasized, “It’s the same issue as leaning against the window. You don’t know how many people or children have touched the window or wiped their hands on it.” He advises against leaning your head on the window for the same reason—germs spread quickly in public spaces, and airplane cabins are no exception.

Other Key Hygiene Tips for Air Travel

Beyond avoiding shorts, flight attendants also recommend taking extra precautions to stay hygienic during your flight. Cimato advises passengers to avoid touching the toilet flush button with bare hands. “It’s honestly super unsanitary,” he says. Instead, he suggests using a napkin or tissue to press the flush button, preventing direct contact with germs.

Staying hydrated is another important tip, especially on long-haul flights. Cimato recommends drinking about 16 ounces of water per flight to stay refreshed and avoid the discomfort of dehydration.

Additionally, Cimato urges passengers not to fall asleep with their head resting on the window. “You don’t know how many people have touched it or what germs are lingering there,” he explains. For families traveling with children, this is especially crucial as kids often lean against the window or touch surfaces without considering the germs they might transfer.

Hygiene Is Everyone’s Responsibility

While these tips highlight common hygiene concerns, they also underscore the reality of how airplanes are cleaned and maintained. Many travelers often wonder about the cleanliness of their seats and other areas of the plane. Cimato acknowledges that not every surface is thoroughly sanitized between flights, prompting some passengers to take matters into their own hands. One user commented, “I always spray everything like I’m cleaning a bathroom before I sit down,” reflecting the growing awareness of hygiene on airplanes.

Other passengers noted their approach of wiping down seats and windows before sitting down, which adds an extra layer of protection against germs.

While wearing shorts on a flight may seem like the most comfortable option, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with germs and unsanitary surfaces. By choosing pants or longer clothing, you can minimize direct contact with seats, reducing your exposure to potential contaminants.

Flight attendants, such as Cimato, share these tips to help passengers make informed decisions about their travel attire and overall hygiene practices. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, these insights are worth considering to ensure a cleaner, more comfortable flight experience.

Belgium is petite. Fall asleep on a Paris to Amsterdam train and you could miss it all together – well, maybe, if you’re a heavy sleeper.

But crammed into this fascinating little land are some of Europe’s great medieval cities (including Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp), the EU capital Brussels and no less than three national languages.

Fabulous chocolate, brilliant beers and baffling bureaucracy are all part of the mix in a place with a surprising range of cultural and practical quirks that are well worth knowing about before you arrive.

1. Local menus probably won’t include Brussels sprouts

Given the name, you might imagine Brussels sprouts heavily featured on many Belgian menus. Although sprouts were first cultivated in 13th-century Flanders, Belgians themselves more likely see endives as their most archetypal national vegetable.

Known as witloof in Dutch and chicons in Belgian French, the classic recipe wraps them in ham and slathers them in white sauce. However, over the last 30 years, a lack of interest in this labor-intensive farming practice has seen Belgian endive production nose dive.

Some fear that the vegetable might become virtually extinct within a generation, but scientists are working hard to save the popular vegetable.

2. You’ll pay for water but you don’t need to tip

Belgium has super standards of public health, a socialized medical system that’s the envy of neighboring countries and yes — despite occasional scares — most tap water is completely fine to drink.

But that’s not what you’re likely to hear if you have the bare-faced temerity to ask for eau du robinet in a restaurant. Eateries happily supply free bread, and there’s never a requirement to tip Belgian serving staff, but for H2O you’re expected to stump up for a bottle of mineral water. A beer is often cheaper.

3. Carry coins: you may need to pay to use the bathroom

Cash usage is plummeting in Belgium, and most places now expect plastic or phone money. But not everywhere. It’s especially worth keeping a few euro coins in your pocket in case you need to use older public toilets.

Yes, unfortunately, some motorway services still have a pay table guarding the facilities. Even some bigger restaurants charge you to go. Whether you classify McDonald’s as a “restaurant” or not, its central Ghent branch requires payment.

4. Cash payments are rounded up to the nearest €0.05

Unlike in the neighboring Netherlands, €0.01 and €0.02 copper coins are technically still legal tender in Belgium. However, in reality, you’re unlikely to find any because from 2019 Belgian merchants must round up or down for all in-person cash transactions to the nearest multiple of €0.05.

5. ATMs are hard to find

As cash usage wanes, so does the number of ATMs you’re likely to find. A spate of heavy-handed robberies has further reduced the attractiveness for banks to site ATMs in their exterior walls. So, in many Belgian urban centers, if you want cash, you’ll need to locate a branch of Bancontact, essentially a shop containing “bank-neutral” cash machines.

6. Eat frites not French fries

You may have learned about people in Holland putting mayonnaise on their fries from the 1994-movie Pulp Fiction, but it’s a custom that extends beyond those borders.

The idea is alive and well in Belgium where there’s a whole range of flavored mayo-based sauces to choose from when you order a portion of friets/frites from a frituur (fry shop). If in doubt, go for mildly spicy Andalouse and have it on the side rather than drenching your marvelously triple-fried beauties.

Most importantly, don’t even think of calling them “French Fries” – one thing that unites Flemish and Francophone Belgians is that it’s Belgium, not France, that really knows how to fry potatoes.

7. Cafes are more for beer than coffee

Belgium shares the third-wave caffeine passions that have swept the globe: many a maestro barista plies their trade here and there are some great urban roasteries. However, while a traditional Belgian cafe will serve you a decent coffee (typically with a square of chocolate or speculaas biscuit), don’t expect a flat white or a cold-drip brew.

Belgium’s classic cafes are, in reality, far more like pubs than coffee houses, with hardwood chairs, wooden wall paneling, brasswork and mirrors, though in a downbeat less showy fashion than a French brasserie. And the main point of a cafe is to pour beers. If you just order a bière (French) or pintje (Flemish) you’ll get a well-poured 25cl lager.

But any cafe worth its salt will also offer a range of alternative brews – typically in bottles – many with alcohol levels approaching those of wine.

Some beer-bars have a book-thick menu of options and each should be served in its own specific glass. For powerful, well-balanced brews it’s hard to beat the various Trappist beers, still brewed by monks. Some connoisseurs purport to love the sour, spontaneously-fermenting lambics.

If you don’t mind looking like a tourist, try ordering a Kwak, which usually comes in an Instagram-worthy round-bottomed glass held on a wooden stand like it’s part of a chemistry experiment.

8. Drink driving is not acceptable

While in a Belgian cafe, if someone asks you “Are you Bob?” that’s not because they think they know you. Bob, in Belgium, is a shorthand for the designated driver – the person in a group who has to stay sober and spurn that fabulous selection of beers.

Well into the noughties drink driving was seen as a minor misdemeanor – police sometimes urged the inebriated to hurry home rather than locking them up. However, things have changed radically in the last decade and the once-repeated Belgian maxim “if I wasn’t drunk I’d be too scared to drive” is no longer considered amusing.

Along with much of Europe, the blood alcohol limit is 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood (0.05%), which could be reached just drinking one strong beer.

9. When in doubt, speak English

Traveling anywhere it’s polite to speak the local language, right? Well yes if you know what “local” means. In central Belgium, that can be tricky.

Bureaucratic borders between Dutch-speaking Flanders, French speaking Wallonia and officially bilingual Brussels are essentially invisible. Then there’s also a German-speaking area of Wallonia too.

In general, speaking the wrong local language – maybe speaking French in parts of Flanders – can be seen as more insensitive than simply using English, or you just won’t be understood at all. Either way, especially in bigger cities, it’s best to just go with English.

10. Good with languages? French, Belgian French and Walloon are all different

Wallonia is the French-speaking half of Belgium, but the French spoken there has some peculiarities. So, if you speak the language of Voltaire, be prepared to say “septante” for 70 and “nonante” for 90… though not “octante” for 80 – that’s just too Swiss.

Don’t assume that this means you’re speaking Walloon – that is essentially a different language (with several highly variant dialects). These days Walloon is mostly heard only at folkloric festivals (like Les Macralles night of witches at Vielsalm) or at puppet shows (most famously featuring Tchanchès, the mascot of Liège).

For comic effect you might also spice your Belgian French with words of Bruxellois, the street patois of the capital which traditionally spices French with some fabulous hybrid words of Dutch origin to special effect. For example, un zieverer is a wind-up merchant prone to telling deliberately exaggerated tall tales.

And en stoemelings means doing something furtively, particularly a cash transaction in pursuance of the age-old Belgian passion for tax avoidance. Both terms have a humorous rather than negative connotation.

11. Place names on road signs are confusing

Where the language divide is likely to prove most baffling is when you’re driving. Many Flemish towns have entirely different Francophone names and vice versa, and it’s common to find that they’ll use their own version on regional road signs. Particularly baffling for tourists are Bergen (for Mons), Louvain (for Leuven) and Luik (for Liège).

Should you approach Jodoigne from the north it’ll be signed Geldenaken. Even foreign cities aren’t spared: in Flanders signs for Lille (France) might say Rijsel while in Wallonia, Aachen might be written Aix-la-Chapelle.