Lost luggage can ruin your entire trip. Instead of enjoying nature and architecture, you’ll be on edge because of lost valuables and equipment.

Express tells you how to keep your luggage safe at the airport.

How not to lose your suitcase at the airport

Security expert Shahzad Ali shared his tips on how to protect your luggage while traveling. He advised choosing dark-colored suitcases to avoid attracting the attention of thieves.

“Although a new and colorful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one — as to not stand out from the crowd — and with it, a high-quality padlock,” he says.

Shahzad recommends adding a distinguishing feature, such as a ribbon or sticker, to a plain black or gray suitcase, rather than a brightly colored accessory, so your luggage won’t be mistaken for someone else’s and go unnoticed.

The expert also advised travelers to keep track of all their belongings and to purchase a special tracking device to help locate their suitcase in case it is lost.

Everyone loves a good view, right? There are even entire TV shows dedicated to houses and buildings that provide the best views of the sea, mountains, or forests. Those not afraid of heights may enjoy their views of Earth’s most spectacular scenes from a viewing deck or observatory or while dangling from a harness between cliffs while ziplining from one point to the next.

However, if you get dizzy just standing on the first rung of a ladder, your acrophobia will thank you for looking away now…

1. The Flying Kiss

The Flying Kiss is already a weird name for a sky-high ride. The attraction, situated near Chongqing, features the two 170-foot-tall (81.8-meter) semi-naked figures of Prince Charming and his Fairy Woman. It was constructed beside a cliff that dropped nearly 2/3 of a mile (1 km) down.

The two figures lie horizontally next to each other before the ride starts. Once it’s fired up, the figures move away from each other in a circular motion until they are upright. All the while, each one holds up a platform of thrill-seeking riders. Eventually, with the arms vertical as they “lean in for a kiss,” the two platforms twist past each other as the statue’s arms seem to entwine.

Since the ride opened in 2020, it has garnered mixed reviews from netizens and visitors. Some find the figures charming, while others make sure to vote for it as one of the ugliest structures in China. At the very least, the ride offers a breathtaking view of the Wulong Baima mountains, so it’s not all bad.

2. The Strat

The Tower at The Strat, looking over the Las Vegas Strip, offers stunning views that might just make you forget how much you lost at the blackjack table.

At 1,149 feet (350 meters) up, the indoor and outdoor observation decks give you a front-row seat to the glittering Strip, the sprawling suburbs, and the stunning desert landscape beyond. As the sun sets, the city really comes to life, turning Vegas into a glitzy, larger-than-life spectacle.

If the sparkling skyline doesn’t take your breath away, stepping out onto the open-air SkyPod, where the breeze tousles your hair and the sheer height makes you question every decision that led you here, will definitely do the trick.

And taking things one step further, the thrill rides dangling you over the edge offer the perfect opportunity to question your life choices while screaming at the top of your lungs. Because, you know, Vegas never does anything halfway—even when it comes to views.

3. Ruyi Bridge

With its twisting, double-arched design and glass-bottom walkways, the Ruyi Bridge in Zhejiang, China, is a great way to test your bravery without wrestling a panda. Suspended high above the Shenxianju Scenic Area, this architectural wonder looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

As you step onto the transparent floor and glance down at the canyon below, you’ll either marvel at the engineering brilliance or question why you skipped breakfast.

The design resembles a jade ruyi—a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune and power—and is a feat of modern engineering. One hundred meters in length and 140 meters above the ground, the jaw-dropping structure is built to withstand gale-force winds and pouring rain. The surrounding landscape of cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery adds a magic touch that’s hard to resist.

4. Pedra da Gavea

Pedra da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro is the perfect way to flirt with danger while feeling like a rugged explorer. This massive granite monolith rises 2,770 feet (844 meters) above sea level, offering some of the most incredible views you’ll ever behold—if you survive the hike.

The trail starts innocently enough. Strolling through the Atlantic Forest, you’ll be serenaded by a myriad of birds. But soon enough, you’ll be scrambling up steep inclines and gripping tree roots as though your life depended on it. And then, the pièce de résistance: the infamous Carrasqueira. That near-vertical rock face that turns hikers into rock climbers.

The panoramic views of Rio’s stunning coastline, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the endless Atlantic make it all worth it. But be warned: that thrilling sense of accomplishment might be slightly overshadowed by the realization that you still need to make your way down.

5. Pico do Areeiro

At 5,964 feet (1,818 meters) above sea level, Pico do Areeiro in Madeira is an otherworldly experience. The clouds swirling around dramatic, jagged peaks truly make you feel as if you’ve been transported into another realm. On clear days, the endless Atlantic stretches toward the horizon. Misty mornings transform the view into a sea of clouds.

However, the real magic unfolds as you follow the trail toward Pico Ruivo. The narrow ridges drop away into nothing on either side, sprinkled with craggy rock formations reminiscent of the underworld and vibrant green valleys that glow in the morning light. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get to witness cloud inversion—a phenomenon that leaves you standing above a fluffy blanket of clouds. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just someone who likes to say “wow” a lot, Pico do Areeiro is sure to thrill.

6. Xufu Cliffs

Walking along the Xufu Cliffs at Xuedou Mountain is like walking along the world’s edge (without boarding a spaceship). The endless view across magnificent forests, dramatic valleys, and peaks that reach the clouds seem to whisper, “Look how tiny you are.”

The sheer cliffs that drop away into oblivion are unlike anything you’ve ever seen in your hometown. But I guess part of the thrill is that little tingle of fear when you peer over the edge.

The Xuedou Mountain adds a Zen-like serenity to the experience; by the time you leave, you will have a million shots to upload to your Instagram. And a new appreciation for terra firma.

7. Moab Rope Swing

Suspended from a massive sandstone arch in Utah’s dramatic desert landscape, the world’s highest rope swing promises a thrill like no other. The Moab Rope Swing is nothing like the one you used to frequent at your local childhood playground—unless, of course, your playground had a 400-foot (122-meter) drop and required signing a waiver.

When you step off the edge, the world suddenly turns into a blur of red rock cliffs. If you dare open your eyes, you’ll notice awe-inspiring canyons and skies so blue they look photoshopped.

Below, you’ll find the Colorado River surrounded by towering rock formations, standing like ancient guardians. Soaring through the crisp desert air, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Moab stretching out in every direction, you’ll never want to come back down.

8. Sky Ladder

Perched high in the emerald-green mountains of Chongqing, Mount Qixing’s via Ferrata in China combines jaw-dropping views with enough adrenaline to make you rethink your life choices halfway up.

The only way to make your way along the narrow ledges is to clip into steel cables. But you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of dazzling green valleys, ethereal misty peaks, and awe-inspiring landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.

Of course, the real magic happens when you stop clinging to the rock for dear life and take in the amazing scenery. The lush, evergreen forests of Wulong unfolding below, paired with the soft golden light at sunrise or sunset, soon help you forget that your legs are shaking.

9. Jacob’s Ladder

The historic Jacob’s Ladder on St. Helena Island boasts a whopping 699 steps, enough to make the fittest individual’s legs turn to jelly. Originally built as an inclined plane for transporting goods, the staircase now serves mainly as a tourist attraction.

As you make your way up the steps, the panoramic vistas behind you unfold like a living postcard: Jamestown with its vividly colored rooftops, the dramatic, rugged cliffs of the island, and the endless Atlantic stretching out to infinity.

When you reach the top, the town below looks like a toy village and the surrounding cliffs contrast beautifully against the endless blue ocean. The view is particularly mesmerizing at sunrise or sunset when the golden light bathes the landscape in warm hues, and you realize that climbing all those steps just for the photo op was absolutely worth it.

10. Hanging Houses

Nestled precariously along the sheer rock face, the hanging houses of Wangxian Valley cling to the cliffside like mountain goats with excellent architectural taste.

As you’d expect, the view from this precarious village is nothing short of spectacular. It looks like something straight out of a fairytale: dazzling green valleys stretching into infinity, with mist curling lazily around the peaks as if straight from a smoke machine.

With its patchwork of forests and winding rivers framed by towering cliffs that seem to touch the sky, the valley below feels eerily quiet. Early mornings are particularly magical when the rising sun paints the valley in soft golds and pinks, and the hanging houses seem to hover above a sea of clouds. Fascinating? For sure. Slightly terrifying? Yes, that, too.

Despite having a family camping trip booked for later this summer, I’ll be the first to admit that camping with little kids sounds like a nightmare. When it comes to traveling with kids, even staying at a 5-star hotel isn’t that relaxing. So why on earth would I want to take away all the amenities and go camping with my kids?

Sure, camping is not necessarily going to be a relaxing and luxurious way to spend a weekend, but camping with kids actually has a lot going for it. First, you have to focus on the fact that it’s an adventure and experience. It’s not about getting good sleep (ha!), and it’s not about feeling totally rested by the time Monday rolls around. What it’s really about is spending quality time together as a family, finding time to unplug, experiencing something new, overcoming potential challenges, appreciating nature, and getting outside of your normal routine.

Have I sold you yet on packing up your little ones and heading to the nearest campsite? Did you add camping to your summer bucket list? If so, below are 11 tips that will make camping as a family an easier and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

It’s possible to do it right

When I think about all the benefits of getting outside with my family, camping becomes less of a nightmare and more of a dreamy outdoorsy scenario. To help keep me in that dreamy headspace, I spoke with Kelsey Sheofsky, cofounder & CEO of The Get Out, an outdoor brand catered to “laid-back lovers of the outdoors” who want to spend time outside but don’t require highly technical gear. Kelsey and her husband designed chic camping products that will truly make you want to head for the mountains (even if you have no idea what you’re doing).

As a mom herself, I asked Kelsey a few questions to get myself and other families feeling ready to camp, including why she loves camping with her kids. “Watching their play transform in nature. I let my kids bring a small bag of toys when we camp, and they love setting up their dolls and figurines on tree stumps and making fairy houses. Their creativity really blossoms when in nature,” Sheofsky said. And that’s just the beginning.

Find the right campsite for you

If you think camping means you need to be in the middle of the wilderness with nothing but your tent, you’re wrong. Camping can be whatever you want it to be, and especially when you’re doing it with kids, don’t be afraid to look for certain amenities.

Consider campsites that have a bathroom, showers, a general store nearby, or even campsites that have a playground on-site. And if it’s more your speed, spring for a cabin instead of a tent. It’s still a camping experience and may be more enjoyable if there is just a tad of glamping involved. Camping does not need to be about surviving with as little as possible. Make sure your site will be fun, enjoyable, and relatively comfortable for your group.

One of our editors, Ally Pagar-Wolf, recently stayed at Auto Camp’s Cape Cod location and the experience cemented her belief that luxury camping is way more worth it with children. Her family of four loved everything from their spacious airstream with a beautiful built-in bathroom, to the various activities like bike riding and multiple kid play areas. “The campsite was beautiful and private. We loved getting to eat our meals outdoors and enjoy s’mores around our personal campfire. My 4.5 year old even declared the s’mores to be the best he has ever had,” Pagar-Wolf noted of their experience. “Both boys enjoyed meeting other families in the clubhouse and playing games with other kids their age while the adults ate. Since we got home they have asked constantly when we can go back.”

Involve your kids

Kids love to help, and even though accepting their help might slow down whatever you’re trying to get done, remember that it’s about the journey and not the destination. So when your 5-year-old offers to help pitch the tent, let them. Allow your kids to help with the packing and the trip planning as well. Together you can research activities to do during your camping trip and can allow your kids to help plan the itinerary. They can also help with meal planning, so they’ll have a special meal they can look forward to during the trip.

Set safety ground rules

One of my big worries when it comes to camping is keeping everyone safe. Make sure to go over all safety rules with your kids—from reviewing campfire safety to determining where they can wander. This will vary based on their age. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings so you can give the lay of the land to your kids and make sure they know what they can and cannot do as you camp.

Print interactive field guides or scavenger hunt templates

You can find dozens of printable scavenger hunt or thinking activities online, such as campsite bingo, fireside story-telling prompts, and field guides or journal prompts. Helping your kids with a campsite scavenger hunt is guaranteed to keep them entertained while learning about the environment they’re in. From shells to acorns, and sea glass to pinecones, the discovery opportunities are abundant.

Relax and keep it simple

It doesn’t take a lot to make amazing memories out in nature. You’re already sleeping in a cabin or a tent, so you don’t need to make everything about the trip a challenge. Sheofsky even recommends bringing leftovers to heat up on the stove for meals. This leads to less time prepping and cleaning and allows for more time to spend enjoying the great outdoors with your kids.

Bring along books and activities

Bring along some of your child’s favorite books for comfort, as well as some new ones they haven’t heard or read before. If you’re looking to be on theme, you can bring along books that take place in a camping setting or bring along a mystery book and challenge your little reader to see if they can solve the mystery by the end of your trip. Camping and outdoor-themed coloring and activity books are also great ways to spend some downtime in camp.

Playing cards or whipping out a board game has always been my favorite thing to do at campsites. There are a lot of easily packable and camping-friendly games for kids out there that everyone can learn and enjoy. Pack your family’s favorites or pick up some camping-specific options.

Short and sweet is often best

I always find it’s better to leave a vacation wanting more rather than dreading the final days of travel. Camping for newbies is best kept to a night or two. There’s a good chance you’re not going to get the best sleep of your life, and your whole family may prefer to only rough it for a short period of time.

Especially if it’s your first camping experience, consider staying close to home. As you get more comfortable camping, you can extend your future trips. Try not to push yourself too far beyond your comfort zone when you’re just starting out.

Pack for function and comfort

When camping, it is best to stick to the essentials. You don’t want to overpack and have a ton of unnecessary items at the campsite. That being said, I’m totally for packing some luxury items. If you can swing an air mattress to fit in your tent, go for it! And while we’re talking about sleep, if you’re camping with a baby, maybe you want to bring a travel crib and a white noise machine for the tent. Sure, the sounds of nature are beautiful, but so is a sleeping baby.

Outsmart the bugs

Perhaps the least fun part of camping is sharing a home with forever-annoying buzzing creatures. Pack a screen house in order to avoid having screeching kids complaining about bugs flying next to their ear. You can place it over a table so you have a bug-free area to eat, read, and play games.

Stay positive

As I mentioned in the beginning, there are a lot of things that aren’t exactly desirable about camping. Forget all of those things. Instead, focus on why you decided to go on this adventure and what you and your little ones are getting out of the experience. Kids absolutely pick up on the thoughts and feelings of the adults around them, so set a good example and take a glass-half-full approach. Try not to complain, and instead, keep a positive attitude around camp that your kids will hopefully pick up on and play off of.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is often hailed as the ultimate family destination, thanks to its world-renowned theme parks. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are just the tip of the iceberg.

Imagine your child’s eyes lighting up as they meet their favorite characters in person or take a thrilling ride on a roller coaster. Beyond the parks, Orlando offers beautiful nature parks and interactive science centers.

Don’t forget about the mesmerizing water parks that offer a welcome respite from the Florida heat. With a mix of magic and adventure, Orlando is truly a place where dreams come to life.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park spans across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and it’s a natural wonderland that promises an unforgettable family experience. Picture the awe on your child’s face as they witness the magnificent geysers and vibrant hot springs.

The park is a living classroom, offering lessons in geology and ecology. Families can hike the scenic trails, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature’s splendor.

It’s a place where you can bond with your family while exploring the great outdoors, creating stories that will be told for generations.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is a treasure trove of history and culture, perfect for families eager to learn and explore. With free admission to most museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, you can immerse yourselves in art, history, and science without breaking the bank.

The National Zoo offers a delightful escape with its exotic animals and lush gardens. Walking along the National Mall, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

This city is a living testament to America’s past and present, providing a valuable educational experience for the entire family.

San Diego, California

Sun-soaked and sensational, San Diego, California, is a coastal paradise for families. The city’s stunning beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a day of sandcastles and surf.

The world-famous San Diego Zoo offers an up-close look at fascinating wildlife, while LEGOLAND California invites creativity and fun for children and adults alike. Balboa Park, with its beautiful gardens and museums, is a must-visit spot for curious minds.

San Diego’s laid-back vibe and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for creating sun-drenched memories.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Step back in time in Williamsburg, Virginia, where history comes alive. Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum where families can experience the 18th-century lifestyle firsthand.

Engage in interactive exhibits and watch historical reenactments that transport you to a bygone era. Nearby, Busch Gardens offers thrilling rides and entertainment for all ages.

Williamsburg’s unique blend of education and excitement makes it a captivating destination for families who want to learn while having fun.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a beach lover’s dream and a fantastic family destination. With its wide sandy shores and gentle waves, it’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a hub of activity, featuring amusement parks, arcades, and live entertainment. Families can also explore Ripley’s Aquarium or enjoy a round of mini-golf at one of the many themed courses.

Myrtle Beach’s relaxed atmosphere and endless activities make it a place where families can unwind and enjoy quality time together.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe. Standing at the edge of the canyon, you’ll witness breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

For adventurous families, there are hiking trails that offer different perspectives of this immense landscape. The Grand Canyon also provides opportunities for educational experiences, such as ranger-led programs and geology talks.

It’s a place where families can marvel at nature’s beauty and create memories that are as vast as the canyon itself.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, is a vibrant city that offers a multitude of family-friendly attractions. The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium provide a fascinating glimpse into the world’s natural wonders.

Millennium Park, with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, is a great place for family photos and outdoor fun. The Navy Pier offers thrilling rides and entertainment, while the city’s diverse culinary scene promises delicious delights for all tastes.

Chicago’s bustling energy and cultural richness make it a destination where families can discover something new at every turn.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming destination for nature-loving families. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.

Families can also explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or take a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift for panoramic views. With its cozy cabins and friendly atmosphere, Gatlinburg is a place where families can reconnect with nature and each other, creating memories that are as warm as a mountain sunrise.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in history and culture, making it a fantastic destination for families. Walk the Freedom Trail and discover the city’s role in the American Revolution.

The Boston Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity. Families can also enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Charles River or explore the historic neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and the North End.

Boston’s rich heritage and vibrant energy make it a place where families can embark on a journey through time and create unforgettable experiences.