But rest assured: “There’s no such thing as a scary or dangerous airport. Each airport has its own idiosyncrasies,” emphasizes pilot Patrick Smith, author of the Ask the Pilot blog. So buckle your seatbelt, and prepare for an adrenaline-filled ride. We’ve asked a couple of pilots, along with SmarterTravel readers, for their insights and experiences with difficult takeoffs and landings.

Toncontin International Airport, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Getting through the mountains is only one hurdle to overcome for a safe landing in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. During descent, planes need to make a 45-degree bank to effectively reach the 7,000-foot runway located in a valley. Due to the surrounding mountainous terrain, passengers will experience a quick drop in altitude in order for the plane to line up with the runway. Frequent winds complicate matters, as pilots are forced to make several last-second adjustments.

Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar

As if having the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Bay of Gibraltar to the west of the airport weren’t enough to complicate a landing, the main road to Spain also intersects the runway. You may be thankful if your plane gets diverted to a nearby airport due to weather, though you’ll still have to brave the runway when you walk over it to get from Spain to the British overseas territory. Because of this, traffic must be stopped when planes are using the airport, and pilots must take care when landing to quickly engage the brakes, as the 6,000-foot runway doesn’t leave much room for error.

Nantucket Memorial Airport, Nantucket, Massachusetts

The U.S. Army Air Corps specifically chose Nantucket, or the Grey Lady, as a training base in World War II because of the frequent fog and low ceilings that make navigation a challenge, forcing pilots to rely solely on instruments to fly. “In a matter of minutes, fog can roll in and turn clear, blue skies gray,” says pilot Andrew Sitarz. “Sometimes you can’t see anything until the last second; you break out of the fog, and the plane is landing.” According to Smith, “[Nantucket] has more low-visibility instrument approaches than the average airport.” Nevertheless, both pilots cite parameters, such as minimum visibility and ceiling regulations, that prevent planes from landing in poor conditions.

Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan

If you want to visit Bhutan, chances are you’ll have to fly into Paro, the only international airport in the country. “Anywhere where there’s mountainous terrain there’s a challenge,” says Captain Sitarz. And Paro is no exception. Soaring through 16,000-foot Himalayan Mountains with whipping winds gets your adrenaline pumping as you approach the roughly 7,400-foot runway, located in a deep, tree-lined valley. According to the website of Drukair, one of the only two airlines serving Paro, “each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom.” But fear not: Pilots are specially trained to fly into Bhutan, and accessing the airport is entirely dependent on good weather conditions.

Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia

Located on Coonskin Ridge in Charleston, West Virginia, Yeager Airport’s cliff face, at an elevation of 982 feet, can be intimidating, especially when you only have 6,715 feet of runway (the closed secondary runway is a mere 4,750 feet). When we asked our Facebook followers about their scariest airport experiences, Chris Randall noted Yeager, saying, “It’s a flattened mountaintop, so if they overshoot the runway there’s nowhere to go but down.” Of course, a takeoff or landing is the same whether you’re on a mountaintop or on the ground, but for those flying into Yeager for the first time, it can be a nervous landing until you’ve come to a complete stop.

Barra Airport, Barra, Scotland

Touching down without a paved strip may seem like a crash landing for unsuspecting passengers, but in Barra, Scotland, it’s a normal experience. When the airport isn’t in service, the beach is a popular spot for locals to hunt for cockles, but when the wind sock is flying, you’ll do well to observe from afar. On Loganair, the only airline that flies there, passengers can expect to arrive safely on one of the three runways (marked by concrete poles) formed when the tide goes out. As one of the only airports in the world where beach landings still occur, you shouldn’t miss this unique experience.

La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Surrounding mountains, a high altitude, and a steep drop at the end of the runway make flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City a fun ride, even from a pilot’s point of view. According to Smith, “Passengers find [landing here] startling because you weave your way through a series of volcanoes,” including the active Pacaya Volcano that has been a cause of airport closures in the past, before flying low over the city and approaching a runway situated at the edge of a valley. But despite the unusual landing, Smith notes that based on weight and weather, the types of aircraft that can attempt a landing must be guaranteed to stop within a certain amount of time.

LaGuardia Airport, New York City, New York

The main, 7,000-foot runways at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were extended back in 1967 over water. In case gliding over Flushing and Bowery bays isn’t enough of a thrill, pilots have to avoid interfering with flights from two other extremely busy airports nearby: JFK and Newark. Plus, the airport is located a mere eight miles from Midtown Manhattan, sometimes creating the illusion that the plane is skimming rooftops. Smith cites LaGuardia’s shared airspace, climbs, and twists and turns as reasons why it is a more challenging airport. “On one approach to runway 31, the plane makes a steep, continuous low-altitude turn around what was Shea Stadium, now Citi Field, from south to northwest; it’s very low to the ground and a short final approach.”

Wellington International Airport, Wellington, New Zealand

With a single, short, 6,351-foot runway that appears to begin and end in crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why flying into Wellington may make you uneasy. Plus, as SmarterTravel Twitter follower @trickericke says, “They don’t call it ‘windy Wellington’ for nothing,” noting the strong crosswinds that seem to attack landing planes. Plus, the northern approach descends between hills and over trolley lines.

John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California

Strict noise reduction requirements may not seem scary at first, but if you’re not expecting engine cutbacks during takeoff you might be spooked. According to Jenny Wedge, former public relations manager at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, “Due to its close proximity to nearby communities, JWA has one of the most stringent aircraft access and noise monitoring programs in the United States, if not the world.” Pilots begin their takeoffs at close to full power, then “incline quickly and steeply” before reducing engine power.

“It’s like a space shuttle liftoff,” says Facebook follower Elizabeth Conrad. Smith notes that passengers contact him about this airport all the time, some even claiming the pilots turn off the engines after take off. But although the procedure seems unusual, he says “there’s nothing that the plane does that is not within its capabilities.”

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2010. It has been updated and verified for accuracy.

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The Gnome Reserve, Devon, England

You may have seen animal reserves before, but what about a home for garden gnomes? The Gnome Reserve in Devon, England, has more than 2,000 gnomes scattered free-range-style around Merry Harrier’s Garden Centre. Visitors can pose for pictures with the statues, using the provided fishing rods and gnome hats to blend in. Dogs are welcome to visit, but they must be on leashes so they don’t scare the gnomes.

Sewer Museum, Paris, France

Go underneath the beauty of Paris—deep into the city’s bowels. The Sewer Museum (Le Musee des Egouts de Paris) offers a firsthand look into the sewage system of The City of Light. Educational exhibits are located atop grated walkways, through which you can see the drain water rushing along. You will be inside a working septic system, so don’t expect it to smell like a Parisian patisserie down there.

Market Theater Gum Wall, Seattle, Washington

Often called one of the germiest tourist sites in the world, the Market Theater Gum Wall has been collecting germs and chewed gum since 1993. Theatergoers waiting in line for the Market Theater’s box office started sticking their gum on the wall here in Post Alley (some even getting creative and molding their discarded chews into sculptures). The collection has been removed and cleaned multiple times, but it keeps coming back.

Island Of The Dolls, Xochimilco, Mexico

Deep within a labyrinth of canals in Mexico lies possibly the world’s creepiest island—Isla de las Munecas. To get to the “Island of the Dolls,” you’ll have to hire a trajinera (a special wooden boat that can navigate the canals) for a two-hour trip. At the island, you’ll be greeted by hundreds of dolls, some rotted and moldy, some hanging from trees, and some that now have insect nests in place of limbs. Local legend has it that a hermit isolated himself on this isle, and that the man claimed to be haunted by a girl who had drowned in the canal. To appease her spirit, he began collecting dolls and hanging them around the island. The hermit supposedly died in 2001 in the same way as the girl—by drowning in the canal.

Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, India

Musophobes (those afraid of mice and rats) should avoid this temple at all costs. The Karni Mata Temple in India is a Hindu shrine built to honor the rat goddess of the same name. Worshippers believe that souls of the goddess’ devotees are reincarnated as rodents, so all of the 20,000 rats that live in the temple are considered sacred. Watch your step in here—if a rat is killed, it must be replaced with a gold or silver statue. Besides, having a rat run over your feet in the temple is considered good luck (and no shoes are allowed inside).

Avanos Hair Museum, Avanos, Turkey

Deep in the dark cavern underneath a pottery store lies thousands of disembodied locks of hair. A Turkish potter/artist Chez Galip supposedly started The Hair Museum of Avanos over 30 years ago, and the collection has grown to include more than 16,000 pieces of hair, all of which are tagged with the name and address of the donor. Leave your own contribution when you visit—twice each year, 10 pieces of hair are chosen at random from the museum. These lucky lottery winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip back to Turkey to participate in the artist’s workshops.

Memento Park Budapest, Budapest, Hungary

After the Soviet Union fell in 1991, the statues of Lenin, Marx, and Stalin went down with it. Rather than be destroyed, though, some of these monuments were saved and put on display in Memento Park Budapest. Here you can see salvaged statues as well as replicas of former monuments. To add to the eeriness, there’s also a replica of Stalin’s former parade-watching grandstand and a mock central square (to represent the real-life squares where many uprisings took place across the region).

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Eating 12 Grapes

Start the year off on a sweet note by following the Spanish tradition of eating grapes at the stroke of midnight. Known as “The twelve grapes of luck,” revelers must eat one grape for every chime of the clock at twelve on the dot. If you successfully finish all twelve grapes within the minute, you’ll reportedly be rewarded with luck, love, and happiness in the new year.

Make a Wish on Your Suitcase

Hopeful travelers can learn a lot from this tradition that occurs in many Latin American countries, most notably Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico. Many believe that packing a suitcase with items representing the type of trip you want (like a bikini or hiking boots) and taking it for a walk around the block will bring travel in the coming year.

You might feel a little odd when your neighbors see you taking your suitcase for a walk, but they’ll be totally jealous when you’re on your way to the airport.

Baking a Coin into the Bread

In Greece, New Year’s Eve is celebrated by baking a traditional bread known as Vasilopita that comes with a special surprise: a “sweet coin” baked into the bread (or cake in some cultures). It’s a coin wrapped in tin foil and dropped randomly into the bread; whoever gets the lucky piece will have good luck for the following year. The tradition honors St. Basil, who came up with the idea to bake coins into bread when he knew the poor people of his church would be too proud to accept charity.

Throwing Stuff Out the Window

Heads up! If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in Italy, you might want to find some cover because Italians like to ring in the new year by chucking dishware, appliances, and sometimes even furniture out the window. But it’s not just a lot of ruckus; the act symbolizes letting go of the past. By hurling unwanted possessions out the window, Italians cast out the old troubles and welcome hope for a new year.

Wearing New Underwear

If you intend to welcome the new year in Brazil, you’ll have to follow a dress code. Brazilians traditionally wear white on New Year’s Eve, but that’s not all. They also believe you should wear brand-new underwear and that the color of the underwear will represent what you wish to attract in the new year—yellow for money, green for health, and red for love.

Breaking Dishes

This tradition is best celebrated in its native countries, as it involves breaking plates against your neighbors’ doors. In countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, throwing dishes against other people’s homes is popular as a sign of good luck and camaraderie. In fact, the more pieces of broken glass you have on your doorstep, the more well-liked you are!

Eating Seven Times

New Year’s Eve in Estonia never ends on an empty stomach. In this small Baltic country, they eat seven times to celebrate the new year. Eating so often is a wish for abundance and strength in the coming year, and seven is one of the country’s lucky numbers.

Dropping Ice Cream on the Floor

If your ice cream falls to the floor in Switzerland, there’s no need to be upset. The Swiss purposefully drop their ice cream on the floor on New Year’s Eve to bring on a year of abundance and (hopefully) more ice cream.

Ringing a Bell 108 Times

In Buddhism, it’s believed that there are 108 earthly desires that cause suffering. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve in Japan, temple bells will toll 108 times—one for each desire. This ritual is called Joya-no-Kane. It’s all about purification and encouraging a fresh start for the new year.

Everything Is Round

In the Philippines, the new year is celebrated with roundness. Part of the fun of the day is coming up with 12 different round fruits—one for each month of the year. For Filipinos, roundness is a symbol of health and also signifies prosperity and wealth (because coins are also round). Women will often wear polka-dot dresses to add even more roundness to the big day.

Predicting the Future

On New Year’s Eve in Finland, people have a tradition of fortunetelling. They’ll melt small tin horseshoes in a pan and then pour the liquid metal into a bucket of cold water. The tin solidifies instantly when it hits the water, resulting in random shapes. The shapes are then interpreted to predict their future for the coming year.

Hitting the Walls with Bread

In Ireland, bad luck must be driven out of the house before midnight, and the quickest way to get bad spirits out of the house is apparently with a loaf of Christmas bread. The Irish will smack the walls and bang on the doors with bread to chase out the bad and welcome in the good spirits.

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Air Travel Secret #1: Airlines Lie About Flight Times

Ever been on a flight that’s listed on your itinerary as two hours long, yet when the pilot is about to take off, she announces that the flying time will be an hour and a half? Padding flight time estimates is an increasingly common tactic that airlines use to improve their on-time arrival statistics—that way, even if they’re late taking off, they may still technically be on-time when they land.

The Telegraph and aviation analyst OAG conducted a study which found that, “over the last couple of decades, despite new technology, scheduled flight times—ie. how long an airline estimates it will take to complete a journey—have actually increased by as much as 50 percent”.

Air Travel Secret #2: There Are Tens of Thousands of Flights in the Air Each Day

According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, an average of 27,000 airline flights take place each day, with about 5,000 flights in the sky at any given peak time (click here to see a live map of all flights). Want to travel when it’s less crowded? Avoid Thanksgiving Weekend, FlightAware says, as its forecasted that upwards of 3.2 million passengers will be passing through the terminals. New Year’s Day, however, tends to see fewer crowds at the airport than the average travel day.

Air Travel Secret #3: Airlines Don’t Have to Track Planes in Real Time

Ever wonder how entire commercial jets can go missing for years, like Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370? Following that accident, the United Nation’s aviation agency announced new regulations that would require airlines to track their planes every 15 minutes, as well as require all aircraft to be equipped with an automated tracking device that will transmit the location every minute during distress. These regulations officially went into effect in 2022.

Air Travel Secret #4: That’s Not Duct Tape Holding Your Plane Together

It can be alarming to look out your window seat and see what appears to be duct tape on the wing, but don’t worry, that’s not what’s holding your plane together. It’s a high-tech adhesive (approved by the FAA) that will stay in place even at speeds of over 500 mph, and is rightfully nicknamed Speed Tape. It’s used as a temporary fix for smaller repairs that need to be completed quickly, so don’t worry, you won’t see a roll of tape securing the engine to your plane.

Air Travel Secret #5: The World’s Shortest Commercial Flight Is a Minute Long

Don’t expect drinks service on the jaunt from Westray to Papa Westray (part of the Orkney Islands in Scotland), which is the world’s shortest scheduled passenger flight. The flight, operated by Loganair, takes just about one minute, although it has been flown in as little as 53 seconds.

Air Travel Secret #6: Airplane Air Is as Dry as a Desert

Ever wonder why you’re so dehydrated when you get off of a long flight? The humidity in aircraft cabins is only around 20 percent, which is less than in the Sahara Desert’s average of around 25 percent. This is because the air outside the plane has minimal humidity at 30,000 feet, so it has to be added back in.

Air Travel Secret #7: Air Traffic Controllers Are Highly Paid

The people on the ground responsible for making sure that planes don’t crash into each other are paid accordingly, with a median yearly salary of over $137,380. It makes sense—this job requires intense concentration while working in a semi-dark room (no slacking off on the internet allowed here), as well as weekend, night, and holiday shifts.  Air traffic control is such a stressful job that employees are required to retire at 56.

Caroline Morse Teel would love to hear your air travel secrets. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Check for Bedbugs

The very first thing you should do when you enter your hotel room is check for bedbugs. Put your luggage inside the bathroom (ideally in the bathtub), where bedbugs are the least likely to be hiding. Next, follow this easy guide to identifying signs of bedbugs. 

If your room does have bed bugs, you’ll want to know before you settle in, as these pests are extremely easy to pick up and carry with you to your new room—or worse, back home.

Check the Alarm Clock

In-room alarm clocks are being phased out of hotel rooms in favor of smartphone docking stations, but if your hotel room still has an old-school clock, make sure you check to see if the alarm is set. 

If the last guest set a daily alarm for 6 a.m. and never turned it off, you could be rudely awakened earlier than you wanted to. 

Better yet, unplug the clock entirely if possible. This will prevent unexpected alarms and help you sleep better without the glowing light (unless the clock has a battery backup). 

Check Hiding Spots

Before letting your guard down in your locked hotel room, check these hiding spots to make sure you really are alone: under the bed, in the closet, and in the shower. An intruder could have slipped in before you and could be lying in wait—or something more gruesome. Snopes lists a number of actual incidents in which guests checked into a hotel, complained about a horrible odor in their room, and later discovered a human body hidden under the bed or mattress. They had literally been sleeping on top of a corpse. 

Study the Emergency Escape Route

Emergency escape maps are required by law to be posted on the back of the main door to every hotel room. Take a few minutes to orient yourself in the hotel building and to familiarize yourself with the fastest exits (as well as backup routes in case the closest path is blocked).

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use this information during your stay, but in the worst-case scenario of a fire or other emergency where every second counts, these few minutes of preparation could save your life.  

Deadbolt the Door

Mistakes can be made, and it’s not uncommon for someone to be given an incorrect room assignment and the key to your room—meaning another guest could accidentally walk into your room, even if the door is locked. When you’re inside your hotel room, always activate the deadbolt or security chain to prevent intruders (or just unexpected visits from hotel staff). 

Sanitize

Your room may look clean, but that doesn’t mean it’s sanitary. Wipe down germ hotspots (like light switches and doorknobs) with an antibacterial wipe to stay healthy. And be sure to wipe down the television remote control (or better yet, put it in a bag or shower cap) before using it, as it generally isn’t cleaned in between guests. 

Jettison Any Decorative Items From the Bed

It’s a mystery to us why hotels insist on putting decorative throw pillows on beds (that clearly can’t be washed). Make sure your sleeping surface stays clean by removing anything that isn’t obviously laundered when the room is cleaned—including throw pillows and bedspreads. 

Wash Your Hands

You’ve just come from a plane, public transportation, or road trip with rest stops—washing your hands as soon as you arrive in your own private bathroom is a smart move. 

The post 8 Things You Should Always Do When You Check Into a Hotel Room appeared first on SmarterTravel.

1. Impressive: Passports Are on the Rise

In 1996, the U.S. Department of State issued 5.5 million passports. With the exception of a brief dip in 2020—likely due to the emergency halt of passport issuance in respond to COVID-19—that number has since been trending upward, reaching upwards of 24 million passports in 2023. Even when you factor in the population increase, that’s a heartening jump in the number of people eager to get out and explore the world.

2. Surprising: Protect Your Passport with Tyvek?

Think you can use any old packaging and shipping method when you’re sending in your old passport for renewal? Think again. The Department of State recommends that applicants use a trackable shipping method, such as Priority Mail Express, to keep tabs on their application and know when it arrives safely at its destination. It is also strongly recommended that applicants mail their documents in a sturdy envelope such as a Tyvek envelope, which will protect against the rough and tumble world of postal transit

3. Vital: You May Need to Renew Sooner Than You Think

Don’t take your passport’s expiration date at face value. Some countries have a six-month or three-month passport validity rule that requires your passport to be valid for a certain amount of time after your date of entry.

4. Impressive: Your Passport Has Identity Theft Deterrents

If your passport was issued after August 2007, you’ve got an e-passport with a small integrated chip in the back cover that stores your passport information and a biometric identifier based on your photograph. To protect passport holders from unknowingly falling victim to high-tech identity theft, there are metallic elements in the cover of the passport, making it impossible for the passport to be digitally “read” until it’s physically open.

5. Surprising: If You’ve Gained or Lost Weight, You May Need a New Passport

If your appearance has changed significantly, you’ll need to apply for a new passport. That means if you’ve lost (or gained) a lot of weight, so much so that you look different than you do in your passport photo, you’ll need a new one. The same is true if you’ve undergone “significant facial surgery or trauma,” or if you’ve added or removed large facial tattoos or piercings.

6. Vital: You Must Obey Photo Restrictions

You may not realize it, but nowhere are the fashion stakes as high as in your passport photo. That’s because the photo may be rejected—thus throwing your application into a delayed spiral—if it doesn’t meet certain criteria. The photo must have been taken within six months of your application date, and needs to reflect your current appearance. You must directly face the camera and your expression should be neutral. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, “Photos with exaggerated expressions and squinting will not be accepted.” And uniforms and “clothing that looks like a uniform” are forbidden as well.

7. Surprising: Passports Can Have Different Lengths

A standard-issue passport is 28 pages long. However, when you’re applying or renewing, you can request a longer, 52-page passport at no additional cost. Unfortunately, if you fill up all 52 (impressive!) or need more pages in your existing passport, you’ll have to apply for a new passport even if your old one is not yet expired.

8. Surprising: Damage Can Render Your Passport Invalid

Normal wear and tear is forgivable, but if your passport has been significantly damaged, it’s time for a new one. Water damage, significant tearing (especially on the book cover or the page with your personal data and photo), unofficial marking on the data page (keep kids with crayons well clear), and torn out visa pages are among the types of damage that will likely mean you’ll need to apply for a replacement.

9. Vital: You May Need More Blank Pages

If you’re planning a trip and are running low on blank pages in your passport, it behooves you to take a look at the country information for your destination, since a few countries require you to have up to three blank pages in your passport for visa and immigration stamps. Most countries want you to have at least one blank page for stamps, so if you’re traveling to multiple countries on the same trip, make sure you’re prepared.

Bonus: How to Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home

You can skip the long lines at your local CVS by taking your own passport photo at home. Follow these guidelines to learn how to get a picture perfect at-home passport photo.

The post 9 Surprising Passport Facts You Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Likewise, some holiday traditions that are celebrated in Europe may seem a little bizarre to outsiders. Here are some of the strangest holiday traditions from around Europe.

Krampus, Central Europe

In case the thought of a stranger (Santa) breaking into your house through your chimney weren’t creepy enough, Austria and other central European countries have given the mythological man a sinister friend—Krampus. Krampus tags along with St. Nicholas, and while St. Nicholas doles out candy to the good kids, Krampus’ job is to punish the naughty ones.

This demonic-looking character beats bad children with birch branches or kidnaps them in his sack and takes them away, never to be seen again.

If you want to experience the true terror of Krampus, watch this movie about him (after the kids are in bed).

Mari Lwyd, Wales

Knock, knock. “Who’s there?” A horse skull puppet, and it’s challenging you to a rap battle. This is the standard scene in Wales around the Christmas season, when groups accompany a person dressed up as a horse’s body with a (hopefully) fake skull on top and go door to door asking to come in via a rhyme. The people inside the house must come up with a better rhyme response in order to win. After the battle, the Mari Lwyd (which translates to “gray mare”) and group are allowed inside and given food and drink before they head off to the next door.

The Yule Cat, Iceland

I hope you’re not trying to roll up to your Christmas celebration in last year’s clothing. If you do, prepare to be eaten by the Yule Cat. Icelandic tradition says the Yule Cat (aka Jólakötturinn, if you’re on a first-name basis with the cat) will eat anyone who hasn’t obtained new clothing by Christmas. Imagining being nibbled at by an adorable kitten for your fashion crimes? Think again: The Yule Cat is a giant beast, one that’s large enough to see into the upper windows of your house (so he can check on your clothing).

Grýla, Iceland

In case the Yule Cat wasn’t terrifying enough, Icelanders also have to contend with Grýla, the Christmas witch. According to legends, Grýla lives up in the mountains, and her hobbies include taking advantage of the dark winter days to show up in villages and steal naughty children.

It’s not just children who should fear the Christmas witch—she allegedly also ate her husband when she got bored with him.

Grýla has been around since the 1300s, but according to Terry Gunnell, the head of the Folkloristics Department at the University of Iceland, she’s still out there living her best life in the mountains. Gunnell told the Iceland Monitor, “There’s a rumor concerning Grýla, that she’s dead and has stopped eating children. I think that’s nonsense, and that she’s living a great life in the mountains still eating her human sushi.”

Perchta, Germany and Austria

In America, if you’re bad, Santa brings you a lump of coal. In Germany and Austria, though, things get more punitive.  If you misbehave, Perchta, a two-faced witch, will put on her terrifying visage and slit open your stomach, stealing your organs and filling your belly with rocks and straw. If you’re good, she’ll put on her nice face and leave you a small silver coin and your organs intact.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Don’t Assume That a Beach Is Clothing-Optional

Reading somewhere that a beach is clothing-optional does not mean that the beach is actually clothing-optional. Do your due diligence and ensure that the area is truly safe for your naked patronage. To get you started, the American Association for Nude Recreation supplies a short list of nude beaches in the U.S. (there aren’t many), while SmarterTravel has rounded up some of the world’s top nudist destinations.

And if you’re ever unsure as to whether a nude beach is a nude beach? Keep your clothes on. In many places, public nudity is a serious crime that could lead to a fine (or worse).

Don’t Forget to Research Naturist Resorts

Naturist resorts cater to completely clothing-free vacation seekers, so if you want to go all in (or off), consider these options rather than a one-time visit to a nude beach. From family-friendly campgrounds in the Poconos to luxe all-inclusives in the Caribbean, there’s likely a nudist resort option that suits your style and budget.

Rules at each of these resorts differ, and many are adults-only. As with any hotel stay, read the resort’s policies closely before you book.

At a Nude Beach? Don’t Stare

Once you’re on a nudist beach, don’t stare, gawk, point, or giggle. Obviously, you will be required to look at your fellow sunbathers at some point, whether greeting them or fetching their Frisbee from your beach towel. But play it cool: Most nude beach insiders insist that it’s easy, and that at a certain point, you simply stop noticing all the bare skin.

Can’t handle the realities of polite naked society? That’s okay, but stick to clothing-required beaches for the sake of everyone’s comfort.

Don’t Expect Too Much at Nude Beaches

Contrary to popular belief, most nude beaches are not sexy places ripped straight out of the pages of a Playboy Mansion memoir. Patrons come in all sizes, shapes, and states of physical fitness, and are far more likely to veer into dad bod territory than to look like Channing Tatum in the buff. So don’t expect models at a nude beach and then be disappointed when you see, well, normal humans in all their hirsute glory.

Don’t Take Pictures at a Nude Beach

A good rule of thumb: Never, ever take anyone’s photo without their permission. This goes for all tourist destinations—from nude beaches to theme parks to UNESCO World Heritage sites—but it’s especially true when the subject of your photo is naked. Always ask explicitly if you may take a photo and make sure photography is even allowed where you are. (Many nudist beaches prohibit it.)

Furthermore, even if you’re okay with someone snapping a pic of you, keep in mind that you have little control over where that photo ends up—from travel review sites to social media to less pleasant parts of the internet.

Don’t Go Naked in Certain Public Areas

Due to local regulations, many areas at nudist beaches or resorts may, in fact, require clothing, including parking lots, cafes, shops, and so on. Consult any posted signs regarding clothing-required venues and follow them closely. Pack a beach tote with readily accessible garments in case you need to suit up to use the facilities. Most nudist beaches and resorts require you use a towel to sit on public chairs as well.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

While this doesn’t fall squarely in the etiquette department, it’s still a critical piece of information to have at a nudist beach: Yes, those sensitive areas that are normally protected by swim trunks and bikinis will need a slather of sunscreen, preferably one that’s gentle on sensitive skin. Test it a few weeks before you hit a nude beach to ensure that you don’t end up with an unsightly rash somewhere that you definitely don’t want one.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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Whenever you travel, you risk falling victim to travel scams. While such scams can affect anyone, knowing what to look for might help you avoid getting ripped off. You’re more susceptible to trickery in unfamiliar settings, after all, and scams usually have been perfected over years of trial and error.

The Most Bizarre Europe Travel Scams

Gelato in hand, you’re strolling down a street in Italy when suddenly, a woman starts loudly arguing with a street vendor. A crowd gathers as he accuses her of shoplifting. To prove her innocence, she starts to strip: Once she’s down to her underwear, the vendor apologizes, the woman leaves, and the onlookers disappear—but so have their wallets, thanks to a team of pickpockets who were working the show.

This is just one of the bizarrely inventive ways that European scam artists operate. The good news is that if you’re wise to their tricks, you can just marvel at their ingenuity. The sneakiest pickpockets look like well-dressed businessmen, generally with something official-looking in their hand. Lately many are posing as tourists with fanny packs, cameras, and even guidebooks.

No matter which country you’re in, assume beggars are pickpockets and any scuffle is simply a distraction by a team of thieves. If you stop for any commotion or show, put your hands in your pockets before someone else does (or, even better, wear a money belt).

Set-up scams are time-tested and popular. On the busy streets of Barcelona, Berlin, and Florence, you’ll find the shell game: Players pay to guess which of the moving shells hides the ball. It looks easy, but the winners are all ringers, and you can be sure that you’ll lose if you play.

The most rampant scams are more subtle, such as being overcharged by a taxi driver. Some cabbies will pretend to drop a large bill and pick up a hidden small one, then tell you that you didn’t pay enough. Others will select the pricier “night and weekend” rate on their meter, even on weekdays. To decrease your odds of getting ripped off, call for a taxi from a hotel or restaurant, or use your phone to order a rideshare instead. If you do hail a cab, choose one with a prominent taxi-company logo and telephone number. Either way, insist on using the meter, agree on a price up front, or know the going rate. If, for whatever reason, I’m charged a ridiculous price for a ride, I put a reasonable sum on the seat and say goodbye.

Whenever cash is involved, it pays to be alert. If someone offers to help you use a cash machine, politely refuse (the person wants your PIN code). If a cash machine eats your ATM card, check for a thin plastic insert with a little flap hanging out—crooks use tweezers to extract your card. Cashiers, and even bank tellers, thrive on the “slow count,” dealing out change with odd pauses in hopes that rushed tourists will gather up the money early and say “grazie.” Also, be careful when paying with large bills in restaurants and stores, and always inspect your change—in Italy, the now-worthless 500-lira coin looks like a two-euro coin.

Some thieves hang out at train-ticket machines, eager to assist you in buying tickets with a pile of your quickly disappearing foreign cash. And skip the helping hand from official-looking railroad attendants at the Rome train station. They’ll lead you to your seat, then demand a “tip.”

In Spain, women offer you sprigs of rosemary (as if in friendship) and then grab your hand, read your fortune, and demand payment. Don’t make eye contact, don’t accept a sprig, and say firmly but politely, “No, gracias.”

Just because someone looks official doesn’t mean they are. In Italy, “Tourist Police” may stop you on the street, flash bogus badges, and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or “drug money.” You won’t even notice some bills are missing until after they leave.

Never open your door to “hotel inspectors.” One waits outside while the other comes in to take a look around. While you’re distracted, the first thief slips in and snags valuables off your dresser.

In Vienna, official-looking women decked out in long velvet capes roam famous sights, claiming to work for the opera house and offering to sell you tickets. The tickets are fakes, and the only seats you’ll be buying are the ones on the bus back to your hotel.

Common Travel Scams in Europe by Country

And there are still more travel scams to know about if you’re visiting Europe. Here are eight of the most common travel scams, organized by country where you’re more likely to encounter them. Study up so you don’t fall victim to “highway pirates” or bogus police officers on your next trip.

Italy, Puncturing Tires: Beware of “highway pirates” in Italy who will puncture your tires in a parking lot and follow you until you’re forced to stop. They will then pretend to help you while robbing you at the same time. If you do get a flat tire, be cautious about who offers to help you—especially around Naples—and never leave your valuables and luggage in your car.

France, False Petitions: Be wary of children who pretend to be disabled and claim to represent an accredited charity. They will ask for your signature—and then your money. Ignore them and report the scam to police. Organized scammers like this receive a 1 million euro fine in France.

Spain, Fake Entry Fees: Scam artists are posing with fake IDs at the Spanish border and asking for an “entry fee” into Gibraltar. There is no entry fee to pass through, so ignore anyone asking for money and keep your valuables out of sight.

Czech Republic, Impersonated Police Officers: In this grand scam, a group of “police offers” will appear and accuse you of committing a crime. They will ask to see your wallet and passport, which is against the law, so you should refuse and ask to be taken to the nearest police station instead. This will most likely make them go away. Be sure to report them to the local authorities after.

Hungary, Counterfeit Money: Taxi drivers and dingy currency exchange booths commonly pass on counterfeit bills to unsuspecting tourists. Make sure to exchange your money only at a bank or in the airport, and double check that the bills you receive are the correct currency.

Netherlands, Distraction Scams: Pay particular attention to this at restaurants in Central Amsterdam. Someone might come into the restaurant and either pretend to look for a friend or cause another distraction. Instead he or she will steal your bag right in front of you. Make sure you keep your possessions in your line of sight, and don’t leave bags or coats hanging on the back of your chair.

Croatia, Extortionate Bills: Some Croatian bars and restaurants—especially gentleman’s clubs—will add an unexplained surcharge to your bill, expecting you not to have enough cash. If you are short on funds, they’ll take you to an ATM and demand that you take out more money. It’s best to research restaurants, clubs, and bars before going, and ask your hotel (rather than taxi drivers, who may be in on the scam) for recommendations.

Poland, Phony Taxis: At airports and major tourist attractions in Poland, many unregulated drivers will pick up unsuspecting tourists and claim their meter is broken. Avoid this overcharge by only using official taxis; check for the name and number of the company on the car. Another way to check their legitimacy is by looking for a rate card.

We don’t mean to paint Europe as a dangerous place. In fact, it’s safer than America. Muggings in Europe are uncommon. Thieves want to separate you from your money painlessly. Europe travel scams are easy to avoid if you recognize them. But remember: Even the most vigilant traveler can get conned. If this happens, don’t let it ruin your trip. With the right attitude and lighter bags, you can still have a wonderful time.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It’s been updated to reflect the most current information. Rick Steves, Ashley Rossi, and Ed Perkins contributed to this story.

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Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel.

Here’s what the survey found:

Cutting the Line Is Ok

About to miss your flight? According to Kayak’s survey, 57 percent of travelers will have sympathy for you (and will let you cut the line) if it’s the difference between making it to the gate in time or being left stranded.

Unattended Children Should Be Banned

Letting your kids run around the airport (or plane) freely in the hopes they’ll burn off some energy? 90 percent of respondents ask that you rein them in, voting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during travel.

Don’t Stand on the Moving Sidewalk

If your personal pet peeve is people who ride the moving sidewalks at the airport (rather than walking on it), you’re not alone—57 percent of travelers feel the same way. 

Just remember, moving sidewalks are a huge help to people with mobility issues—so try to extend some grace and patience when travelers aren’t walking on them. 

Clapping When the Plane Lands Is Annoying

Your fellow passengers ask you to hold your applause when the plane touches down. A close margin of 51 percent of flyers thinks this measure of appreciation is “pointless” because the pilots can’t hear you.

The Middle Seat Doesn’t Get Both Armrests

A surprising 57 percent of passengers have no sympathy for the person stuck in the middle seat, saying the armrests are up for anyone to grab. 

Reclining Your Seat is Acceptable

Go ahead and lean back (just please, do it the right way) next time you fly. A vast majority (88 percent) believe that the recline button is offered for a reason.

Leave Your Socks On

Fellow flyers don’t want to see (or smell) your bare feet. Seventy-six percent of passengers voted that people should keep their socks on during a flight.

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