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What It’s Like to Travel for 24 Hours Straight

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

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Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

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Do you have what it takes to mentally endure a long-haul? Read on for what it’s like to travel for over 24 hours straight, complete with tips and tricks to help you survive on a packed plane for over a day.

My 24-Hour Travel Journey

This is what it was like to travel for 24 hours-plus in packed economy class to get from Boston to Malaysian Borneo.

Hours 1 – 2 : I arrive at the airport in the morning for my first flight. This is my first of three flights to get to Borneo and I’m only going from Logan to JFK. I have spent the past week preparing for this trip, so I’m excited it’s finally here and I can stop stressing about whether I’ve packed everything I need. This flight is only 45 minutes, a breeze for me; this is the easiest part of the journey. I do feel a little out of place with my carry-on backpack, as this is more of a commuter flight.

Hours 3 – 5 : I am now on my layover for two hours waiting to board my second flight to Incheon, South Korea. This next flight should be about 15 hours. The Norwegian Air flight at the gate across from me is delayed almost five hours, so there’s a lot of unhappy fliers to watch. Also, the Emirates flight arriving at JFK is all over the news for being quarantined —I wonder if I’ll see Vanilla Ice.

Hours 5 – 7 : I am flying on Korean Air on my first double-decker plane. The boarding process is well-organized and super easy; why can’t all flights be like this? I kind of feel like I’ve gone back to the Golden Age of Air Travel;   there’s a massive grand staircase separating the two levels, and even economy seems luxurious. I score an empty middle seat in my row. Almost one hour in, we get our meals. I ordered a vegetarian meal ahead of time and I’m happy to know what I’m eating, tofu and Udon noodles with a glass of red wine. This isn’t so bad.

Hours 7 – 10 : Movie time. I watch not one, but three movies to kill some time. There’s a huge selection of British, American, and Korean movies.

Hours 10-12 : I manage to doze off here and there. Almost half way done with this flight.

Hours 12-15 : I take a natural sleeping pill so I can get some more sleep. Having a hard time getting comfortable. I can’t believe there are still five more hours.

Hours 16-18 : Boredom and exhaustion are setting in. I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I have definitely reached my mental breaking point for one flight. Don’t think I’ll be attempting the world’s longest flight (which is four hours longer than this) anytime soon.

Hour 19 : Finally we land, but we’re late due to altering the flight path because of weather. I already had a tight connection, so this is going to be tough.

Hour 19-20 : As I’m getting off the plane, my connecting flight is already boarding. I need to sprint through the Incheon airport to make my final flight to Kota Kinabalu. Unless I commit and run the entire way, I won’t make it. Incheon is a great airport for international transfers, so I’m able to easily switch terminals without going through customs or a long security line. After transferring terminals, I need to check in at the gate, which couldn’t be farther away. I am dripping sweat and out of breath—and am almost ready to give up—when I see the line for my flight. I finish my mini-marathon and check in for my flight just in time. At least I didn’t have to wait any longer on a layover … trying to stay positive.

Hours 20-24 : Why is this flight full? I’m on an Asian budget airline and it’s super uncomfortable but am so far beyond tired I am able to pass out.

Hour 24 : I have landed in Borneo. It is now the following day around 11 p.m. so I can’t wait to fall asleep in a bed and wake up refreshed. Thankfully, I have an airport transfer to the hotel pre-arranged and it’s only about 20 minutes away. I never want to get on a plane again, but eventually I have to get home. The silver lining is that I have 12 days to explore all Borneo has to offer before I have to worry about that.

How to Survive a 24-Hour Travel Day

#1: Plan your flight path . When looking at different flight options to Borneo I chose to arrive late at night so I could get a full night’s rest and be ready to start my group tour the next day. I also left my origin airport at a normal time so I could somewhat replicate my normal daily routine on my flight.

#2: Research your airline . Not all foreign airlines are created equal. Korean Air was clean, efficient, and the flight attendants spoke English and were friendly.

#3: Pick your transfer airport wisely . Incheon has a whole website dedicated to airport transfers, an airport lounge, and a hotel if you do happen to get stuck there. I was able to view the process on YouTube ahead of time so I could quickly go through the transfer process, which ultimately was the reason I made my final flight. I also recommend purchasing a day pass to an airport lounge if you have a long layover or a layover at an airport with few amenities.

#4: Have a glass of wine . One glass won’t dehydrate you too much, and it can help you fall asleep and relax.

#5: Find some source of a sleep aid and stick to a routine . There’s no easy way to fall asleep in economy class. I travel with melatonin, but herbal tea, and other sleep-aids will do. It’s helpful if you can trick your body into adjusting its circadian rhythms by following your normal sleep routine.

#6: Comfort is key . Wear layers that are comfortable and moisture-wicking so you can adjust to different temperatures.

#7: Drink water . Korean Air provided bottled water, which made it easy to stay hydrated. Bring your own bottle and ask the flight attendants to fill it up for you.

#8: Research your inflight amenity kit or make your own . I recommend a blanket , neck pillow , socks, facial mist , toothbrush and toothpaste , hair brush , snacks, eye mask , wipes , essential oils , over-the-counter medicines , deodorant , lip balm , and a light sweater, outer layer, or scarf .

#9: Order special meals ahead of time . There’s nothing worse than airplane food’s mystery meat. Since I wasn’t super familiar with Korean cuisine and knew the inflight meals were my only option, I was happy I ordered a vegetarian meal. You also get your meal before everyone else so you don’t have to wait to be served if you want to fall asleep.

#10: Pick your seat or ask to move . Long hauls are rarely fully booked, so when you’re selecting your seat, choose wisely. I like to pick a window seat in a row where someone has already selected the aisle. This way you have a better chance at an empty middle seat in your row. Korean Air also showed where babies were seated on the seat map, so you could avoid sitting near one if that’s important to you.

#11: Arrange an airport pickup . Trust me, you will thank yourself later. Having one less thing to think about when you’re exhausted and getting off the plane is worth more than the money you’d save on figuring out public transportation at your destination.

#12: Pack your own headphones and backup entertainment . I didn’t think it was possible, but there’s only so many movies you can watch. Also, the headphones they give you on flights are super uncomfortable after one re-run of Friends.

#13: It’s ok if you smell . You’ve been in the same clothes for over 24 hours, there’s not much you can do.

#14: Talk a walk and stretch . Not only is this a healthy thing to do on any flight, but it can be dangerous to your health if you don’t get up during a long-haul. Wear compression socks as an extra precaution to prevent blood clots.

#15: Be polite to the flight attendants . This is a given, but they’ve had to work for 24 hours straight, so be nice and they’ll be nice to you.

More from SmarterTravel:

• • The 15 Items You Need to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
• • 8 Best Airlines for Free Stopovers
• • How to Find a Free Stopover—or Even Save Money By Taking One

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on   Twitter   and   Instagram   for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Hours of Work for Travel

Fact sheet: hours of work for travel, description.

In limited circumstances, travel time may be considered hours of work. The rules on travel hours of work depend on whether an employee is covered by or exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For FLSA-exempt employees, the crediting of travel time as hours of work is governed under title 5 rules-in particular, 5 U.S.C. 5542(b)(2) and 5544(a)(3) and 5 CFR 550.112(g) and (j). For FLSA-covered employees, travel time is credited if it is qualifying hours of work under either the title 5 rules or under OPM's FLSA regulations-in particular, 5 CFR 551.401(h) and 551.422.

Employee Coverage

Title 5 overtime laws and regulations apply to most FLSA-exempt Federal employees, including General Schedule and prevailing rate employees. Certain employees, such as members of the Senior Executive Service, are not eligible for overtime pay or other premium pay under title 5. (See 5 U.S.C. 5541(2) and 5 CFR 550.101 for coverage rules.)

OPM's FLSA regulations apply to most FLSA-covered Federal employees. (See 5 U.S.C. 5542(b)(2) and 5544(a)(3) and 5 CFR 551.102.) An employee may determine his or her FLSA status by checking block 35 of the most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to find out whether his or her position is nonexempt (N) or exempt (E) from the overtime pay provisions of the FLSA. Alternatively, an employee may obtain a determination from his or her servicing personnel office.

Overtime Work

In general, overtime hours are hours of work that are ordered or approved (or are "suffered or permitted" for FLSA-covered employees) and are performed by an employee in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a workweek. (See 5 U.S.C. 5542(a), 5544(a), and 6121(6) and (7), and 5 CFR 550.111 and 551.501. Note exceptions.)

Travel That is Hours of Work Under Title 5

Under 5 U.S.C. 5542(b)(2) and 5 CFR 550.112(g), official travel away from an employee's official duty station is hours of work if the travel is-

• within the days and hours of the employee's regularly scheduled administrative workweek, including regularly scheduled overtime hours, or
• involves the performance of work while traveling (such as driving a loaded truck);
• is incident to travel that involves the performance of work while traveling (such as driving an empty truck back to the point of origin);
• is carried out under arduous and unusual conditions (e.g., travel on rough terrain or under extremely severe weather conditions); or
• results from an event that could not be scheduled or controlled administratively by any individual or agency in the executive branch of Government (such as training scheduled solely by a private firm or a job-related court appearance required by a court subpoena).

An agency may not adjust an employee's normal regularly scheduled administrative workweek solely to include travel hours that would not otherwise be considered hours of work.

Travel That is Hours of Work Under the FLSA

For FLSA-covered employees, time spent traveling is hours of work if-

• an employee is required to travel during regular working hours (i.e., during the regularly scheduled administrative workweek);
• an employee is required to work during travel (e.g., by being required to drive a Government vehicle as part of a work assignment);
• an employee is required to travel as a passenger on a 1-day assignment away from the official duty station; or
• an employee is required to travel as a passenger on an overnight assignment away from the official duty station during hours on nonworkdays that correspond to the employee's regular working hours. (See 5 CFR 551.422(a).)

Official Duty Station

"Official duty station" is defined in 5 CFR 550.112(j) and 551.422(d). An agency may prescribe a mileage radius of not greater than 50 miles to determine whether an employee's travel is within or outside the limits of the employee's official duty station for determining entitlement to overtime pay for travel.

Administrative Workweek

An administrative workweek is a period of 7 consecutive calendar days designated in advance by the head of an agency under 5 U.S.C. 6101. The regularly scheduled administrative workweek is the period within the administrative workweek during which the employee is scheduled to work in advance of the administrative workweek. (See definitions in 5 CFR 610.102. See also 5 CFR 550.103 and 551.421.)

Commuting Time

For FLSA-covered employees, normal commuting time from home to work and from work to home is not hours of work. (See 5 CFR 551.422(b).) However, commuting time may be hours of work to the extent that the employee is required to perform substantial work under the control and direction of the employing agency-i.e., productive work of a significant nature that is an integral and indispensable part of the employee's principal activities. The fact that an employee is driving a Government vehicle in commuting to and from work is not a basis for determining that commuting time is hours of work. (See Bobo decision cited in the References section.)

Similarly, for FLSA-exempt employees, normal commuting time from home to work and from work to home is not hours of work. (See 5 CFR 550.112(j)(2).) However, commuting time may be hours of work to the extent that the employee is officially ordered or approved to perform substantial work while commuting.

Normal "home-to-work/work-to-home" commuting includes travel between an employee's home and a temporary duty location within the limits of the employee's official duty station. For an employee assigned to a temporary duty station overnight, normal "home-to-work/work-to-home" commuting also includes travel between the employee's temporary place of lodging and a work site within the limits of the temporary duty station.

If an employee (whether FLSA-covered or exempt) is required to travel directly between home and a temporary duty location outside the limits of the employee's official duty station, the time the employee would have spent in normal commuting must be deducted from any hours of work outside the regularly scheduled administrative workweek (or, for FLSA covered employees, outside corresponding hours on a nonwork day) that may be credited for the travel time. (The travel time is credited as hours of work only as allowed under the applicable rules-e.g., for an FLSA-covered employee, if the travel is part of a 1-day assignment away from the official duty station.)

• 5 U.S.C. 5542(b)(2) (General Schedule employees)
• 5 U.S.C. 5544(a)(3) (Prevailing rate employees)
• 5 CFR 550.112(g) and (j), 610.102, and 610.123
• 5 CFR 551.401(h) and 551.422 (OPM's FLSA regulations)
• Decision by United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Jerry Bobo v. United States , 136 F.3rd 1465 (Fed. Cir. 1998) affirming Court of Federal Claims decision of same name, 37 Fed. Cl. 690 (Fed. Cl. 1997).
• Section 4 of the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 84) as amended in 1996 by section 2102 of Public Law 104-188. (See 29 U.S.C. 254.)

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WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Fact Sheet #22: Hours Worked Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Revised July 2008

This fact sheet provides general information concerning what constitutes compensable time under the FLSA . The Act requires that employees must receive at least the minimum wage and may not be employed for more than 40 hours in a week without receiving at least one and one-half times their regular rates of pay for the overtime hours. The amount employees should receive cannot be determined without knowing the number of hours worked.

Definition of "Employ"

By statutory definition the term "employ" includes "to suffer or permit to work." The workweek ordinarily includes all time during which an employee is necessarily required to be on the employer's premises, on duty or at a prescribed work place. "Workday", in general, means the period between the time on any particular day when such employee commences his/her "principal activity" and the time on that day at which he/she ceases such principal activity or activities. The workday may therefore be longer than the employee's scheduled shift, hours, tour of duty, or production line time.

Application of Principles

Employees "Suffered or Permitted" to work: Work not requested but suffered or permitted to be performed is work time that must be paid for by the employer. For example, an employee may voluntarily continue to work at the end of the shift to finish an assigned task or to correct errors. The reason is immaterial. The hours are work time and are compensable.

Waiting Time:

Whether waiting time is hours worked under the Act depends upon the particular circumstances. Generally, the facts may show that the employee was engaged to wait (which is work time) or the facts may show that the employee was waiting to be engaged (which is not work time). For example, a secretary who reads a book while waiting for dictation or a fireman who plays checkers while waiting for an alarm is working during such periods of inactivity. These employees have been "engaged to wait."

On-Call Time:

An employee who is required to remain on call on the employer's premises is working while "on call." An employee who is required to remain on call at home, or who is allowed to leave a message where he/she can be reached, is not working (in most cases) while on call. Additional constraints on the employee's freedom could require this time to be compensated.

Rest and Meal Periods:

Rest periods of short duration, usually 20 minutes or less, are common in industry (and promote the efficiency of the employee) and are customarily paid for as working time. These short periods must be counted as hours worked. Unauthorized extensions of authorized work breaks need not be counted as hours worked when the employer has expressly and unambiguously communicated to the employee that the authorized break may only last for a specific length of time, that any extension of the break is contrary to the employer's rules, and any extension of the break will be punished. Bona fide meal periods (typically 30 minutes or more) generally need not be compensated as work time. The employee must be completely relieved from duty for the purpose of eating regular meals. The employee is not relieved if he/she is required to perform any duties, whether active or inactive, while eating.

Sleeping Time and Certain Other Activities:

An employee who is required to be on duty for less than 24 hours is working even though he/she is permitted to sleep or engage in other personal activities when not busy. An employee required to be on duty for 24 hours or more may agree with the employer to exclude from hours worked bona fide regularly scheduled sleeping periods of not more than 8 hours, provided adequate sleeping facilities are furnished by the employer and the employee can usually enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep. No reduction is permitted unless at least 5 hours of sleep is taken.

Lectures, Meetings and Training Programs:

Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time only if four criteria are met, namely: it is outside normal hours, it is voluntary, not job related, and no other work is concurrently performed.

Travel Time:

The principles which apply in determining whether time spent in travel is compensable time depends upon the kind of travel involved.

Home to Work Travel:

An employee who travels from home before the regular workday and returns to his/her home at the end of the workday is engaged in ordinary home to work travel, which is not work time.

Home to Work on a Special One Day Assignment in Another City:

An employee who regularly works at a fixed location in one city is given a special one day assignment in another city and returns home the same day. The time spent in traveling to and returning from the other city is work time, except that the employer may deduct/not count that time the employee would normally spend commuting to the regular work site.

Travel That is All in a Day's Work:

Time spent by an employee in travel as part of their principal activity, such as travel from job site to job site during the workday, is work time and must be counted as hours worked.

Travel Away from Home Community:

Travel that keeps an employee away from home overnight is travel away from home. Travel away from home is clearly work time when it cuts across the employee's workday. The time is not only hours worked on regular working days during normal working hours but also during corresponding hours on nonworking days. As an enforcement policy the Division will not consider as work time that time spent in travel away from home outside of regular working hours as a passenger on an airplane, train, boat, bus, or automobile.

Typical Problems

Problems arise when employers fail to recognize and count certain hours worked as compensable hours. For example, an employee who remains at his/her desk while eating lunch and regularly answers the telephone and refers callers is working. This time must be counted and paid as compensable hours worked because the employee has not been completely relieved from duty.

Where to Obtain Additional Information

For additional information, visit our Wage and Hour Division Website: http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd and/or call our toll-free information and helpline, available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in your time zone, 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243).

This publication is for general information and is not to be considered in the same light as official statements of position contained in the regulations.

The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

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• Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times + mailing times (up to 2 weeks) = total time to get a passport

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You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel to a foreign country in the next 14 days because your immediate family member outside of the united states: has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury see our  life-or-death emergencies  page for more information on how to make an appointment. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks.  if you have not applied, make an appointment online . your appointment at a  passport agency or center  must within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  if you have already applied, call us at 1-877-487-2778 .  we cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 8 weeks from the date you submit your application.  expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can  expedite at an acceptance facility  or  expedite a renewal by mail .    , choose this service if you are traveling over 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. routine service takes 6-8 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can apply for routine service at an  acceptance facility  or  renew by mail .    , contacting us if you have urgent travel.

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• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
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• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

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Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

We have two types of appointments:  Life-or-Death Emergency Service  and  Urgent Travel Service .

• You cannot walk in without an appointment. 
• We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service is for customers who are traveling in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency. Learn more on our  Life-or-Death Emergency page .

Urgent Travel Service : If you have not yet applied , make an appointment online . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  

If you have already applied , call 1-877-487-2778 . 

We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. 

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Use our Form Filler to fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

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Use our Form Filler  to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.

• Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. Follow the steps on how to mail your application
• Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. Follow the steps on how to change your name.
• Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pay for faster delivery and return shipping.

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. These companies submit applications and pick up passports for customers. 

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in extra fees. They may also charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form. 

To learn more about these companies, visit our  Passport Expeditor and Courier page .

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We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

Requesting a Refund for Expedited Service

Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

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Europe , Bucket list travel , Italy · March 10, 2023

24 hours in Florence: A one day Florence itinerary

Wondering how to spend 24 hours in Florence, Italy? Here’s the perfect one day Florence itinerary with the best things to see, do and eat in this magnificent city.

Ciao bella! Welcome to Florence, home to breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering cuisine and some of the world’s most marvellous masterpieces. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast or a culinary connoisseur, this charming city is guaranteed to impress.

While there is plenty to see and do in Florence to keep you busy for an extended visit, the city is compact enough that you can still tick off a bunch of must-dos with only 24 hours in Florence. Of course a longer stay lets you dig deeper into the city’s culture, but sometimes whirlwind Europe trips or weekend breaks only allow for a one day Florence adventure, so here’s some top tips to make the most of your time.

With this 1 day Florence itinerary you’ll be able to see some iconic paintings and sculptures, learn about the city’s architecture, taste local flavours, watch sunset in the best spot in town, and toast to a brilliant day in Florence after your adventure ends.

Read on for a detailed breakdown of what to see in Florence in one day, as well as where to stay, how to get around, and what to do if you have more time.

Summary of the perfect 24 hours in Florence

• Grab an early morning coffee and delicious pastry at Ghibellina Forno Pasticceria, the best-rated breakfast spot in the city (opens at 6.30am)
• Walk past Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze to get to the Uffizi Gallery
• See the Birth of Venus and other renowned masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery
• Head to all’Antico Vinaio to get a world-famous sandwich for an early lunch, the busiest hours are 12pm-3pm so if you can get there just before 12 that’s ideal!
• Walk to Piazza del Duomo to explore the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Visit Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and other artwork
• Stop in at Mercato Centrale if you need a bite to eat
• Enjoy an afternoon aperitivo session, some good options are Hotel Calimala’s rooftop bar, B-Roof, Santa Cocktail Club or Dorsoduro 3821
• Or if you don’t mind a walk, head to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sun set behind the city’s rooftops
• Finish up the day with a delicious dinner at a local trattoria, I absolutely adore Trattoria Dall’Oste (4.8/5 from 15,000+ reviews) but some other highly-rated ones are Trattoria Za Za, Trattoria da Giorgio, Antica Trattoria da Tito and Trattoria La Gratella

Where to stay during your 24 hours in Florence

Budget | My go-to for a budget-friendly place to stay in Florence is Yellowsquare hostel , a brilliant social hostel with fantastic facilities including a shared kitchen, dedicated co-working space and even a rooftop pool!

Mid-range | For a mid-range budget consider  Morandi alla Crocetta ,  3110 ArtHotel ,  Room Mate Luca ,  Solo Experience Hotel  and  Residence Leopoldo

Luxury | For a fancy stay check out  Villa Cora ,  Relais Santa Croce ,  Four Seasons Firenze  or  The Place Firenze

Self-contained | Some top-rated options with kitchens/kitchenettes are  Urban Retreat ,  Oro Nero Florence ,  Geppi’s Apartment  and  Donati Luxury Tower Suites

Things to do during your 24 hours in Florence

See the cattedrale di santa maria del fiore.

The iconic Santa Maria del Fiore , or simply ‘the Duomo’, is Florence’s architectural marvel. Construction began in 1296 and wasn’t finished until the dome was complete 140 years later in 1436. The exterior decoration took another 450 years, with the marble façade finally being completed in 1887.

The dome is an engineering masterpiece, designed by a Florentine founding father of Renaissance architecture, Filippo Brunelleschi. It’s the largest masonry dome in the world, made from more than four million bricks, and at the time was higher and wider than any octagonal dome that had ever been built, with no Gothic buttresses to support the dome as these were used in rival cities like Milan. To make the story even more mind-blowing, Brunelleschi was a trained goldsmith and had no formal training as an architect or engineer.

You can see the Brunelleschi’s Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore from vantage points all over the city, or head to Piazza del Duomo to see the cathedral up close, but it’s well worth exploring from the inside if you have time.

The cheapest ticket available includes the baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the Santa Reparata Crypt, or you can upgrade to a pass that includes Giotto’s Bell Tower, or the Brunelleschi Pass which includes the Bell Tower and the Dome itself.

Be sure to book in advance because tickets do sell out, and if there are no tickets left for your date, you might be able to get a spot on a guided tour instead .

Marvel at the masterpieces in Uffizi Gallery

One of the oldest museums in the world, and holding one of the most impressive art collections ever found in one place, the Uffizi Gallery is an absolute must-visit for any art lovers when they visit Florence.

The gallery is home to countless paintings and sculptures hailing from the Middle Ages right through to contemporary times, but it’s most famous for Renaissance pieces from Botticelli, Michelangelo, Da Vinci and more.

Unsurprisingly, as Florence’s premier museum and gallery, it’s basically busy from open till close every single day, so if you’ve only got 24 hours in Florence you’ll definitely want to book tickets in advance to lock in your visit. If tickets sell out, or if you’d prefer to learn about the art from an expert as you look around, you can often book last minute guided tours like this top-rated one .

Say ‘ciao!’ to David at the Galleria dell’Accademia

No visit to Florence would be complete without coming face-to-face (or more like face-to-feet) with Michelangelo’s David, who you’ll find at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Perhaps the most famous statue in the world, David stands tall at 17ft basking in natural light underneath a glass ceiling.

The level of detail in the sculpture is spectacular, particularly looking at the veins on his hands and his muscle tone, and he was carved out of a single piece of marble in the early 16th century.

This is another one you’ll need to pre-book, as slots to see David and the other works in the Galleria dell’Accademia sell out in advance. Check for Galleria dell’Accademia tickets here , or consider a guided tour instead.

Get lost in the Historic Centre of Florence

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed center storico of Florence is a cobblestoned maze of museums, churches, galleries and other buildings of historical significance, and wandering through the area’s narrow streets without a map to guide you is the best way to experience the true Florence.

You’ll have to make your way through this part of the city to get to and from almost every place mentioned in this Florence itinerary so no need to set aside specific time for it, just be sure to enjoy the journey rather than just the destination.

Visit the Santa Maria Novella church

Sitting opposite Florence’s main train station of the same name, Santa Maria Novella is yet another impressive work of architecture and art, constructed between 1279 and 1350, but with the intricate marble façade not fully completed until 1470.

I haven’t been into the church yet, instead opting to visit the Duomo and the previously mentioned galleries on my visits to Florence, but you can buy tickets to admire the interior and artworks inside or just make sure you walk by to see the beautiful building from outside.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio

Connecting the two sides of Florence over the Arno river, the Ponte Vecchio (translated as the ‘old bridge’) is a medieval arched bridge with a somewhat tumultuous history.

Said to have originated in Roman times, mention of the bridge first appears in a 996 document but floods in 1117, 1333 and 1966 caused major damage and required significant rebuild. Surprisingly, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence to survive World War II, apparently due to an order from Hitler himself.

The bridge was once packed with fishmongers, butchers and tanners, who threw animal offcuts and waste into the river to avoid stinking out the city’s streets. In 1564 Vasari’s Corridor (which you might have heard about from Dan Brown’s Inferno ) was built to link Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio, crossing over the top of the Ponte Vecchio. At this time the bridge’s tenants changed to goldsmiths and jewellers, a more appropriate industry for a bridge linking two palaces.

These days the jewellery stores remain but you’ll also find souvenir shops, gelato stalls and thousands of tourists. But crossing the Arno via the Ponte Vecchio must be done, so brave the crowds and make sure you set aside a bit of time to see this historic structure.

Explore the Mercato Centrale

Housed in a market hall originally built in 1874, Mercato Centrale is the bustling hub of Florence’s culinary scene.

The ground floor houses vendors selling fruit and vegetables, fresh pasta, cured meats, cheeses, bread, pastries, truffles and more, open from 7am to 2pm Monday to Saturday. Each morning you’ll find locals filling their shopping bags for their weekly grocery shopping, and you know that means the prices and the quality are top-notch.

On the first floor there’s a food court that pays homage to both Italian and global cuisine, with street food-style stalls, wine bars and restaurants serving up pizza, pasta, burgers, gelato and loads more. This is open from 10am until midnight each day.

At the Mercato Centrale you might find live music, cooking demonstrations, workshops and even tastings if you’re lucky.

I will say that a market this epic does come with a high chance of experiencing analysis paralysis while deciding what to eat. A food tour is a fantastic way to avoid that if you have the time (a good alternative to the museums if you prefer eating over art-ing), you can see some top-rated Mercato Centrale tours here.

Line up for a world-famous sandwich

I know, I know, when you only have one day in Florence it seems a waste to spend any time in line for anything. But if you’re keen to try one of Italy’s, if not the world’s, best sandwiches, all’Antico Vinaio is absolutely unbeatable.

Now boasting a number of locations throughout Italy as well as one in New York City and one in Los Angeles, all’Antico Vinaio’s original location is down via dei Neri, just a stone’s throw from Palazzo Vecchio. By about 12pm the line will be a few metres down the street and it generally won’t finish until 4pm, even longer on weekends or holidays. If you’re keen to try a sandwich for lunch it’s best to get there before 12pm.

The menu is absolutely divine, they serve up schiacciate (an Italian flatbread) with all sorts of meats, cheeses and spreads. Some popular sandwich choices are La Boss with prosciutto, pecorino, cream of truffle and rocket leaves, La Tricolore with beef carpaccio, cream of pistachio, stracciatella cheese and chopped hazelnuts, or my personal favourite, Nada Come La Fuma with pancetta, mild gorgonzola or honey. YUM.

Watch sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

If you don’t mind a 30 minute walk from the city (or a 10 minute cab), Piazzale Michelangelo is without a doubt the best sunset spot in town. This hilltop square offers expansive, panoramic views of Florence’s historic centre all the way out to the rolling countryside behind the city.

This is a popular viewpoint for both tourists and locals alike but there’s plenty of space to sit and soak up the incredible view as the sky changes colour, perfectly complementing Florence’s iconic orange, red and brown rooftops. Stay a bit longer and you’ll be treated to the sight of the city’s lights being reflected in the Arno river.

This is the perfect way to wrap up a one day Florence itinerary.

How many days in Florence

If you’re really keen to tick off the main tourist sights as well as discover some hidden gems and not feel too overwhelmed, three days in Florence would be ideal. 24 hours in Florence is doable to see the top landmarks but it will be a fast-paced trip, two days in Florence gives you a bit more time to spread out the must-dos, but three days will be much more relaxed.

With four days in Florence (or more) that gives you the chance to add on some day trips to places nearby like Bologna, San Gimignano , Siena and the Chianti wine region .

What to do with two or three days in Florence?

If you’re lucky enough to have more than one day in Florence, here are some options for more things to see and do in the area:

• Take a cooking class to learn the art of making pasta
• Head to nearby Bologna for one of the best food tours in the world with Delicious Bologna
• Go on a day trip around Tuscany
• See the city from the eyes of Da Vinci with this walking tour
• Walk through the opulent Palazzo Vecchio
• Spend some time at Pitti Palace and the stunning Boboli Gardens

How to get to Florence

Florence is easily accessible by plane, train or car, making it simple to get to and from even if you’re just visiting for a short time.

If you’re doing a Europe road trip and plan on driving to Florence, it’s just over three hours north of Rome or just over four hours south of Milan, making it a great place to stop overnight between the two.

If you’re flying in, Florence’s airport is officially called Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (formally Amerigo Vespucci Airport, IATA code FLR). The airport is only 10 minutes from the city by car without traffic, or a 22 minute tram journey to the main train station on the T2 line.

And if you’re exploring Europe by train , Florence is easy to get to from main cities all over Italy. Rome to Florence takes 1h 35m on the high speed train, Milan to Florence is around two hours, and Venice to Florence is about 2h 15m. There are also cheaper regional trains available but these are slower.

If you’re travelling by train and just have one day in Florence, you can make use of self luggage storage in Florence to store your bags somewhere safe and secure while you explore the city.

How to get around Florence

Florence is a fairly small city and the best way to get around on a fine day is definitely to walk. Just make sure you wear comfy shoes, it’s all cobblestones and you might end up taking the 463 stairs up to the top of the Duomo’s dome!

Much of the city is pedestrian or authorised cars only, so if you’re renting a car in Italy , it’s best to park it at your hotel and utilise other transport options instead. If you’d like to catch a cab just be aware that taxis are quite expensive in Florence, the minimum charge is €3.30 or on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays it’s €5.30. There’s no Uber, the best way to catch a cab is to go to one of the designated taxi stands which they have at most major squares and landmarks.

There is a tram and bus network that connects the center storico (historic centre) with suburban Florence, but if you’re staying in the main city centre then walking is your best option.

There you have it, a whirlwind 24 hours in Florence! Of course there is plenty more to see and do in this stunning city but I hope your 1 day in Florence gives you a taste of what it has to offer, and maybe it’ll convince you to stay for longer next time.

If you think I’ve missed anything important or if you have any questions you need answered to help plan your 24 hours in Florence, let me know in the comments below or send me a message on Instagram @findingalexx .

Buon viaggio!

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In 2023, about 25 percent of Alaska flights used this system to shave a few minutes off flight times. Those efficiencies added up to about 41,000 minutes of flying time and half a million gallons of fuel saved, Mr. Baskaran said.

On the ground, American Airlines and others are working on an A.I.-powered system American calls Smart Gating — sending arriving aircraft to the nearest available gate with the shortest taxiing time, and if the scheduled arrival gate is in use, quickly determining the best alternate gate. All this could mean fewer frustrating minutes spent waiting on the tarmac.

American introduced Smart Gating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2021 and now employs it at six airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. The airline estimates it saves 17 hours a day in taxi time and 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel a year.

Mr. Mohan said that using A.I. as a virtual parking attendant could save up to 20 percent of taxiing time, with the highest benefits seen at the largest airports.

Faster and better customer service

Rapidly evolving generative A.I. — think ChatGPT — is helping airlines communicate with passengers better. At United, a companywide challenge last year yielded a plan to make texts sent to fliers more specific about what’s causing delays. Passengers can get frustrated when flights are delayed with no explanation, said Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer.

But tracking the details required, composing an appropriate message and sending it to the right people for 5,000 flights a day would be too much for the staff to handle, Mr. Birnbaum said. Generative A.I. can process all that data and create messages tailored to conditions. For example, passengers booked on a January United flight from San Francisco to Tucson received this text message, along with a new departure time and an apology: “Your inbound aircraft is arriving late due to airport runway construction in San Francisco that limited the number of arrivals and departures for all airlines earlier.”

Having a more detailed explanation can calm travelers’ nerves. Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst who flies about 150,000 miles a year, recalled receiving text messages last summer explaining that a storm and a related crew-scheduling problem had delayed his flight from Chicago. “Getting a specific reason for the delay made me feel like the airline had things under control,” he said.

Generative A.I. is also good at summarizing text, making it a powerful tool for wading through emails. Last year, Alaska was among the carriers that began using A.I. to handle customer messages more efficiently. The airline’s system “reads” each email and summarizes the issues raised.

“We used to read first in first out, handling the requests as they came in,” said Mr. Baskaran, but now the system helps prioritize emails. For example, an urgent request involving an upcoming flight may take precedence over a complaint about a past one.

The system also helps a human agent decide how to respond, such as offering the customer a voucher, and it may draft an initial written response. “The person makes the decision, but it’s streamlined,” Mr. Baskaran said.

For all the benefits A.I. promises to airlines and passengers, the technology still has some shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t always deliver accurate information. In 2022, an Air Canada chatbot incorrectly promised a traveler that if he booked a full-fare flight to a relative’s funeral, he could receive a bereavement fare after the fact. When he filed a small-claims case, Air Canada tried to argue that the bot was its own separate entity, “responsible for its own actions,” but a tribunal found Air Canada responsible and ordered it to pay about $800 in damages and fees.

Still, as A.I. develops and airlines race to find more uses for it, passengers could see even more benefits. “As a customer and a business person, this is one of the biggest technology disruptions in the last five to eight years,” Mr. Mohan said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article, in a quotation from Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at Alaska Airlines, misstated the number of gallons of fuel an artificial-intelligence-powered planning system saved the airline in 2023. It was half a million, not half a billion.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in Providence, Rhode Island: Top Things to Do

June 22, 2022 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

A Fun and Historic 24-Hour Providence RI Itinerary

The capital of Rhode Island, Providence, is one of the oldest cities in the United States with epic history and gorgeous neighborhoods and buildings.

Even if you just have one day or a weekend to spend in Providence, you’ll have enough time to experience the culture and beauty of the city.

And our detailed Providence itinerary will help you maximize your time while there!

While Providence is technically one of the largest cities in the region, it is eminently walkable, which helps to make it perfect for a 24-hour or weekend trip.

Often overlooked in favor of its trendier neighbors like Boston or Newport, Providence is bursting with historical architecture, beautiful water views, and mouthwatering eats for all palates and budgets.

Adding to its intrigue, most of the attractions in Providence are free or low-cost, which is a nice extra bonus. 

Quick History of Providence

Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Puritan minister who had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his then-controversial opinions of separating from the Church of England and ceasing the confiscation of land from Native American tribes.

He originally named the city “Providence Plantations,” but Plantations was removed from the name in the 2020 elections due to its historical connotations.

Rhode Island was the first of the 13 Colonies to declare its independence from England in May of 1776, and the state has a wealth of both historical and modern sites to explore.

24 Hours in Providence Itinerary

Read on for the ultimate one day in Providence itinerary, plus a bonus idea if you find yourself with a bit of extra time.  

1st Stop: Rhode Island State House

If you arrive in Providence by train, the Rhode Island State House is located right next to the train station — you can’t miss it! The gorgeous Neoclassical building rises above the downtown area and is well worth a visit. 

Fun fact: the dome is the 4th largest self-supporting dome in the world, preceded only by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, and the Taj Mahal in India. 

The State House is topped by a statue called “The Independent Man,” symbolizing the freedom of thought and entrepreneurial spirit of the smallest state in the U.S. 

The interior, if possible, is even more beautiful!

The original bas reliefs are stunning, and don’t miss the 1663 Colonial Charter, which established Rhode Island as one of the 13 Colonies and granted religious freedom by King Charles II. 

Free tours are available daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and can be reserved in advance. You can also “DIY” the tour using the self-guided brochure available.    

2nd Stop: Downtown Providence 

Surrounding the State House is the bustling downtown area of Providence. While not large, there is ample shopping, dining, and architecture to admire and it’s fun to dedicate some time to exploring the downtown area during your one day in Providence.

Follow the path of the river, and make sure you don’t miss the Providence City Hall, Customs House, Old Stone Bank, and Providence Performing Arts Center. 

The Providence RiverWalk and Waterplace Park feature an adorable cobblestone walking path, 3/4 of a mile in length. If you’d like to extend this walk, the Waterplace Park path is about 2 miles long.  

3rd Stop: College Hill 

College Hill is where Providence’s academic and historical glory truly stands out. Home to both Ivy League elite Brown University and the acclaimed Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the College Hill area is filled with historic architecture and scholastic scenery. 

Brown’s campus is Ivy League glory at its finest and beautiful to walk around. 

Also in College Hill, be sure not to miss the Providence Athenæum, a historic library built in 1836 featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves (complete with moving ladders!), cozy reading nooks, and beautiful natural light. 

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has a fabulous museum that is really worth a visit, with a lovingly curated collection of all sorts of art, ranging from old-school to modern. 

Another College Hill highlight is the variety of architecture and historic houses, dating back to the 18th century.

Some architectural styles to note include Georgian, Federal, Renaissance Revival, and more. The historic houses are protected by the city and are in outstanding condition. There are also several churches here, also built in a variety of historic styles, that are worth exploring.

One Day Tour Tip: The Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour can help you effortlessly see some of these attractions in just 90 minutes with time to walk around a couple of the destinations, too!

MORE POPULAR TOURS IN PROVIDENCE:

Read More: One Day in Newport, Rhode Island

4th Stop: Federal Hill and Dinner at Los Andes

Federal Hill, historically an Italian-American neighborhood similar to Boston’s North End, is filled with Italian eateries and cute decor.

Spend some time people-watching at the DePasquale Fountain, and perhaps pop into a bakery for an Italian cookie, pastry, or gelato. 

However, make sure not to get too full, as Federal Hill is also home to absolutely delicious Peruvian-Bolivian cuisine at Los Andes, where you absolutely should stop for dinner! Be sure to make a reservation, as this restaurant gets packed on weeknights and weekends alike.

Los Andes’ seafood platters, ceviche, and grilled meat platters are enormous and bursting with flavor, and its cocktails are unique and flavorful, too. The pisco sour is a particular favorite! 

Read More: Review of Siena Restaurant in Providence’s Federal Hill Neighborhood

5th Stop: Nightcap at the Avery or Ogie’s

In addition to its renowned cuisine, Providence also has a great bar scene, perfect for a nightcap after dinner.

In particular, hip speakeasy The Avery is a must-visit for quirky cocktails and a vintage, “Gatsby-esque” interior, complete with neat stained glass-style Art Deco artwork, wood-paneling, and an inviting menu. The mango lassi cocktail in particular is delicious, and you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. 

Alternatively, for something very spunky and different, check out Ogie’s Trailer Park, a delightfully kitschy “trailer park-themed” bar with adorable decor reminiscent of the 1950s, complete with inventive cocktails, late-night comfort food, and Americana galore. Their Moscow Mules are very, very good.    

Also, if you’re visiting on designated days between May and November, be sure to check if WaterFire is on display that night.

WaterFire is a public art installation of sculptures set on fire on the rivers downtown, and is a breathtaking and spectacular sight. If you have some flexibility about when you visit and are visiting during these months, try to plan around seeing this spectacular show! 

Bonus Thing to Do in Providence: Roger Williams Park

If you have some free time in the afternoon, check out Roger Williams Park.

Roger Williams Park is an absolute treasure. Comprising of over 400 acres of prime city real estate, natural splendor abounds here! 

Known as “The People’s Park,” you can spend anywhere from an hour or so on one of its walking paths to a full day here, relaxing on a picnic blanket, visiting the Roger Williams Park Zoo, or exploring the botanical center or Carousel Village, with its historic carousel. 

Visiting the park is free, but entrance to the zoo (which includes Carousel Village) costs $17.95 for adults.

Getting There and Getting Around Providence

If you’re already in New England, Providence is super easy to reach by train. As mentioned above, the train station is located right in the middle of the downtown area, and it is the most convenient way to explore the city. 

If you’re traveling from Boston, the commuter rail ride from Boston’s South Station to Providence takes less than an hour, with weekend fare discounts often available. 

Read More : One Day in Boston

You can also take the Amtrak from other New England cities like Concord, New Hampshire, or Portland, Maine. 

If the train schedules don’t align well with your plans, there is regular bus service from companies like Peter Pan between Newport and Providence or Boston and Providence. 

If you’d prefer to drive, beware of traffic. Parking is available, but can be challenging during peak periods. 

Once in Providence, it is easy to walk all over the city. While Providence doesn’t have a metro, it does have an interconnected series of buses called the RIPTA, as well as a trolley and hop-on-hop-off tour buses for tourists.

Where to Stay in Providence

Providence has a vast array of accommodation options from hotels to B&Bs to vacation rentals. If short on time, staying in the city center is ideal. This handy maps show you hotels and vacation rentals all in one place so you can easily compare.

The Graduate Hotel is where One Day in a City founder, Gina, stayed while in Providence. However, back then it was called the Biltmore. She loved her stay in this historic hotel which is over 100 years old! The lobby was fantastically gilded with a turn of the 19th century feel.

The rooms are on the smaller side, which helped to keep the price of the room down. Though the rooms are small, they are well-appointed and comfortable. They were also renovated after the hotel became the Graduate so Gina wants to go back and check them out again! You can check them out now here .

—> Click here to see more pictures and prices for the Graduate Hotel.

Enjoy your time in Providence, Rhode Island!

About the Author: Tegan and Alex are travel, hiking, and biking enthusiasts currently based in Boston, Massachusetts. There is nothing they love more than exploring new places by walking, and they have visited over 30 countries together since they met in 2015. Their love for “walking the world” led them to found Why Not Walk , a travel guides site. Follow them on Instagram , Facebook , or Pinterest to start planning your next adventure.

Found this article helpful? Share on Pinterest!

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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Memorial Day weekend 2024 travel will be busiest at these times: How to avoid traffic jams

If you’re traveling for Memorial Day weekend , be prepared to run into some crowds. The next holiday weekend – taking place May 25 to 27 – is slated to see a record-breaking number of travelers, according to AAA. 

A projected 43.8 million Americans are expected to pack their bags for trips over 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend – a 4% increase from last year and close to 2005’s previous record of 44 million. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, in a press release. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Both roads and airports will be extremely busy, with a historic number of roadtrippers since AAA began tracking data in 2000. That’s 38.4 million drivers, up 4% from last year. 

A predicted 3.51 million airline passengers are expected to hit the skies over the holiday weekend, a 4.8% increase from 2023. This will make for the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, AAA said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s everything you need to know about traffic if you’re hoping for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Summer is just around the corner. Here's everything you need to know for your summertime trip.

What are the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekend travel?

Most popular domestic destinations:

• Las Vegas, 
• Anaheim/Los Angeles

Most popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, Canada

What are the best times to drive for Memorial Day weekend? 

To avoid the worst traffic, drivers leaving for their long weekend trip on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, should hit the road before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday. 

Travelers driving on Saturday, May 25, who leave before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m., will be able to avoid the worst traffic jams. On Sunday, drivers should head out before 1 p.m. to avoid the worst congestion. 

Travelers returning home on Monday, May 27, should embark after 7 p.m. if they want to dodge peak traffic. 

What are the worst times to drive by car for Memorial Day weekend?

Travelers should expect the worst traffic on Thursday between noon and 6 p.m. 

Friday between noon and 7 p.m. since they’ll encounter commuter congestion as well. 

Over the weekend, peak traffic is anticipated to be between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

On Memorial Day, drivers heading back home can expect peak traffic between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., aka peak rush hour time.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

Travelers who are going through major metropolitan areas should unfortunately expect travel times to be up to 90% longer than usual, according to Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Pishue said in a statement. 

• Worst route: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E
• Worst day: Saturday, May 25
• Worst time: 4:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 31 minutes
• 54% increased travel time
• Worst route: Manchester to Boston via I-93 S
• Worst day: Sunday, May 26
• Worst time: 8:45 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
• 50% increased travel time 
• Worst route: Milwaukee to Chicago via I-94 E 
• Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
• 27% increased travel time
• Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 
• Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
• 56% increased travel time

Los Angeles

• Worst route: LA to Bakersfield via I-5 N 
• Worst day: Thursday, May 23
• Worst time: 6:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• 84% increased travel time
• Worst route: New York to Albany via I-87N 
• Worst time: 11:45 a.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 37 minutes

Philadelphia

• Worst route: Philadelphia to Baltimore/DC 
• Worst day: Friday, May 24
• Worst time: 7:30 a.m.
• 64% increased travel time

San Francisco

• Worst route:  San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E
• Worst time: 11 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Washington, D.C.

• Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Pkwy N 
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
• 72% increased travel time

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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TSA is prepared for busiest summer travel season ever

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer’s travel season, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day. TSA forecasts Friday, May 24, to be the busiest travel day of the long Memorial Day weekend, anticipating nearly three million passengers. From May 23 to May 29, the agency expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew, representing a checkpoint volume increase of approximately 6.4% compared to the same period in 2023.

“In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been.”

TSA is continuing to modernize airport security checkpoints across the country with a focus on enhanced detection methods to best secure the aviation system. This summer, airline passengers can expect to encounter some of those latest checkpoint technologies and recommends several important travel tips. These include:

Tip 1: Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance. TSA is using the second generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which features the same capabilities as the CAT, confirming the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credentials with their acceptable photo identification credential along with their flight details and pre-screening status, but with an added camera feature. The passenger may voluntarily agree to have a real-time photo taken of them to verify their identity using their TSA-acceptable identification credential. The facial recognition technology TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Keep your boarding pass tucked away. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology. Passengers who do not want their photo taken may ask the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for a manual ID check without penalty and losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see TSA’s Privacy Impact Assessments , Fact Sheet and biometrics technology webpage s.

Several airports have installed Computed Tomography (CT) units. These units significantly improve scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSOs the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to physically search the contents of the bag. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Passengers are also reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.

To date, TSA has deployed 2,050 CAT units to 223 airports. Among those, 238 CAT units represent the second generation (CAT-2) technology and are located in 84 airports nationwide. Additionally, TSA has deployed more than 820 CT units to more than 240 airports nationwide.

Screening protocols may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment, so it is important for passengers to follow the TSO’s directions.

Tip 2: Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a firearm , but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter.

TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck ® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.

Tip 3: Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. If you’re heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Tip 4: Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov.

Tip 5: TSA PreCheck ® members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With nearly 20 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline reservations have the passenger’s correct KTN, full name and date of birth so they can truly “Travel with Ease.” Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA’s wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes. 

If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck and appreciate faster passenger checkpoint screening, we encourage you to enroll with one of TSA’s enrollment providers starting at $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting at $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information about enrolling or renewing in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.

Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.

Tip 7: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.

Tip 8: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device or over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7. Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something ® . Those traveling abroad for the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.

For additional information about changes to air travel please see the Department of Transportation’s recent announcement .

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This Is When Traffic Will Be Worst for Memorial Day Weekend, According to AAA

Time to start planning for the holiday.

alexandragl1/Getty Images

More than 43 million Americans are expected to travel for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and a record number of those will hit the roads, making it essential travelers plan their road trips ahead.

In total, 43.8 million travelers are forecast to travel 50 miles or more from their homes, according to AAA , representing a 4 percent increase compared to last year. Of those, 38.4 million are expected to travel by car, the highest number for the Memorial Day holiday weekend since AAA started tracking data in 2000.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.” 

When it comes to road trips , most people are expected to pile into their cars on Thursday, May 23, and on Friday, May 24. Drivers hoping to avoid the worst traffic should set out super early to avoid competing with commuters, according to AAA. Those coming home on Sunday or Monday should similarly avoid the afternoon hours.

Overall, the best time to hit the road on Thursday is before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m., while the best time to travel on Friday is before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. On Sunday, the best travel time to avoid congestion is before 1 p.m., while travelers are best off leaving after 7 p.m. on Monday.

Not all cities will see the same traffic, of course. The Tampa, Florida, area is expected to see one of the biggest traffic increases with up to an 88 percent bump in traffic on Sunday morning along I-75 S, while the Los Angeles area is expected to see up to an 84 percent increase in traffic on Thursday evening along I-5 N.

Beyond roads, more than 3.5 million travelers are expected to take to the skies, leading to crowded airports — the most crowded since 2005. These Memorial Day weekend air travel numbers represent a 4.8 percent increase compared to last year and a 9 percent increase compared to 2019. 

An additional 1.9 million travelers are forecast to use other transportation like buses, cruises , and trains . That’s a 5.6 percent increase compared to last year, according to AAA.

“Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways,” Twidale said.

Related Articles

Watch CBS News

Memorial Day weekend 2024 could be busiest for travel in nearly 20 years

By Kris Van Cleave

Updated on: May 14, 2024 / 4:04 PM EDT / CBS News

This year is expected to be one of the busiest travel years in nearly two decades, with about 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles, according to AAA.

Joy Noelle Balanag booked her vacation months ago, hoping to beat the potentially record-breaking summer rush.

"I definitely am excited for this travel season. 2024 feels just like almost a breath of fresh air," she told CBS News. "I do plan on traveling on airplanes. I do plan on taking my car. Just, like, seeing where this summer season takes me."

Balanag won't be alone. This Memorial Day weekend, AAA is expecting a nearly 5% bump in airline travel over last year and United Airlines alone is planning to fly more than half a million people a day from May 23 through May 28, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend ever. Delta is expecting 3 million passengers total over that same stretch, a 5% increase for the airline from 2023. American Airlines said it's preparing for 3.9 million customers over the long Memorial Day weekend.

Most travelers will drive that weekend, however, with AAA predicting a record 38.4 million people will hit the road. That's a 4% increase from last year. Gas prices are similar to where they were last year, up about 8 cents a gallon nationally compared to last Memorial Day weekend.

"It goes back to that bucket list, YOLO, you only live once mentality, Aixa Diaz of AAA told CBS News. "A lot of people are now going, 'You know what? Let's not take those trips we always take with our families. Let's get a little bit more adventurous.'"

One of the fastest-growing travel options since the COVID-19 pandemic is cruising.

The industry is expecting a new record high of nearly 35 million passengers this year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. For the thousands on board the Carnival Firezne cruise ship's inaugural sold-out sailing, which began in late April, vacation season started early.

Passenger Jeanine Stage of Arizona told CBS News what she likes best about cruising is, "That you get to go to multiple destinations and you unpack your suitcase once."

"You got food, entertainment, even the casino, if you're into that, there's shows," she said.

All told, AAA is predicting 2024 will finish just narrowly behind 2005 as the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend since it began keeping track in 2000.

AAA expects the busiest time on the roads will be from noon to 7 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day. United Airlines said that Thursday will be its busiest of the holiday weekend.

Among the top destinations this year: Florida, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Denver.

• Memorial Day

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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I used to be a public school teacher. Now I work as a 'middleman' government contractor and can travel when I want to.

• Wes Fisher worked as a teacher when he signed his first government contract in 2020.
• Fisher spends about an hour a day managing his contracts — he now has 14.
• The ability to work remotely has given him the opportunity to travel and work on personal projects.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Wes Fisher, a 35-year-old government contractor. This essay has been edited for length and clarity. Business Insider verified his identity, contracts, and earnings.

I used to be a special-ed teacher at a public school in Ohio, making around $50,000 annually. I worked with students who faced a wide range of challenges and it was tough work.

During the pandemic, I decided I would use my stimulus check to invest in a course. I looked into Amazon, crypto, day trading, and Airbnb.

One day, I stumbled upon someone in a podcast interview talking about working as a "middleman" for the government. The rest is history.

Working as a middleman

There are different kinds of roles involved in government contracting . I work as a middleman, which means I'm the prime contractor and I bid on the opportunity. To do so, I go to sam.gov and register my company.

The government then gives me an identifier called a cage code, which is attached to my company. Then I bid on the contracts myself by submitting a proposal, which explains how much I plan to charge and how I will do the work.

If I win an opportunity, I hire subcontractors to do the work.

For example, if I were to get a contract for chimney cleaning, I would partner with a professional chimney cleaning company. They would do the work and I would manage the deal.

The middleman strategy works because the government is looking for value-added services . A company may be great at what they do, but it may not know about government opportunities or how the bidding process works. My role is to get in touch with companies that can do the job and then make sure they complete it.

I manage the team's schedule, invoice their hours, and do the administrative tasks.

People are attracted to this job because it can be done here at my house with my computer. I have contracts in California, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida and Louisiana. I have a contract in Louisiana for pest control, but I'm not the one setting up the traps.

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I don't physically do it, but I add the value of coordinating the deal and making sure the job gets done.

I've signed 14 contracts

I've signed 14 contracts since I started in 2020 and I have five active contracts that I'm running and getting paid for. I've signed contracts in all kinds of sectors, including landscaping, HVAC cleaning, and construction.

My first contract was for Catholic services in the federal prison in California. I'm not Catholic and I don't live in California, but I won a five-year contract for Catholic services.

So I found a chaplain to do the job. I've only spoken to him on the phone and I don't even know what he looks like. But when he goes to that prison, I get paid.

Eventually, I signed a five-year contract to lease fleet vehicles to Forest Services in Utah, in which the government could request up to $1 million in vehicle orders.

As a pre-approved vendor for this contract, the government could choose my company to carry out the orders over a five-year period and pay up to $1 million. I get paid in increments depending on the length of my contracts and I also have to pay my subcontractors — so I don't get a $1 million paycheck from that contract.

But overall, I'm managing the deals from afar and made a profit of around $75,000 last year from government contracting without doing the physical work.

I put in about an hour of work on government contracting every day

I spend about an hour a day on government contracting. I'm not the one cutting the grass, so there's nothing for me to do on a day-to-day basis with my contracts.

I have a team member that I work with now as well, and we work on finding opportunities, getting quotes, and submitting proposals. I submit one proposal a day to the federal government because it's not about getting rich tomorrow, it's about securing as many contracts as possible.

It takes me about two or three minutes to find 10 opportunities available, then about 10 minutes to look up companies that do the job, and then I spend the rest of the hour calling them and seeing who would be interested and available for the job.

I'm not always submitting the proposal that same day, but I'm in a continuous cycle of identifying opportunities and I always have companies in the pipeline for proposals.

The mobility freedom has been a game changer

The biggest difference with my lifestyle now is I can stay at home and make more money while doing so. That's a level of freedom I never had before.

Now that I've won multiple contracts, I also have time to work on other personal projects. Since starting this work, I've been able to create my own online course in government contracting.

The lifestyle change has given me the opportunity to travel at my own discretion. Dubai and Jamaica were my biggest highlights last year.

I recently went on a spontaneous train ride from Chicago to San Francisco. My friend texted me and asked me if I wanted to go, and I thought, why not? I'm currently on a trip in Panama.

Have you found success in government contracting? Email the reporter at [email protected].

Watch: Nearly 50,000 tech workers have been laid off — but there's a hack to avoid layoffs

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2024 Memorial Day Weekend Travel Expected to Approach Record

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Memorial Day weekend may be the busiest in almost 20 years.

This year, AAA projects that 43.8 million people in the U.S. will travel at least 50 miles from home Thursday, May 23, to Monday, May 27. That’s a 4% increase over the same 5-day period around Memorial Day last year, and just shy of the record 44 million record set in 2005.

Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel said in a statement, “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Here’s what to expect if you are traveling by air or car on the first holiday weekend of the summer, and how to avoid the crowds.

Air travel will be busy …

The number of travelers traveling by air Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the highest since 2005. AAA predicts 3.51 million people will fly over the 5-day period, a nearly 5% increase from last year and 9% more than in 2019.

Most flyers should have been able to snag slightly less expensive Memorial Day flights compared to 2023 travelers. Flight prices in 2024 have been down at least 5% year-over-year each month from January to April, according to Consumer Price Index data.

If you haven’t booked your flights yet (or your plans are flexible), consider extending your trip to avoid the crowds. The least busy days to fly around Memorial Day are the Tuesday or Saturday before the holiday or the Wednesday after, according to a NerdWallet analysis of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) throughput data.

Holding a TSA PreCheck , Global Entry or Clear membership is one way to avoid the crowds and skip long lines at airport security checkpoints during Memorial Day weekend, but even those lines might be slightly slower than usual. TSA PreCheck membership has ballooned to 19 million people, up from 15 million people this time last year.

But the car traffic will be worse

The spike in air travel is nothing compared to the congestion road trippers can expect Memorial Day weekend. AAA estimates nearly 38 million people will travel by car over the holiday weekend, more than 10 times the number of air travelers.

Gas prices are expected to remain around last year’s national average of $3.57 per gallon for Memorial Day weekend, but could increase over the summer. Since the start of 2024, gas prices have been inching up.

To avoid the worst congestion, INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, recommends avoiding afternoon and evening traffic, especially on the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day to avoid mixing with commuter traffic. The best time to return home on Memorial Day is after 7 p.m.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Extraordinary caution advised. Very high danger of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Stay indoors in air conditioning or a well-ventilated area away from direct sun exposure.

Outdoor activity is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Loose fitting, light colored cotton clothing is recommended.

Extreme caution advised. High danger of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Most outdoor activity is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Significant caution advised. Danger of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Most outdoor activity is dangerous, especially for older adults, infants, and those with sensitive medical conditions.

Caution advised. Danger of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps if outside for extended periods, and especially while doing strenuous activities.

Minimize outdoor activity, especially for older adults, infants, and those with sensitive medical conditions.

Older adults, infants, and those with sensitive medical conditions, should minimize outdoor activity and stay indoors in air conditioning or a well-ventilated area away from direct sun exposure.

Caution advised. Possible danger of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps if outside for extended periods, and especially while doing strenuous activities.

Older adults, infants, and those with sensitive medical conditions should minimize outdoor activity, especially in the sunshine.

Most consider this temperature range ideal.

Light jacket or sweater may be appropriate.

Jacket or sweater is recommended.

Coats and hats are appropriate, consider gloves and a scarf.

Caution advised. Older adults, infants, and those with sensitive medical conditions, should be well dressed to protect from hypothermia and frostbite. Coat, hat, gloves and a scarf are appropriate.

Caution advised. Frostbite to exposed skin within 15 minutes. Hypothermia likely without protective clothing.

Limited outdoor activity recommended. Wear winter clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.

Caution advised. Frostbite to exposed skin within 8 minutes. Hypothermia likely without protective clothing.

Outdoor activity can be dangerous and should be limited. Wear thick winter clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.

Significant caution advised. Frostbite to exposed skin within 2 minutes. Hypothermia likely without protective clothing.

Outdoor activity can be dangerous and should be limited. Wear thick winter clothing that covers nearly all exposed skin.

Great caution advised. Frostbite to exposed skin within 1 minute. Hypothermia likely without protective clothing.

Outdoor activity is very dangerous and potentially life threatening. Stay in a heated area or, if outdoor activity is necessary, it should be limited to a few minutes and only if all skin surfaces are covered.

Extreme caution advised. Frostbite to exposed skin within 30 seconds. Hypothermia likely without protective clothing.

Outdoor activity is extremely dangerous and life threatening. Stay in a heated area or, if outdoor activity is necessary, it should be limited to a few minutes and only if all skin surfaces are covered.

Extraordinary caution advised. Frostbite to exposed skin within 20 seconds. Hypothermia likely without protective clothing.

Outdoor activity is extraordinarily dangerous and life threatening. Stay in a heated area.

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