A gross airplane bathroom is the wrong place to do this, experts say — and you should follow their advice
Flying might feel high-tech — but beneath the surface, it can get pretty gross.
In fact, some experts warn that the water on board airplanes is so questionable, they wouldn't even wash their hands with it.
While tray tables and overhead bins are known germ zones, it's the airplane bathroom that deserves the most caution.
'The toilets are regularly cleaned, but the locks and door handles are not,' Josephine Remo, a flight attendant and travel blogger, told Travel and Leisure.
Even more concerning: studies show onboard water tanks may harbor harmful bacteria. A 2017 study in the Annals of Microbiology found over 50 strains of bacteria in ice used on planes.
'My takeaway from doing the research was to not drink the coffee and the tea. At all,' Charles Platkin, the author of the study and the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, told Travel and Leisure.
He also echoed his team's findings, saying that he avoids washing his hands with water as well. He uses hand wipes instead.
A former flight attendant also revealed to The Sun that the bathrooms onboard don't have great ventilation.
'The airplane loo is essentially a cupboard, with no clean air. There is no window, and the air ventilation is poor,' the unnamed attendant said.
'This means that every time you go to the loo, not only are you breathing in the air of many others who have 'done their business' before you (especially if it's a long-haul flight), but you could also be breathing in potential feces particles, circulating [in] the air after a toilet flush.'
They recommend wearing a mask when entering the bathroom — or avoiding it altogether, if possible.
If you need to brush your teeth during the flight, it's best to use bottled water, as the expert warns that the water is unfiltered and not in the best condition.
Experts suggest packing hand sanitizer, using disinfectant wipes and being mindful of bathroom surfaces.
'I try to avoid the restroom if possible,' Shanina Knighton, a research associate professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, told Travel and Leisure, 'but when I must go, I'm careful about what I touch.
'I wouldn't want to start a vacation with a stomach bug because of unsafe water exposure,' Knighton said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-pine-cay-island-exploration-ALISTMARIA1124-55e8fcf88d2f48d6bd37a0a8277ac423.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Under-the-radar Island Near Turks and Caicos Has Glow Worms, Turquoise Waters, and No Crowds
Several of the islands within the Turks and Caicos archipelago have that rare combination of being easy to get to—Providenciales International Airport (PLS) offers direct flights from many major U.S. cities—while simultaneously feeling a world away from work emails, other travelers, and any of life's everyday stressors. They also boast some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, with Provo's Grace Bay often taking the top spot as the best of the best. One look at the clear blue waters of Grace Bay may tempt you to plan a trip, but there's a neighboring island that has similar beaches—possibly even better ones, depending on who you ask—but without any of the crowds that form from the main island's roster of resorts and other services catering to tourists. It's also the perfect jumping-off point for witnessing an almost supernatural light show from glow worms, also known as Bermuda fireworms or Odontosyllis enopla , which illuminate a green light during the mating cycle. The 800-acre private island of Pine Cay is just a 20-minute boat ride from Providenciales, and it's home to the eponymous luxury resort, Pine Cay. 'Socially distanced by design, we have 3 miles of privately owned beach to be shared among 30 privileged guests. There are no inhabitants other than our guests,' general manager Christian Langlade tells Travel + Leisure. Yes, you may spot a few fellow travelers on the beach, but everyone has their own dedicated beach chair and tiki hut setup—and you're encouraged to roam the island at your leisure, snorkeling directly off the pristine coast, casting for bonefish, or venturing out to a nearby sandbar. In fact, the only time you may run into other guests, outside of meals, is when everyone sets off on a cruise to see the glow worms in action. 'The glow worms happen every month during the three days after a full moon phase,' explains Langlade. 'We have an organized excursion with a private boat that takes our guests to the most prolific area where the bioluminescent creatures transform dark shallow waters into otherworldly landscapes. This typically happens on the other side of the island, known as 'the flats.'' Although it's certainly visually impressive, it's also rooted in science. 'Spawning females swim in slow circles secreting a bright bluish-green luminous mucus while releasing gametes. Males swim rapidly toward glowing females while emitting short flashes of light in advance of releasing their own gametes,' states a 2018 study published in the PLOS journal by several scientists associated with the American Museum of Natural History. Even if your visit doesn't align with the incredible glow worm light display, there are still several reasons to have Pine Cay on your vacation shortlist. 'December to April offers excellent visibility, flat water, and the opportunity to see migrating humpback whales,' says Langlade, noting that his favorite time is May to August, 'when waters warm up to a perfect temperature and proud mothers introduce their baby bottlenose dolphins.'
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-BUDGETPARIS0725-08436843e90c4a6f91d241cfb6613262.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
I've Lived in France for 10+ Years—Here's How to Visit Paris on a Budget
Despite living in France for nearly a dozen years, I still swoon every time I see the Eiffel Tower lit up. Calling Paris romantic is an understatement—the city has inspired poets and artists, who still pilgrimage here today in search of inspiration that can be found in nearly every turn, in every arrondissement. The city is a must-visit destination for many, but you don't need to shell out on splashy hotels and haute cuisine to experience the best Paris has to offer. A fresh baguette and beautiful bottle of wine on the Seine can be just as memorable as a Michelin-starred meal. With the right planning, you can have the trip of a lifetime in Paris without breaking the bank—here's everything you need to know. A busy Paris park on a sunny day. Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure While it's always a good idea to visit Paris, some seasons are busier than others, particularly around the end of May during Roland-Garros (the French Open), the summer months, and around Christmas and New Year's. While hotels and airfare may be lower in the winter, Paris can be wet and cold—not ideal for strolling and sightseeing, but great for museums and cozying up in warm cafes. 'To keep to a budget, timing is key,' says Mark Bonte, co-founder and CEO of French Side Travel. 'Booking your trip at least six months in advance means you're getting not only better availability for top guides and iconic hotels, but better pricing as well.' It seems like my social calendar is consistently packed with friends visiting the city from May through July—and this is actually the time of year I skip town to avoid the crowds. This is also the most expensive time to visit; those looking to save money should aim for the shoulder seasons in October and November or February and March. As a travel writer who plans trips that revolve entirely around restaurants, I'm often asked the best places to try in Paris and when to book. Even in low season, Paris has become busy enough that nearly every sought-after restaurant requires a reservation—especially classics like Le Bistrot Paul Bert, which only accepts reservations via phone. This isn't New York, though. Unless you're planning a splurge-worthy meal at triple Michelin-starred Plénitude, whose waiting list is months long, you can reserve three weeks to a month in advance at most. And while most spots are known to shut in August for summer holidays, this is slowly changing as more restaurants keep their doors open or host pop-ups with guest chefs. I'm one of the few people in Paris who actually wants to be in town this time of year, enjoying long, balmy summer days sipping rosé on rooftop terraces or sprawled on a blanket sunbathing in my neighborhood park, Buttes Chaumont. The exterior of Palais Royal. Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish recommends booking flights on a Sunday, which can save up to 17 percent compared to Friday bookings, and departing on a Thursday instead of a Sunday, which also saves around 17 percent. If you're flexible, Fish says you can score deals on last-minute trips as well. Last year, the sweet spot was around 60 days, but this year, the best deals (around 10 percent off) have been between 18 and 29 days out. 'If this is cutting it too close, use Price Drop Protection on the Expedia app,' she advises. 'Add it to your flight booking and get an automatic refund if the price of your flight drops on Expedia after you've booked.' Business-class-only La Compagnie offers daily flights between New York and Paris, with round-trip prices starting at $2,500—a fraction of the cost of other business-class fares. Another budget-friendly option is low-cost carrier French Bee, with one-way fares from New York to Paris Orly starting at $118. Air France also has its twice-annual Le Rendez-Vous promotional periods in late summer or early fall and winter, and it's when travelers can find some of the best prices of the year. 'For travelers looking to experience Paris in style without splurging, winter and the shoulder seasons are ideal,' says Christian Vernet, CEO of La Compagnie, who recommends booking two to three months in advance and staying flexible with your travel dates. 'Our best deals to Paris are typically available for travel in January, February, and again in the fall, particularly from late September through November.' By using tools like price tracking on the Expedia app or setting up Google Flights alerts, you can compare prices and snag the best one when a deal pops up. With Expedia's Flight Deals tool, for example, you can search for flights departing from your home airport anywhere in the world and see where to fly for less. Right now, it's showing round-trip flights to Paris from New York JFK in August for around $438 (40 percent less than the typical price), while round-trip flights from Los Angeles are 45 percent less than usual, around $681. Mr. Tripper/Courtesy of Château des Fleurs 'The beauty of Paris is that it isn't a weather-dependent destination—no matter the time of year, there is something to do and reason to find yourself in the City of Light,' says Bonte. "Travelers are often faced with inflated prices because they don't know where to look and go to what they have heard of or what pops up on a quick search—and these properties will often be more expensive due to their brand recognition.' Bonte suggests that to get the most out of your money, look at boutique hotels like Hôtel La Fantaisie, Hôtel Hana, and Château des Fleurs. Visiting in off or low season months like early December or January through March (outside of events like Fashion Week) is also when you'll find lower hotel rates, especially at some of the more sought-after five-star and Palace properties. August is when locals flee the city and many restaurants shut for summer holidays, but it's also 'a rare opportunity to experience Paris at a gentler pace,' says Magalie Murillo, general manager of SO/ Paris, adding that hotel rates are lower during this time. 'With many Parisians away, the city reveals a more intimate side, ideal for wandering through the quiet streets of the Marais, enjoying riverside walks along the Seine, or admiring Notre Dame without the crowds.' Airbnbs can be a budget-friendly alternative to a hotel, especially for groups or families traveling together. Similar to hotels, look outside of the landmark-heavy arrondissements and popular neighborhoods like Le Marais, opting instead for an area like Bastille or Belleville, where you'll still be centrally located but may find better deals. Ask any local the quickest way to get around Paris, and they'll all give you the same response: le métro . A single ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for two hours (as long as you're connecting and not leaving the network) on the metro, bus, funicular, express tram, and RER (suburban railway system). If you download the Bonjour RATP app, you can purchase tickets at a reduced price and get the latest updated information on any service changes or strikes that may be taking place. If you're planning a full day of sightseeing, opt for a one-day Navigo unlimited travel pass, which costs €12 a day and offers access across the Paris region. You can also purchase airport tickets through the app, as well as at ticket booths in both Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Tickets cost €13 and include access on the RER B from Châtelet in central Paris, as well as Metro Line 14, which runs to Orly Airport and connects to major metro stations like Gare de Lyon, Châtelet, and Pyramides (near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden). If you're comfortable on two wheels, you'll find the Vélib' city bike stations scattered all around the city with options for a single ride (€3 for a classic bike or e-bike for up to 45 minutes), 24-hour pass (€5 for a classic bike or €10 for an e-bike), or three-day pass for €20. Uber and Bolt are the main rideshare apps in Paris, and while prices surge during major events like Fashion Week or when it's heavily raining, you can snag deals and price reductions (particularly on Bolt), which can make it a more affordable option than a traditional G7 taxi. I've found the Citymapper app to be the most accurate when it comes to navigating Paris, since it pulls in the time and price for each mode of transport—and helps you map out the quickest route on the metro or bus. A busy street in Paris with outdoor dining. Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure 'If you're willing to shell out a bit more, one of the best ways to get a taste of Paris's famous fine dining without the exorbitant price tag is to take advantage of the weekday prix-fixe lunch,' says Emily Monaco, a Paris-based journalist who runs culinary tours and plans bespoke itineraries for visitors in Paris. 'Chantoiseau's €29 lunch deal is a total steal given the quality and precision—not to mention the address in the heart of Montmartre.' La formule , a prix-fixe, seasonally driven menu of two or three courses, is offered at some of the city's buzziest bistros, like natural wine favorites Café les deux Gares, Paloma Belleville, and Le Maquis—and typically costs around €18 for a starter, main, and dessert. If you want to indulge in a splashier meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, reserve for lunch, when you'll still get the full experience but at a more accessible price point. At one-starred Substance in the 16th arrondissement, for example, a three-course lunch is €68. 'There are loads of restaurants in Paris that won't break the bank, like Brasserie des Prés, a charming néo-brasserie located down a picturesque cobbled street just off Boulevard Saint-Germain,' says Monaco, adding that the poireaux vinaigrette (leeks vinaigrette) with toasted hazelnuts is her favorite in Paris. 'The dining room is built around one of the few remaining pieces of Paris's medieval fortifying wall, and they even make their own ice cream in-house! I also love the Lebanese sandwiches from Le Cèdre just off Place de la Contrescarpe in the Latin Quarter and the delicious Thai food at Funky Ba—you can easily eat well for under €15 at either spot.' What started in the 19th century for the working class to eat affordably, the bouillon concept has more recently been revived in the city thanks to Art Nouveau-style spots like Bouillon Julien and Bouillon Pigalle, with its retro red leather banquettes and mirrored walls. The philosophy is still the same: French classics like steak-frites and Burgundian escargots bathed in garlic and parsley served all day long. Prices start as low as €2.50 for eggs mayonnaise and €13 for duck confit with fries, with a pitcher of wine equivalent to the size of a bottle for around €12. 'I love to assemble a picnic of top-notch produce to enjoy somewhere beautiful,' says Monaco, adding that the Canal Saint-Martin is a popular spot among locals, especially in summer when picnic tables are set up. 'I get cheese from Fromagerie Fernin, which specializes in phenomenal raw milk specialties and loads of rare goat cheeses ideal for summer. Pair them with a bottle of natural wine from Les Caves Saint-Martin, fresh berries from locavore grocery store satiō, and organic sourdough from bakery Sain, and you'll have a Michelin-worthy picnic on your hands.' There's a reason why Paris is a city for flâneurs —its leafy boulevards and sprawling parks are designed for strolling. 'Something we suggest to most of our clients is a gourmet walking tour of one of Paris's iconic neighborhoods,' says Bonte. 'Rather than planning a more typical walking tour followed by a separate lunch, you can get two in one and engage all your senses on your visit to Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or even Paris's covered passages.' If you're planning to check multiple museums off your list, the Paris Museum Pass offers access to some of the most famous in the city, including the Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and even the Château de Versailles (a two-day pass costs €70). Museums in Paris are generally on the more affordable side, although some require you to book for a specific time. Tickets for the Fondation Louis Vuitton are €16, but popular exhibits like David Hockney 25 require reserving a few days in advance since slots fill quickly. When my parents visited, we skipped the Louvre in favor of smaller museums and galleries like the Musée Gustave Moreau, meaning fewer crowds and time waiting in line—plus, tickets are nearly half the price. One of the best ways to get acquainted with the city is from the water, but instead of booking a pricey dinner cruise, I'll often take friends in town on one of the iconic Bateaux Mouches, a €17, 70-minute boat ride along the Seine that passes landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Another option that debuted this summer: swimming in the Seine, with three new sites paying tribute to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. As a fashion capital, Paris is a city people visit specifically for shopping the gilded grands magasins department stores like Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette, as well as haute flagships like Hermès and Louis Vuitton. While the tax refund on items from the same brand purchased over a maximum of three days and totaling €100+ is one way to save on bigger-ticket items, the best time to snag deals is during the twice-annual sale season. Taking place in early January and late June, les soldes is the French equivalent of Black Friday, with prices reaching nearly 70 to 80 percent off as they drop in stages over the course of four weeks. If you have time for a day trip, The Bicester Collection's La Vallée Village is a destination in itself, with more than 110 outlets from designers like Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Chloé, and Prada offering deals up to 70 percent off. Located about 40 minutes from the city center, you can hop on a direct Shopping Express shuttle from Bercy in East Paris (€25 round-trip) or take the RER A to the Val d'Europe station. While shopping, you'll be treated to some of the best of Paris eats, from the Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse gourmet chocolate shop to Menu Palais, a restaurant serving up reimagined French classics designed by three-starred chef Christian Le Squer, of Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. The Village is also just five minutes from Disneyland Paris, if you plan to combine shopping and a day at the theme park.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-coimbra-RETIREPORTUGAL0625-57d3c3eb17b8472c8a14e78f627d6d59.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
10 Best Places to Retire in Portugal, According to Locals and Expats
Time and time again, Portugal makes its way onto lists of the best places to retire around the world. And as a newly minted local, it's easy for me to see why. Four years ago, I hopped on a plane to relocate to Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, to pursue my PhD and have a brand-new adventure. And while I may not be ready for retirement yet, the country has most certainly made its case, maybe even convincing me to stay well into my golden years. Portugal offers a rare balance of nature and culture that travelers adore, along with a strong public healthcare system and a relaxed pace of life that is sought after for retirees. It also remains relatively affordable for immigrants, although prices are increasing for locals. Still, its golden beaches, cliffside villages, and vineyard-covered valleys pack an incredibly attractive punch. But before you move here, or anywhere, experts want you to ask yourself one question: Is this really forever? 'One of the most important questions to ask yourself is: Is this a forever move, or just a chapter?' Colleen Showalter, the CEO and co-founder of relocation agency Portugal the Place, told Travel + Leisure . 'Some people move to Portugal thinking they'll stay forever, only to find they miss family back home or want to return later in life. Others settle in and can't imagine leaving.' That understanding is key, especially when it comes to finances, healthcare access, and obtaining the right visa if you do decide to move. While Portugal's D7 and new digital nomad visas are widely used by retirees, managing immigration paperwork, tax structures, and healthcare enrollment can be a heavy lift here without the right guidance. 'Start with patience,' Showalter said. 'There's a learning curve; having support helps.' And that's why every time I get a text, email, or DM asking for tips, my first response is always, "invest in a good lawyer." Still, all that paperwork can certainly be worth it. But next is finding the right place to live, because, while Portugal may be small, there's a lot more to the country than just Lisbon and Porto. 'This move isn't just about finding a cheaper or sunnier place to live," Showalter said. "It's about how you want to spend your time, who you want around you, and what kind of life you're trying to build.' Ready to explore the spots that will make the perfect place for your retirement in Portugal? Here are 10 destinations outside of the major cities that offer something for every kind of retiree. Cityscape of Obidos on Portugal's Silver Coast. Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure 'The Silver Coast feels like Portugal at its most balanced,' Showalter shared about the region that sits about an hour north of Lisbon. This stretch of coastline, home to towns like Caldas da Rainha, Nazaré, and Óbidos, combines accessibility with authenticity, and it's famous for its surf. 'You've got golden beaches, hilltop villages, and cities," Showalter said, "big enough to have what you need, but small enough to feel like home.' It's an ideal spot for retirees craving a quieter spot without big-city noise, and is especially appealing to those who want to live near the ocean while enjoying the slow pace of valley villages and local markets. 'It's the kind of place where you can spend your morning at a local market, your afternoon at the beach, and your evening enjoying grilled fish with neighbors who quickly become friends,' Showalter added. Colorful buildings in Setubal. Setúbal came up several times with our experts, and for good reason. Just 45 minutes south of Lisbon, this port town has become one of the most talked-about retirement spots in the country, known for its sheer beauty and proximity to the city. 'Setúbal is a great choice for those who want to be close to Lisbon without living in the city itself,' Jen Barnett, the co-founder of the consultancy Expatsi, said. Barnett called out its "nice coastal scenery, cool local food scene (especially if you like fried cuttlefish!), and access to some of the best beaches in Portugal' as top reasons to give it a try. 'Setúbal is a working port town with real grit and beauty,' Showalter explained. 'It's got markets, museums, music, and some of the best seafood in Portugal. This isn't a resort town, it's a place where life unfolds slowly and richly." Cityscape of Amarante, Portugal. 'This one's for romantics—or anyone who dreams of living somewhere that feels like a postcard,' Showalter said of Amarante, a postcard-worthy town tucked in the Douro Valley. Located 45 minutes from Porto, this riverside town is known for its arched stone bridge, vineyard views, and more of that Portuguese slow living so many people are after. 'The town itself has a charming historic center, excellent restaurants, and a deep connection to wine and food culture. It's the kind of place where time slows down and seasons actually mean something,' she said. And again, it's just a quick drive to those busy city streets if you're craving even more culture. The sun setting over Sesimbra. Jacek_Sopotnicki/Getty Images Located just down the road from Setúbal, retirees can find a sleepy town that could just be their forever home. 'Sesimbra is smaller, slower, and framed by cliffs and sea,' Showalter explained. 'It has a distinctly local feel, especially in the off-season, and the sunsets there are unreal.' Its walkability and coastal charm make it a strong choice for those seeking serenity with occasional bursts of summer buzz and plenty of coastline to stretch out on all year long. Looking down on a village on Madeira. Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure Madeira, an island about a two-hour flight from the mainland, is another location that consistently rises to the top of expert lists of the best places to retire in Portugal. 'Madeira is great for Americans," Jeremy Savory, founder of Millionaire Migrant, said, noting direct flights from the U.S. are under seven hours long. Federica Grazi, founder and managing director at Mitos Relocation Solutions, agreed, adding that 'Madeira is for nature and wine lovers. Despite its small size, this island off the coast of Morocco offers untouched nature, endless hiking opportunities, and some of the best wines in the country.' Colorful striped houses in Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" for its gorgeous canals, is more than just a pretty face. 'Expect a relaxed pace of life, beautiful architecture, and a strong sense of place without the high prices or tourist crowds of Lisbon or Porto,' Barnett said. Savory also called out Aveiro as a great spot for retirees, adding it's 'a charming place" that's ideally located between Porto and Lisbon. Savory explained that the city is well-connected through trains and is a walkable destination, which certainly scores it some points over Lisbon. A narrow cobblestone street in Coimbra. Coimbra is an inland option worth noting, especially if you're academically-minded. 'Coimbra hosts a historical university, around which rotate year-long cultural activities of various types,' Grazi shared. But it's not just a brainiac hub, it's a healthcare hotspot, too. 'Coimbra also hosts CHUC, an internationally recognised medical and research center,' Grazi added, which makes it doubly appealing for retirees looking for intellectual stimulation and peace of mind. A Carvoeiro beach with colorful fishing boats. No list of the top retirement spots in Portugal would be complete without mention of the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region. While places like Lagos and Albufeira tend to dominate headlines, Barnett offered an alternative: Carvoeiro. "It's a small seaside town that's especially popular with people looking to spend days on the beach or the golf course," Barnett said. 'It's surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and has one of Europe's sunniest climates with 300 days of sunshine each year." The town has a strong expat presence, and English is widely spoken, making the transition here easier. 'There are lots of services tailored to older folks," Barnett added. "While housing costs more than inland areas, Carvoeiro still has good value compared to similar coastal destinations elsewhere in Europe.' People swimming near the Cascais remains a perennial favorite for retirees looking to stay close to Lisbon but still have quick access to the beach and nature. Though be warned, it does require a larger budget: 'Cascais is great if your money can go a little further,' Savory said. This seaside enclave offers luxury shops, coastal promenades, and public transportation to Lisbon's world-class hospitals, theaters, and international airport. The historic village of Pidao in Serra da Estrela. RuiDon't worry, powder hounds and ski bunnies—there's a retirement destination here for you, too. 'Did you know that it snows in sunny Portugal?' Savory shared. 'It does in the Serra da Estrela, where you can ski and play in the snow with your family.' Real estate in this region is surprisingly affordable, and the area's mountainous landscape offers gorgeous scenery that differs from Portugal's more popular coastal destinations.
