Travel

Airlines are flying with record load factors, which means that there are more passengers on each flight. Add the loss of personal space due to shrinking seat sizes, and up go your chances that you'll be seated next to an irritated -- and irritating -- passenger.

The travel industry can do more to shield you from harmful noise, and it should. Hotel rooms need better soundproofing. Upgrading aircraft engines can reduce harmful noise. And EVs make almost no noise at all. But the industry doesn't feel any urgency because, well … we're plugging our ears with those ubiquitous AirPods.

Like it did for George, the steamy hot water helps us wash away all the bodily aches and stress of contemporary life. If you rub the water over your face, and if your body is so willing, it supposedly helps get rid of your age spots and wrinkles. If nothing else, the spring water makes you feel rejuvenated.

The Titanic Belfast Experience, a glistening, angular structure resembling a ship's prow, is a poignant icon of Belfast’s maritime heritage. Inside, you can explore the ill-fated ocean liner's captivating history from its construction to its watery grave. But what makes this museum truly remarkable is its commitment to sustainability.

Robert’s sentiment about Trump reflected that of our admittedly tiny sample of the Panamanian people we talked to during our five-day stay. The U.S. had transferred control of the canal to Panama under a 1977 treaty and every Panamanian we encountered said their country had no intention of giving it back to the Americans, no matter what Trump threatened.

Then I got to Grenada, also known as the Spice Island. And yes, the island has beaches, but it also has great scuba diving in a fascinating underwater sculpture park, endless hiking opportunities in Grand Étang National Park -- and chocolate.

In an era where sustainability has become a marketing buzzword, only five nations stand out for their genuine commitment to eco-friendly tourism. From Finland's ambitious carbon-negative goals to Switzerland's Swisstainable philosophy, each country offers a noteworthy approach to balancing environmental stewardship with memorable travel experiences.