10 Of The Best Packing Cubes For Travel, So Summer Vacay Can Be Smooth Sailing

How to Prepare for Flight Delays Before Take-off

Flight delays are usually unplanned, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t plan ahead for them. Although obstructions to an exciting trip that awaits aren’t something you want to think about, there are a few simple steps that can make dealing with a delay much simpler should your departure time be pushed back.

With over 21+ years with United and over 15 countries visited under his belt, Chicago-based Mike Kempner, Director of Irregular Operations for the airline is well-versed in irregular travel adjustments. Mike’s top tip for travelers who might experience flight delays can be done before they even get to the airport; download the app of the airline you’re traveling with. Kempner shared that United’s app was recently revamped to provide travelers with a “seamless day-of travel experience.” United’s app, for example, has a “self-service feature that automatically presents travelers with personalized re-booking options, bag tracking information, and meal and hotel vouchers when eligible if their flight is delayed or canceled.”

Having the mobile app of the airline you’re flying with can be extremely helpful for staying in the loop about your flight status and avoiding anxiety about the unknown. Kempner explained this further by sharing that “when a flight is delayed by more than 60 minutes or canceled, [United] customers will be notified through text message and the app and prompted to check flight and re-booking status, book other preferred flight options, view and receive eligible hotel, meal and/or rideshare vouchers, and track bags.” By having these resources at your fingertips in real-time following a flight delay, you’ll feel prepared for the actions that you need to take next to keep your trip on track.

What to do When Your Flight Has Inevitably Been Delayed

Even if you’ve taken all of the smart steps prior to the day of your flight to minimize stress, there are a few tricks that you should have up your sleeve that larger travel corporations might not be willing to share. To get the skinny on delay loopholes and best practices, we leaned on ATX-based Melanie Demi, the content creator behind HerBoozyTails on Instagram. Melanie has been creating travel content that inspires others to explore the world before retirement for several years and has been to 30 countries in the process. While her passport is full of stamps and her Instagram captures her trips beautifully, she’s also fallen victim to many flight delays during her adventures.

“The first thing I do when my flight is start a note in my phone with the OG flight time and updated (delayed) flight time to have for reference” explained Demi. “It’s important to have documentation of your delays in case you need to submit anything to the airline, either for reimbursement or to get additional aid to get you through your delay, such as meal vouchers or even a hotel for the night should your delay cause you to miss connections or move your flight to another day.” The notes don’t stop there; Demi shared that travelers should “Make sure to note whatever the cause [of delay is] is,” whether it be weather, mechanical, etc., because oftentimes the “compensation” you’re entitled to depends on the cause of the delay.”

It’s normal not to know everything about the airline you’re flying with, but knowing extra details definitely helps during a delay. HerBoozyTails elaborated on this with the following scenario: “Let’s say your flight with Delta is delayed, and you need to get onto another flight to make it to your final destination ASAP, but [the representative] tells you there are no more Delta flights that day, so you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.” This is where doing your due diligence comes in; Demi went on to explain that hypothetically, “there is a Virgin Airlines flight that night… Delta should also be able to book you on that flight because Virgin and Delta are partners.” Long story short, it’s important to “look up to see what partner airlines the airline you’re flying with has, and you can find more flight options there!”

Overall, submitting refund requests as soon as possible after a delayed flight inclusive of all of the information from your flight and its delay is the best starting place for handling a flight delay with ease, but we hope that the extra secrets shared by our experts come in handy during future trips.

We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

Though you might not get summers “off” anymore, the season is a great chance to slow down a little, press the reset button, and carve out some time for yourself. What better way to do this than to book a visit to a wellness retreat? There are so many options available that include indulgent massage treatments, nourishing meal choices, and activities like hiking and forest bathing geared toward getting you more centered and reconnected with yourself. Here are a few of our favorites.

Located just about 20 miles from downtown Austin, this lakeside all-inclusive wellness getaway feels much farther from the city than that. Your stay includes all meals, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks, including fresh juices and smoothies; access to the spa’s pools and relaxation spaces; wellness activities; and gratuity.

Summer is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy full access to the resort’s watersports, such as hydrobikes, waterskis, wakeboards, and kayaks on secluded Lake Austin. Daily programming includes activities like lakeside yoga, guided hikes through private trails in the Texas Hill Country, Japanese sword classes, myofascial release in the water to help unwind those stubborn knots in your neck and shoulders, Tarot readings, and wine cruises.

The on-site spa’s [ comfort zone ] FACE SPAce is the first of its kind in the U.S., utilizing new specialty therapies to stimulate collagen and leave you glowing. Challenge yourself to a treatment that includes an outdoor cold plunge (this can be fun with friends) followed by a warm, soothing massage to fully relax. Then follow it up with a thoughtfully presented meal, such as heirloom tomato salad, whipped ricotta made with local honey, or Texas blackened redfish, served in the dining room or outside on one of the breezy patio spaces.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wellness getaway that feels deeply meaningful, head to Sedona’s breathtaking Boynton Canyon, where the iconic spa Mii amo has recently reopened following a $40 million, two-year renovation. Here you’ll find 23 casitas with private balconies or patios, in-room kiva fireplaces and soaking tubs, as well as a new restaurant called Hummingbird.

Daily guided meditations and special presentations and ceremonies (examples include a Summer Solstice Ceremony and Canyon Bathing) create an ideal environment to slow down and refocus.

At the spa, beyond the typical massage and facial offerings, you’ll find a unique to Mii amo menu of services, including Chakra Balancing; Aura Photography; a Connection Ceremony that focuses on letting go of past hurts or welcoming in new beginnings; an Inner Quest including special ceremonial elements like braided sweetgrass and cedar/sage oil; and Intuitive Massage.

The chef-created menu at Hummingbird includes items like salmon ceviche, duck breast, poulet rouge, and gluten-free and vegan selections, and there’s a juice bar serving a full slate of smoothies, juices, and wellness tonics.

Next door at neighboring property Enchantment Resort you’ll find additional amenities you can use while exploring the surrounding 400 miles of trails.

Secluded within 16 acres of majestic redwoods in Northern California, about an hour south of San Francisco, is the all-inclusive Canyon Ranch Woodside. There are additional locations in Tucson, Lenox (outside of Boston), and Las Vegas.

If you find forest bathing appearling, this is the ideal wellness getaway for you. The resort celebrates its forest environs from its 24 luxury treehouse rooms that peek through the forest, to ropes courses and guided meditations that take place under the magnificent canopy. Locally sourced dining menus are served al fresco or in a cozy dining room and include afternoon tapas, colorful salads, and fresh salmon.

Each day, Canyon Ranch offers dozens of mind-body activities including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, dancing, and free-flow abstract painting. Upcoming summer wellness presentations and workshops focus on themes such as “Wisdom of the Horse and Herd” equine therapy; “Activating Your Empathy and Intuition”; and “Find Your Purpose.” Spa treatments include Forest Aromatherapy Treatment and Hiker’s Retreat, designed to perk up your feet after a strenuous hike.

You can design your own stay at the Art of Living Retreat Center depending on your intentions. Customizable itineraries include silent retreats, wellness cleanses and detoxes, meditation-focused retreats, and happiness retreats. This summer, guest faculty will lead sessions on “Healing Through Feminine Practices,” “Trusting Our Transformation,” and “Experience the Divine.”

The spa offers Ayurvedic-informed treatments, including Eye Bathing, targeting relieving tired eyes with warmed ghee; Clear Breath Support with herb-infused oils to clear the sinuses; and a treatment to settle the nervous system, with warm oil poured into the ears. Round these out with soothing body wraps and massage treatments for the ultimate restorative experience.

Buffet-style meals are prepared with vegetarian, whole foods, and are informed by Ayurvedic wisdom, including selections like Jamaican Jackfruit Stew and Gado-Gado Peanut Sprout Salad. Each day, you can enjoy yoga sessions, nature walks, a fire circle, and there are additional class options such as pottery and Ayurveda cooking.

The newest all-inclusive wellness resort on this list just opened in October 2023. Hemlock Neversink is situated on 230 acres of land in the Sullivan Catskills, about two hours northwest of New York City. Your stay includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, programming, and on-site amenities.

The prix fixe menu at the on-site restaurant Bittersweet highlights plant-forward cuisine, including options like enoki mushroom and warm spinach salad and roasted cabbage or skirt steak.

Enjoy spa treatments such as the 90-minute Return to Nature Ritual, which exfoliates with berry seats and white peat, then hydrates your skin with organic mushrooms, helichrysum blossoms, and berry oils. Then float while breathing in birch extract and other aromas.

You’ll find a variety of workshops, yoga and meditation classes, and there’s even a goat sanctuary on site (you can go for a daily goat hike for some animal therapy), as well as tennis courts and hiking trails. This summer, nationally recognized guest instructors will teach classes and lead workouts on mat pilates and dance cardio in the honey-toned wood Movement Building, and in the Activity Building, do a Catskill honey and tea tasting, join a Shamanic drum circle, and make a vision board.

Main Photos: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals

I had to mention the OG! These sandals are fitted with Birkenstock's original footbed, which is specially designed to enhance your gait and coordination, improve stability, and provide arch support. This means they're stylish and practical, which is a win-win, if you ask me.

This design has a shorter break-in period than you'd expect. Per Birkenstock, "the soft footbed has an integrated latex foam cushion... it offers excellent comfort from day one."

The upper is a serene green suede and boasts two adjustable straps with color coordinating buckles.

The Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals currently come in 3 other colors for $140.

Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals

Part of the Papillio by Birkenstock collection – which primarily amplifies platform styles – this fresh take on the Arizona sandals flaunts a flexible platform sole, smooth black leather throughout the shoe, and a contoured cork-latex footbed that shapes to your step with wear. This pair is great when you want a little boost!

The duo straps are reflective of the OG Arizona sandals, but look a bit more polished in this iteration.

The Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals also come in light gray for $220.

Theda Leather Sandals

Another unique Papillio silhouette, the Theda sandals havelots of cushion along the ankle straps and footbed, so they're bound to be the comfiest sandals you own. The straps that span the ankles and toes are looped, securing with velcro. Their smooth leather construction offers an elevated air.

These Birkenstock sandals are currently shoppable by members-only access by creating an account with the brand. They also come in black for $180.

Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals

Let's get into the fun summer colors! Birkenstock has a lot of them, but this pink is just stunning. The gold hardware flatters virtually any skin tone and feels especially fitting for a warm summer vacation – or even when you just want a little pop of brightness! They're essentially the same shoe as the classic Arizonas but with enlarged, contrasting metal buckles that draw the eye in. The natural leather upper on these sandals has an exceptionally shiny finish for even more curb appeal.

The Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals are shoppable in 8 other summer-ready colors for $170.

St. Barths Leather Sandals

I see you, unique blue hue! Sporting maybe the flattest Birks silhouette to-date, the St. Barths Leather Sandals scream cool girl. They stray from the norm with two woven buckled straps, silver hardware, and low-key rubber sole (which Birkenstock describes as "city-ready"). The smooth leather insole offers total flexibility and cushion for stepping out.

This design also comes in all black for $230.

Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs

These shoes are pretty much my #1 favorite of the Birkenstock lineup. Cool girls wear clogs! I'd say they're just as iconic as the Arizona sandals, and they're really nice for when you don't necessarily want to show some toe, but still want to wear slip-ons. The soft suede material on these gives a casual, already worn-in vibe, so they're super easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Opposite the lightweight sole is the original Birkenstock footbed made with an extra foam layer for utmost softness!

The Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs comes in 4 other easy-to-pair colors for $160.

Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals

These deliver such a clean look, and I love it. The white colorway is spruced up with some shimmer in an embossed croc pattern. The classic contoured cork-latex footbed molds to your feet with time and wear, which won't be hard since you'll wanna wear these all the time. The trio of straps boasts adjustable silver buckles so you can find your perfect fit.

The Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals come in 3 other fun pastel colors for $100.

Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals

The Papillio line strikes again with these timeless slip-on sandals! The grooved chunky white sole gives 'em some playful personality for frolicking around in this summer. They have the classic suede upper with two buckled straps, and the contoured cork footbed will adjust to your perfect fit with time and wear.

The Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals also come in 3 other colors for $135.

Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

Made from super flexible EVA, this ultra lightweight, shock absorbing, waterproof (hello, beach days!) take on the Arizona sandals feel like the perfect pair for summer adventures. They still have signature adjustable buckles, too, so you can adjust the fit as you go!

The Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals come in 12 other colors for $50.

Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals

The wide straps on these neutral sandals add stability to your step and a touch of style you don't normally see from Birkenstock! The cork wedge is stylistic of the Birkenstock brand, but it offers a unique take since the cork is *actually* visible. These shoes flaunt a nubuck leather upper and only one adjustable strap of the two. They have the classic black sole with a good amount of traction!

The Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals comes in two other colors for $135.

Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs

Even the Boston clogs got the Papillio treatment! These have a very chunky EVA sole that feels cushy when you walk in it. The green suede material on the upper feels ultra-soft and velvety from the get-go. The cork-latex footbed will mold to your feet with time and wear, too.

The Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs are shoppable in 3 other colorways for $150.