February 17, 2025

It’s true that official tourism sources often gloss over potential dangers, leaving you in the dark about real risks of travel. It’s also true that the problem has never been worse than now, as Americans start heading south for spring break.

Warm-weather destinations like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago have made recent appearances on the State Department’s Travel Advisories list. Dangerous destinations don’t just sugarcoat the safety problems — they also try to cover up the truth. (Believe me, I know from personal experience.)

February 7, 2025

Not feeling well before takeoff?

Flying with an infectious disease can do more than ruin your trip, it can put fellow passengers at serious risk. In this article, health experts explain why it’s so important to stay grounded when you’re sick, how airlines are (and aren’t) responding to contagious travelers, and what you can do if someone ill is seated near you.

February 3, 2025

Maybe someone seated near you looks sick. And maybe you’re wondering what to do about it — or if you can do anything at all.

I’m not going to mince words, folks: If you fly when you have an infectious disease, you win the award for biggest jerk on the plane.

You’re worse than the negligent parent with the toddler running free on the plane, worse than the honeymooners trying to join the Mile High Club — worse even than the whiny elite-level frequent flyer in business class who calls the flight attendant “honey.”

February 07, 2025

On a recent flight from Charleston, South Carolina, to Newark, Sukrut Dwivedi noticed a passenger a few rows ahead of him coughing violently and uncontrollably.

“The man appeared feverish and kept reaching for tissues,” said Dwivedi, a physician who works for ID Care, an infectious disease care provider. “I could see the passengers around him were very uncomfortable.”

With flu season taking off, you might find yourself in a similar situation soon. Maybe someone seated near you looks sick. And maybe you’re wondering what to do about it – or if you can do anything at all.