Want More Space on a Plane? Here’s How to Get It

PASSPORT
✈️ Passport Stamps Are Disappearing in Europe

Physical passport stamps are being phased out across 29 European countries as new biometric and digital border systems take over.

• Starting October 12, the EU will begin rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing stamps with a digital record.

• The EES will register non-EU travelers with data like facial images, fingerprints, and travel history.

• Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026.

• Countries like the UK, Australia, Singapore, and even the U.S. are also shifting toward digital border control.

• TSA and programs like Clear Plus are expanding the use of facial recognition in airports.

• Reminder: Never place unofficial stamps in your passport—only authorized officials may do so.

📍 EES will apply in popular destinations including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.

TRAVEL TIPS
🛫 Want More Space on a Plane? Here’s How to Get It

Cramped in economy? Airlines are offering more affordable ways to secure extra space in flight.

• Some carriers now let passengers pay for an empty middle seat—called “blocked middle seats”—often available through bundles like Frontier’s Business Bundle or Breeze’s Plusgrade system.

• Extra legroom seats and exit rows are widely available for a fee, and included for some elite loyalty members.

• Passengers can bid for upgrades to premium seats or extra space, especially on international carriers using tech partners like Plusgrade.

• Airlines like Air New Zealand offer unique options like the Skycouch or upcoming Skynest bunks for long-haul comfort.

• Simply buying a second seat is also an option on some airlines (e.g., United), though it may not always be cost-effective.

• Tip: Check your aircraft layout—seat configurations vary by airline and plane model.

💺 Small upgrades can lead to big comfort gains without the business-class price tag.

TRAVEL TECH
📲Best Apps for Managing Travel Expenses

Tracking expenses on work trips doesn’t have to be a headache. Condé Nast Traveler and WIRED teamed up to recommend the top user-friendly apps for organizing receipts, mileage, and reimbursements.

• Expensify: Best all-around; supports receipt scanning, trip integration, and approval workflows.

• SAP Concur: Ideal for large enterprises; solid if required by your employer.

• Zoho Expense: Great for budget-conscious small businesses; offers free plans and mileage tracking.

• Rydoo: Designed for international travelers; excels in auto-currency and tax detection.

• QuickBooks: Best for small businesses; features cash flow tools and accountant access.

• Everlance: Tailored to freelancers and the self-employed, with tax deduction tracking.

• Expensya: Strong multilingual and multi-currency features; ideal for global teams.

📱 All apps are available for iOS and Android, with select platforms on desktop.

CARIBBEAN SAFEST ISLAND
🌴 Puerto Rico Ranks Among Safest Caribbean Islands—No Passport Needed

According to the 2025 Caribbean Island Safety Index, Puerto Rico ranks #6 for safety—no passport required for U.S. travelers.

• Always All Inclusive analyzed 10 top Caribbean destinations using data from crime rates, health care, hurricane risk, and U.S. travel advisories.

• Puerto Rico earned a 7.6 overall safety score, with a perfect 10 in health care quality.

• While it has moderate urban crime and higher hurricane exposure, resort areas are considered very safe.

• Top 3 safest islands: Aruba (9.3), Barbados (9.2), and Grenada (9.0).

• Rankings exclude high-risk areas like Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago due to political unrest and limited data.

• Peak season in Puerto Rico runs December–April; hurricane season is July–November.

✈️ With U.S.-level medical access and no passport hassle, Puerto Rico is a smart and safe getaway.

CAR-FREE
🚶‍♀️ Car-Free Streets Are Redefining Cities Worldwide

Cities around the world are embracing pedestrian-only zones, a trend accelerated by the pandemic and now seen as essential to urban well-being.

• San Francisco’s new Mission Rock district features car-free plazas, green space, and Bay Trail access.

• Vilnius was named 2025 European Green Capital, adding eco-transit and 62+ miles of bike lanes.

• Philadelphia boasts 400+ miles of trails and expanding Indego Bike Share with no-parking bike lanes.

• Paris will pedestrianize 500 streets, expanding its Seine riverfront and Vélib bike network.

• Dubai is building 4,000+ miles of walkways, with air-conditioned, shaded paths in its Future Loop project.

• Tampa’s Water Street district offers open-air living and free streetcar transit.

• Bogotá leads with its weekly Ciclovía, closing 75 miles to traffic for 1.7 million pedestrians.

• New York plans to transform Fifth Avenue, while icons like the High Line and Little Island thrive.