business travel overrated

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

Just How Bad Is Business Travel for Your Health? Here’s the Data.

• Andrew Rundle

It can increase your risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, and alcohol dependence.

How does frequent business travel effect workers’ health? Research shows a strong correlation between the frequency of business travel and a wide range of physical and behavioral health risks. Compared to those who spent one to six nights a month away from home for business travel, for example, those who spent 14 or more nights away from home per month had significantly higher body mass index scores and were significantly more likely to report the following: poor self-rated health; clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression and alcohol dependence; no physical activity or exercise; smoking; and trouble sleeping. The odds of being obese were 92% higher for those who traveled 21 or more nights per month compared to those who traveled only one to six nights per month, and this ultra-traveling group also had higher diastolic blood pressure and lower high density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol).

Checking into a hotel for a conference several years ago, I asked the receptionist where I could get some dinner. There was no restaurant in the hotel, I was told; my only options were ordering delivery from a fast-casual chain or a pizza joint. I went with the pizza, but my lack of choices was annoying — so much so that, when I got home, I started looking into the data on health and travel for work.

• AR Andrew Rundle is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Mailman School of Public Health. His research focuses on the risks for, and consequences of, sedentary lifestyles and obesity.

Partner Center

'Things have changed': Business travel may never go back to the way it was before COVID-19

Of the 2 million people clogging airport security lines and gate areas again each day, one crowd is still largely missing: business travelers.

Their absence is noteworthy because they are a key source of revenue and profit, underpinning a record-breaking stretch of financial gain for U.S. airlines that ended with the coronavirus .

Business travelers tend to pay higher fares, and that is especially true on international flights, which are also still deeply depressed by the pandemic and travel restrictions around the globe. Because their fares subsidize other passengers, their absence is leading to higher leisure fares on many routes, experts say.

►US keeping travel restrictions for now: White House cites delta variant concerns

►Part-business, part-leisure: Bleisure getaways are on the rise

Recovery may take years

Business travelers also spend money on hotels , meals and other things. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that domestic and international business travelers spent more than $300 billion here in 2019. The group forecasts that dwindled to about $95 billion last year and won’t fully recover to 2019 levels until 2024.

During calls with Wall Street analysts last week, U.S. airlines said business travel has picked up in recent weeks but is still down more than half from this time in 2019.

Airlines have been hoping for a major boost in business travel in September, as schools and more offices reopen. Now, however, that optimism is being tempered by the rise in COVID-19 cases around the country fueled the delta variant .

“We are encouraged by the trends that we see out there, but we really are planning that a material amount of business travel won’t come back until after the October period,” Vasu Raja, American Airlines' chief revenue officer, said last week.

►Will mask mandate for flights continue?: Southwest Airlines CEO says airlines not pushing for it

"Zoom ... can only go so far"

Airline executives are counting on people like Vazar Lukovic, who owns a digital marketing agency and a production company near London. Lukovic says he is willing to put up with higher prices on some of his flights to places like Moscow and Belgrade, plus the cost of mandatory COVID-19 tests.

“You know, Zoom meetings , they can only go so far,” Lukovic said. “When you meet in person — whether it’s that energy or what they say about the feeling or the vibe — it’s just so much more personal.”

Unable to travel last year, many companies relied instead on video platforms, including Zoom. Opinions vary about how quickly corporate travel will recover, and whether some of it will be permanently replaced by videoconferencing.

►Zoom Apps: How the video conferencing experience is changing

"Things have changed"

Delta Air Lines says business travel was 20% of normal in the first quarter, 40% in the second, and will hit 60% in September. The airline isn't predicting whether business travel will ever return to pre-pandemic levels, but if it does, it won’t happen quickly. A Delta survey of its corporate customers finds that only 57% plan to be back to full travel by the end of 2023.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian says business travel will change.

“I do think that maybe 10% to 20% of the previous business travel will be lost, but I think you're going to find new forms of travel,” Bastian said in an interview. “There will be new reasons why people travel.”

Bastian says some things, like overnight trips to business meetings in Europe, will be dropped because they are an inefficient use of time. But he says there will be new demand to network by meeting people after being introduced on Zoom.

Aside from their own surveys, which airlines are often unwilling to disclose, there are few precise numbers about business travel. The industry trade group Airlines for America estimates that before the pandemic about 30% of trips were taken for business reasons, and that those travelers accounted for between 40% and 50% of airline revenue.

Some experts thinks business trips might be fewer and more carefully selected.

“Things have changed," says Brendan Drewniany, public-relations director for Black Tomato, a luxury-travel company. "There is less an expectation to have a volume of back-to-back meetings, and in general the trips themselves have been longer and not as rushed, which is actually a plus.”

In a survey conducted this month for the Global Business Travel Association, 50% of the 618 companies polled said they already allow non-essential business travel within their own country, with many others expecting to do so in the next three months. However, only 14% were traveling internationally with modest interest in soon resuming cross-border trips, which are more complicated because of travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements in many countries.

A separate survey by Bank of America suggests that business travel will recover more slowly than some would want but gives airlines and hotels hope for the long term. Nearly half of U.S. corporate travelers surveyed expect their next business trip won't happen until at least next year, but 56% expect to eventually travel more than they did before the pandemic, compared with 31% who expect to travel less, according to the bank.

Different kinds of travel

Denise Daniel, who manages travel for Domo Inc., says U.S. sales people are on the road while the business-research firm is doing little to no travel in Europe, Australia and Japan because of virus-related restrictions. The 800-employee company has tightened its process for approving travel because of liability concerns, although it is not requiring vaccination before travel.

Daniel believes that the pandemic will lead to different kinds of travel, but not necessarily less: fewer conferences, more chances for far-flung employees to get together on projects.

“We realized how much we value in-person meetings -- that collaborative dynamic when people are with each other -- but we don’t want people to travel for things that could or should be handled virtually,” Daniel says. “We have learned how to take care of non-essential meetings in probably a better way for the environment and a better way for the budget.”

Marie Swift, who runs a marketing-communications firm in Falls Church, Virginia, used to travel about every other week for consulting, conferences and speaking engagements, but during the pandemic she didn’t fly for 14 months.

Swift booked a flight to New York in early September for a gala where her company is up for an award. If the nation hasn’t reached “some sort of herd immunity” by then, Swift says, “I will be the double-masked lady with a ball cap and glasses on, air vents full-force ... wiping down my tray, armrests, and seat-belt buckle.”

She has nine more business trips scheduled between September and early November. Will she be on board, or will she cancel?

“We’ll see how it goes.”

• Travel guides
• Budget travel
• Luxury travel
• Moving abroad
• Trip planning
• Inspiration
• Flight attendant
• Recent posts
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• Dominican Republic
• New Zealand
• Travel Resources

Is Business Class Worth It? Confessions From A Budget Traveler

• 29 March 2022 12 May 2023

Is booking a business class flight really worth the extra money?

For most of my life, I’ve been a self-proclaimed “bougie on a budget” traveler — I enjoy the occasional splurge but will save my money on things I find unnecessary or overrated. While studying abroad in France, my friends and I had a habit of scouring the Ryanair website for the cheapest (and most uncomfortable) flights imaginable. Paying extra for seat selection, meals, checked bags, oxygen? Nah, I’ll hold my breath.

Then I became a flight attendant and was introduced to the world of flying in premium cabins. And boyyyy, is it nice . Lie-flat business class seats are so unexpectedly luxurious when you’re crammed in a tin can full of other people. If the prices were identical, 100% of people would choose business class over economy (it’s a fact).

But as it turns out, the prices are nothing close to identical. That being said, are the comforts of business class worth the extra money or points you would spend? Let’s dive in.

Credit card points = still money

Benefits of business class

Larger & and more comfortable seats.

Have you ever sat in a middle seat at the back of the plane, crammed between strangers that somehow always take over the armrests and what little legroom you have?

Business class is the opposite of that. Think spacious seats, privacy dividers, and even entire self-contained cabins or suites, depending on the airline. The ultimate score in the premium cabin world is a lie-flat seat , or a seat that reclines basically all the way horizontal. Lie-flat seats are the epitome of comfort on a long-haul flight . They provide more valuable legroom and the ability to have a comfortable sleep so you arrive at your destination well-rested. Comfortable seats are the single biggest difference between economy and business class.

Besides a bigger seat itself, a business class ticket also usually offers you more tray table space, a real pillow and blanket, and more overhead bin space. Many configurations give you clear access to the aisle, whether you’re in a window seat or an aisle seat.

Food & drinks

What’s the deal with airplane food? Meals in economy class are notoriously bad — you’ll often get a tiny tray of sodium-laden pasta or chicken alongside some bread and sides. To be fair, it’s pretty incredible that airlines and flight attendants are able to feed over 200 people at the same time while hurdling through the air. Any hot meal you receive is actually a marvel of modern science.

That being said, meals in business class are generally much nicer. There are more courses and larger portions. You get a choice between several different options for your main course. The food itself is served on actual plates, with actual metal silverware and fancy tablecloths. You’ll get a three- or four-course meal, complete with starters, main, desserts, and drinks. Snacks are also available on demand throughout the entire flight.

It’s not Michelin star quality by any means — just like in economy, business class meals are pre-cooked and simply reheated in the air. But unlike economy, the quantity and presentation almost make up for it. Keep in mind that the plane’s engine noise, pressurized cabin, and low humidity all contribute to change your taste buds , making food taste different (read: worse) in the air.

Of course, one of the other major perks of flying business class is access to free alcohol. Wine, beer, champagne, and spirits are all accounted for and flow readily throughout the flight. Nothing feels bougier than sipping on a pre-departure cocktail and watching all the unfortunate souls trudging their way back to the economy cabin.

Amenity kits

International business class passengers (and sometimes premium economy ones as well) receive little amenity kits filled with goodies to stay fresh throughout the flight. These kits usually include things like socks, an eye mask, earplugs, toothpaste and a toothbrush, lotion, and lip balm.

On really long or overnight flights, some airlines also offer branded pajamas to change into when you’re ready to go to sleep.

Entertainment

Premium cabin seats are generally equipped with much larger seatback entertainment screens than economy seats. (On some airlines, economy seats don’t even have screens — the horror . 😱) These screens will give you a comfortable way to watch movies, TV shows, and flight maps during your travels. While the selection of movies is the same throughout the airplane, there’s just something about not having to strain your eyes to watch a miniscule screen.

Complimentary noise-cancelling headphones are often provided to go with these larger screens (tiny plastic earbuds, begone!). Some airlines will also offer free wifi especially for premium cabin customers.

Better customer service

Business class passengers don’t necessarily get better customer service just because they’re sitting in business class — but they do get better customer service because the ratio of flight attendants to passengers is lower.

In economy class, there can be a ratio of one flight attendant for every 50 passengers. In business class, that ratio goes down to one flight attendant for every 10 or fewer passengers. On ultra-luxe airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways, that ratio could be even lower, which ultimately provides the passenger with more personalized service.

Priority check-in, boarding, & deplaning

Flying business class gives you the privilege of cutting to the front of nearly every line at the airport. There are special access lanes before security, priority boarding lanes to get on the plane first, and dedicated kiosks should you need any help at the airport.

Business class passengers will also be the first ones off the plane once they arrive at their destination. This could make a significant difference when queuing up for customs and immigration since there will most likely be hundreds of people behind you.

Checked bags come out first

If you check a bag when flying business, it’s marked with a priority tag, meaning it will come out first at baggage claim. Combine that with quicker lines at immigration and you could potentially be saving a lot of time after you land when compared to flying coach.

⇉ How to Pack Light: 8 Pro Tips from a Flight Attendant

Flying business gives you access to your airline’s departure and arrival lounges at the airport. These can be a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a complimentary drink or meal. Some lounges will also offer work spaces with private rooms and resources like printers. Others will have fancy shower stalls so you can freshen up after a long flight.

For passengers with long layovers, a nice airport lounge is a great perk.

Keep in mind that not all lounges are created equally. They can often be crowded and some will have pretty mediocre offerings (you’d be better off getting a pretzel from the airport food court).

Business class drawbacks

Expensive af $$$.

Obviously, this is the biggest consideration you’ll make when booking business class over economy. Everybody knows that premium cabins are more expensive — but exactly how much more expensive? Let’s compare flights from Chicago to Paris.

Economy class:

Round-trip, nonstop flights cost about $600. Not pocket change, but definitely still affordable if you are able to save and budget for a bit.

Business class:

The SAME Air France flight that costs $598 in economy costs over three THOUSAND dollars in business. That’s over a 550% increase.

The business class experience is often touted as being the most luxurious and desired way to travel. And it is! But the bar has been set pretty low to begin with, and everybody on the plane makes it to their destination just the same. You need to decide whether a comfy seat and access to a business class lounge justify the massive price hike.

So what if you book your business class ticket with points? It’s easy enough to justify spending more points on an expensive ticket when they don’t feel like actual money. But for most people, earning enough points to pay for an upgrade comes at a big cost. That can come in the form of credit card annual fees, high interest rates, and actual money spent trying to reach a sign-up bonus.

Additionally, those credit card points can be used to book a hotel instead. Would you rather redeem them on a luxury hotel room for 7 days or a slightly better flight experience for 7 hours?

Is business class worth it?

Short-haul vs. long-haul flights.

Business class cabins on short-haul flights versus long-haul flights are as different as night and day. A short-haul domestic flight won’t have lie-flat seats, amenity kits, or the same level of service as a longer flight. The differences between economy and business class aren’t as massive, making short-haul business class flights more affordable.

Even on a long-haul international flight, the differences among premium cabin set-ups can be vast. The quality of the seats, entertainment, food, and service will differ from airline to airline (and even from aircraft to aircraft).

If you’re booking a business class flight, I’d recommend checking out your specific aircraft type on SeatGuru . This will show you the configuration, amenities, and unique quirks of any seat on the plane.

Evaluate your priorities

Depending on your circumstances and what you value, paying extra for a premium seat could be worth it. Here are a few instances when you might want to upgrade:

• Traveling with a baby/young child
• Being especially large or tall
• Traveling with a pet in cabin
• Needing access to an aisle or window to lessen anxiety
• Having a disability/medical condition
• Having a tight connection/needing to exit the plane faster
• Traveling for business/needing to be well-rested as soon as you arrive
• A special/once-in-a-lifetime trip (honeymoon, anniversary, etc.)

Under these circumstances, having the extra space or comfort associated with a business class seat could justify the higher price tag.

Considering the price difference, I don’t think flying business class is worth it for me personally.

As a young and able-bodied traveler (with particularly short legs), the added comfort of a business class seat is not worth the expense. I’d rather spend my money on a nicer hotel , fun activities , or better food when I reach my destination. I’m a proud basic economy bitch, through and through. To each their own!

How to get cheap business class tickets

Travel hacking.

Travel hacking, or strategically signing up for credit cards in order to get the sign-up bonuses, is one of the best ways to fund a business class ticket.

If you do it right, you won’t accrue any debt because you’ll be paying your cards off as soon as the balance hits your account. By planning your card use out in advance and taking advantage of large purchases you were going to make anyway, you can rack up thousands of points with very little overhead.

This guide by Nomadic Matt is a great place to get started if you’re interested in learning more!

Sign up for email alerts

There are several different email alerts you can subscribe to that will alert you of amazing flight deals. Most will be economy fares, but occasionally you can find a great deal on a business class ticket. Here are some of my favorites:

• Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Pomelo Travel
• The Flight Deal

Work in aviation

My personal favorite method of getting cheap flights, for obvious reasons! As an ex-flight attendant , I’ve traveled in business class countless times for both work and leisure. Depending on the airline, you can also get travel perks as a pilot, gate agent, ramp worker, customer service representative, and more.

⇉ How I Fly For Free (An Explanation of Flight Attendant Travel Benefits)

⇉ Should I Be A Flight Attendant? 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying

Thanks for reading! Have you ever flown business class before? If so, let me know if you think it’s worth it or not in the comments below.

Related posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Companies Allow Travel Again But Keep It on the Down-Low

Matthew Parsons , Skift

January 10th, 2022 at 9:30 AM EST

These travel managers have no regrets in keeping things hush-hush among employees, because why risk everything when all it takes is another variant to emerge? Backtracking after a two-year hiatus is, understandably, not something they're prepared to do.

Matthew Parsons

Some company travel managers are ringing in the new year with a relaxation of strict travel bans that had been around since March 2020. But for now it’s something they’d prefer to keep on the lowdown.

Such is the chaos that the new Omicron variant caused at the end of last year, companies are reluctant to broadcast the fact that staff can travel domestically, with the risk of having to backtrack deemed too high.

One global entertainment production company has had a four-phase approach for its return to travel program in place since the pandemic began, covering critical, essential, important and minor travel.

“For the longest time we were critical only, and towards the tail end of last year we opened it up to essential,” he said, preferring to withhold his company’s name. Critical travel is classified as a business trip that would prevent the collapse of the firm, while the essential category includes any form of travel that helps it generate revenue.

The company, which has more than 2,000 employees, was just about to relax the restrictions even further to “important” so staff would be able to attend conferences and events without needing permission. However, with many industry events currently getting cancelled at the last minute , the travel manager has put this new phase on pause.

“We raised the level to important but we were very quiet about it. We didn’t publicize that, and only the executives and business continuity taskforce know. As far as the company at large is aware, travel is still banned,” he said. “Even people who do revenue-generating trips, we haven’t been proactively communicating that they can travel. It’s more a case of them having to come to me, and ask me about it.”

The Omicron Effect

One global analytics company with 13,000 employees is also playing it very quietly.

“One thing my company hates doing is putting out a message and then backtracking,” said its UK-based global travel manager, again speaking on condition of anonymity.

The company in question is now allowing domestic travel in China, despite rising cases in some locations . “We don’t really want to put anything out yet, because a new variant might come up again and we’d have to scrap all the comms,” he added.

For other countries, in particular the U.S., restrictions were set to be lifted a few weeks ago but Omicron derailed that plan. As a result, executive leadership approval is required — mainly because the company’s “return to travel” program is closely aligned with its “return to office” program.

It’s now monitoring the number of Covid cases at a local level across 80 locations around the world. It’s leaning on its real estate services provider, which has 300 employees updating a shared Google document with numbers on a daily basis. When they reach a certain threshold, they close the office.

As well as tracking the numbers, the travel manager is battling Covid disinformation. “The new variant really set everything back. There are things about it, whether it’s rumor or not, that have got a lot of people worried. You have to go back to the drawing board,” he said.

Wait and See

There’s still that question mark over international business travel because employees have generally figured out how to do most tasks virtually, despite preferring to travel. However in the UK, which has ran the gamut of travel restrictions thanks to a universally despised traffic light system , the pent-up demand is showing.

“For smaller domestic events taking place in the next four weeks, some corporates are allowing these to go ahead if attendees feel comfortable,” said Scott Davies, chief executive of the UK’s Institute of Travel Management . “It’s a case of watch this space for a little while longer before any decisions about lifting or easing travel bans can be taken.”

The institute’s travel buyer members generally haven’t lifted international travel restrictions for non-essential travel, with large-scale meetings either being postponed or switched to a virtual format, Davies added.

On a global scale, corporate buyers belonging to the Global Business Travel Association are optimistic that the travel recovery will be quick, and some are poised to lift their bans this month, according to Suzanne Neufang.

“The approach is very much wait and see with government guidelines remaining a key determiner and corporates waiting for guidance on the return to office and travel,” she said.

For Clive Wratten, chief executive of the UK’s Business Travel Association , the government’s recent axing of pre-arrival testing and return to lateral flow tests has given the travel sector a significant boost.

“There has been a marked uptick in business travel bookings for February and March,” he said. “However, companies are still being cautious as there is little confidence that restrictions won’t change abruptly.”

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: business travel , coronavirus , corporate travel , corporate travel management , covid-19 , omicron variant

Photo credit: Companies are nervous about broadcasting the news employees can travel, because there's no certainty Omicron will be the last variant we'll see. Jida Li / Unsplash

• Affiliate Notices
• Privacy Policy
• Work with Us

What are the benefits of business travel (and downsides)?

Congratulations. You just took a job that includes 25% travel (or maybe 50% or even more) . But you’ve never really traveled before and frankly you are a little unsure if this is a good career move or not. In this post I cover benefits of business travel as well as some of the downsides.

Before we get too far let’s define business travel. Here’s how we define it :

Business Travel is when employees travel (fly, drive, train, etc) for some company related activity. Often this involves meeting w/ a customer, visiting a project site, installing something, training, or meeting w/ staff in other locations.

Wikipedia has a more straightforward definition that we like to:

Wikipedia defines business travel as: “ Business travel  is  travel  undertaken for work or  business  purposes, as opposed to other types of  travel , such as for leisure purposes or regularly commuting between one’s home and workplace.” I think this is a fair definition of business travel.

There are no shortage of jobs where frequent travel is a key element . But, when considering a job that has frequent travel it’s important to look at the pros and cons. What are the benefits of business travel? To you? To the company? What are the downsides? In the remaining sections we examine these very questions.

The Benefits of of Business Travel

Let’s start first with some of the benefits of business travel…and there are many:

• You will raise your profile inside your firm . Being willing to travel lets management know that  you are an all-in kind of employee, willing to go the extra mile. It will start to let them view you as more than just a “doer.”
• You will be exposed to higher profile projects . By traveling you will likely get to visit and be involved in higher profile projects. For example, I got my big break by traveling unexpectedly to a customer’s site where an install was going wrong. I was with the CEO, the head of Sales, and the big dog’s from the customer. Great exposure. Especially when I delivered.
• You will learn to be flexible . Traveling involves a healthy dose of “crud, that happened.” You got to roll w/ the punches and travel will help keep you flexible which is always a good thing for the business world.
• You will meet new people inside your firm . I like this the most. Lots of good network opps on the road and the chance to build your virtual Rolodex.
• You will get 1:1 time with important people in your company . I spent 4 hours in a car w/ our national sales director – excellent bonding time. We now trust each other and I have an internal coach when I needed one. When you are on the road you often will be there 1:1 with key members of the firm. I once picked up and dropped off the CEO from the airport. Later he hired for me a very senior role.
• You will rack up points and miles that you can use to book personal trips . If you gonna travel you might as well get the points. Use those points to pay for your personal or family vacations.
• You can brag to your friends (via Instagram, of course) about your “glamorous travel life .” Hey, it’s not that glamorous, but what do they know. Give ’em the ole duck face photo at the Hampton Inn in Bismarck, ND and throw a sweet filter on it. They will think you are living the good life. #Sarcasm. Or if you are actually at some place sweet those photos will be awesome. #Millenial (not me!)
• You get to see a lot of interesting places (bucket list!) . Through business travel I’ve been able to visit almost all 50 states, and check off quite a few bucket list destinations. Sometimes you gotta rush through them given the business constraint, but its still far more economical than you could do on your own.
• You will gain a more global (or at least “National”) view of the world / country . If you live on the left coast (like I do), you might have a tendency to get a skewed view of the universe. I’ve spent so much time in all parts of this country that I know that there are equal parts good and bad people everywhere. Travel will bring you into contact with all kinds of folks.

Be sure to read: 147 Business Travel Tips – the ultimate list of road warrior tips & tricks

The Downsides of Business Travel

Yes…it’s not all glitz and glam and unicorns. In fact, often it’s not. Here are some of the downsides of business travel:

• Time away from family . This is the biggest drawback. And one I’ve struggled with. I love my family and I love providing for them. I know for a fact that I could not provide the same quality of life that I do today if I didn’t have a job that involved business travel. All the same, it totally sucks being away from your family.
• The hassles of business travel . Non-business travelers often think the business travel life is glamorous. And I suppose that parts of it are (like getting a sweet upgrade to first class), but the reality is that it’s a job and it has its own daily grind. You are cramped in airline seats, shuttling from one location to the next, tired, etc.
• You will be tired . Different time zones, jet lag and having to the “up” and “on your game” for you client meetings is taxing on the body. You learn to live with, but it’s still difficult.
• You will occasionally miss your kids events . This sucks. No two ways about it. I’ve made more events than I’ve missed, but sometimes you will miss a soccer practice or a midweek game. Not fun.
• You will travel to places people don’t really want to visit (like Minot, ND) – but I see this as an upside, honestly.
• You will be alone a lot . All of those bucket list places are often done alone. I’ve seen cool lighthouses…by myself. I can honestly say while it was cool to see, I wished my wife was with me. It would have made it so much better. At the end of the day, you are alone in your hotel room with your email and your TV.

For more thoughts on the downsides of frequent travel consider these articles:

• Travelling for Work: The Dark Side of Work Travel
• 9 Crazy Myths About Business Travel – Debunked!
• What to do on a Business Trip Alone – 7 Ideas to Never Be Lonely on a Work Trip
• Travel Tip Tuesday #19: Staying Connected is Important (to your loved ones!)

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Business Travel

There are a lot of pros and cons to business travel. I have been doing it for many years and the impact it has had on my career has been significant. The world is pretty flat these days and many corporate jobs require some level of travel.

If you want to really advance in your career it is better to embrace the benefits of business travel. Find a supportive partner (my wife is amazing and we have a great routine! I could not do this job w/out her) and jump in headfirst. Your career will thank you.

Don’t forget to read my post on 11 Tips to Crush your First Business Trip for ideas on how to get the most out of your first experience and to avoid making those rookie travel mistakes.

By the way, if you are interested in more travel tips and travel advice, you might be like these great articles:

If you liked this content, please do us a favor share it on social media and  click the “like” button below  and don’t forget to follow us on social media including  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest  and  Facebook .

And, of course, if you are interested in more travel tips and travel advice, you might like these great articles:

• 147 Business Travel Tips  – the ultimate list of road warrior tips & tricks
• 31 Amazing Hotel Hacks  Travel Pros Use all the Time
• 53 Amazing Gifts for Business Travelers  in the 2020 Gift Guide for Travelers
• 9 Healthy Travel Snacks  – eat smarter on the road
• Product Review: OGIO Metro Backpack , The Business Traveler’s Backpack
• Ultimate Bitcoin Travel Directory : How and where to use crypto for travel
• How to buy a hotel mattress
• How to buy a hotel pillow
• How to buy hotel sheets
• 101 Travel Hacks for the Business Traveler  – the Best Business Travel Hacks
• 26 Must Have Travel Gadgets & Gear  to add to your travel kit
• The Ultimate List of the  Best Travel Blogs 2020  Edition
• The Mileage Run  – A Frequent Flyer Travel Hack You Need to Know
• Top backyard water toys
• Best backyard games
• Top travel pillows
• Best travel purses
• Best luggage tags
• Best travel thermometers
• Where to buy face masks for travel
• Travel necessities
• Best travel games
• Best travel books
• Best packing cubes
• Anker PowerCore 200100 Review  – Should I Buy?
• Hilarious Travel Memes
• Why Frequent Travelers should  buy their Travel Size Toiletries in Bulk!
• 3 Letter Airport Codes  – their history, funny ones and more
• Top Travel Pillows  – the best travel pillows for 2019
• TSA Drone Policy  – do they have one?

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn commissions from other affiliate programs as applicable.

Jeremy Ballou is the editor of the CBoardingGroup.com and a long-time writer in both the travel and tech industry. Most days he's in thinking about travel or writing about it.

Travel Tip Tuesday #21: How to Fold your Towels like the Hotel does!

Steam clothes in shower to avoid ironing, you may also like, demon dentist freaks out and removes clothes at..., five days in slovenia: a guide to the..., can i fly with an expired license, what is a redress number and do i..., how to make your bed like a hotel..., how to stop your ears from hurting on..., the traveler’s first aid kit: how savvy business..., 11 tips on traveling with your boss –..., 23 jobs with travel: the ultimate list of..., deal alert: rockland wheeled underseat carry-on 72% off.

Enjoyed this article and it’s great that you have been able to travel on business for a long time.

One downside I’ve noticed is marital splits.

Thanks so much! And yes heavy travel can be rough on the marriage. No doubt about it.

I like the idea that I’ll be likely to get involved with higher-profile projects with business travel. My boss is offering me this opportunity since he told me that I have the potential to take over his place when he retires, and he wants me to get started as soon as possible with traveling on all parts of the country. If I were to choose, I’ll look for a company that posts business class travel fares so I’ll know how much I should put for the travel expenses when I begin my training.

You should definitely take advantage of it!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More From Forbes

The rising dark side of business travel ceos need to pay attention to.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

It's time for companies to rethink their approach to business travel.

The business landscape has rapidly changed since the pandemic, with remote work and hybrid models becoming more prominent. Despite these workforce shifts, one aspect remains constant: business travel.

Business travel is back in full force following an expected dip during the pandemic. Corporate travel budgets are returning to pre-pandemic levels, and more companies are planning budget expansions. A Morgan Stanley survey revealed that over two-thirds of companies with under $1 billion in annual revenue anticipated increased travel budgets in the coming year.

The Impact of Frequently Flying

Frequent travel can significantly impact an individual's physical, emotional, and mental well-being . While companies prioritize conventional risk management areas, they often overlook the personal well-being of their travelers. From maintaining a healthy diet to proper sleep and various emotional components such as loneliness and separation, business travelers encounter numerous potential long-term health disruptions that non-traveling employees don't face.

Business travelers had higher claims than non-travelers for all health conditions across the board, along with a higher likelihood of stress-related disorders, as reported in the Harvard Business Review . Lastly, as shared in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , frequent business travel adversely affects overall body composition, leading to risks of obesity and various other ailments if left unmanaged, such as heart disease and diabetes.

More and more companies are prioritizing workplace wellness due to factors such as obesity's $400 billion impact on companies . Corporate travel wellness programs are a necessary part of the equation as well. As you look to implement a modern and more robust travel wellness program, start with these two areas:

Huawei s Pura 70 Ultra Beats iPhone With Pioneering New Feature

The juan soto trade has helped both the yankees and the san diego padres, four reportedly hurt after army horses run loose through central london, embrace bleisure travel.

When attracting and retaining the best people, more and more employees choose lifestyle over salary . It's not out of laziness. It's out of a desire for work-life integration. With this in mind, organizations can embrace employees' desires through bleisure . Organizations can promote work-life integration and rejuvenation by allowing employees to combine business trips with leisure activities.

Implementing flexible travel policies that enable team members to extend their trips on the back end is a way to improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention rates. Research shows that 89% of business travelers wanted to add a private holiday to their business trips. Traveling for work is energetically demanding, physically and mentally. A few extra days for leisure allow team members to process their trip, recharge, and return at total capacity.

Treat Your Employees Like Athletes

Just as professional athletes require careful management of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being , so do business travelers. Business travel is a stressor with a high burnout rate and decreased performance across the board. As you revamp your corporate wellness travel program, consider your approach to business travel as a sports team thinks of traveling to play an away game.

As you prepare the company playbook for healthier and more productive business traveling, consider the following:

• Providing support for handling jet lag
• Offering advice on maintaining healthy sleep and nutritional habits away from home
• Investing in business class and non-stop flights
• Providing hotels that have conducive amenities for optimal well-being
• Ensuring team members reside in centrally located hotels or apartment hotels

Business travel isn't going anywhere anytime soon, as the average business traveler takes roughly 6.8 trips per year, with business travel in the U.S. from domestic and international travelers also accounting for $387 billion in annual revenue, according to research shared over at Zippia . Incorporating travel wellness initiatives isn't merely an expense; it's an investment in employees' health and performance.

As organizations revamp their corporate travel programs, prioritizing their travelers' well-being is paramount. By implementing strategies to support travel wellness, companies can ensure that their employees remain healthy, engaged, and effective representatives of their companies.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Physical Address

College House, 2nd Floor, 17 King Edwards Road, London, HA4 7AE

Is Travel Overrated? – A Critical Examination

• August 4, 2023

Do you think travel is overrated? Why travel when you can stay home and watch the Travel Channel?

You’ve probably been told countless times that traveling is a life-changing experience, but what if it’s all just overrated? This thought-provoking piece explores five compelling reasons why travel might not be everything it’s cracked up to be (and five reasons that it might be!)

So buckle up and get ready for some eye-opening insights into whether or not travel truly lives up to its lofty reputation.

Key Takeaways

• Travel facilitates personal development and fosters open-mindedness.
• Souvenirs and memories serve as reminders and help relive special moments.
• Travel allows for an escape from daily routine, providing relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Travel embraces diversity and adventure, connecting cultures and people and creating unforgettable experiences.

Table of Contents

5 reasons why travel is overrated.

Travel can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience, but it’s essential to consider the downsides.

First, traveling costs and expenses can quickly add up, especially when considering accommodation, transportation, and dining out.

Second, popular tourist destinations are often overcrowded with tourists, which can detract from the authenticity and enjoyment of your trip.

Finally, language barriers can pose challenges in communication and navigating unfamiliar places.

Safety and security concerns and the potential negative environmental impact that travel can have on fragile ecosystems should not be overlooked.

Cost and Expenses

Planning a trip can be exciting, but you’ll quickly realize that accommodations and dining out can add up. The cost and expenses of travel can sometimes make you wonder if it’s all worth it.

Sure, everyone talks about their unique experiences while globetrotting, but is it necessary to empty your wallet to visit a new place? Airports alone can drain your funds with their high parking fees and overpriced snacks. And let’s not forget about hotel rooms that leave a hole in your pocket.

Peer pressure plays a role, too, with social media showcasing glamorous vacations that make you feel like you’re missing out.

Thanks to technology and social networking, there are countless ways to explore the world from the comfort of your own home without breaking the bank or succumbing to peer pressure.

Crowded Tourist Destinations

Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and long lines, you might question whether these popular tourist destinations are worth the hassle. While crowded tourist destinations can be daunting, they often have a reason for their popularity.

It’s important to note that crowded tourist destinations have some downsides, such as longer waiting times, higher prices, and less intimacy with the local culture. It’s essential to plan your visit strategically, avoid peak seasons, and explore off-the-beaten-path attractions within the destination to make the most out of your trip.

Ultimately, whether a crowded tourist destination is worth the hassle depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in your travels. If you are interested in exploring iconic landmarks, immersing yourself in vibrant atmospheres, and experiencing the energy of well-known travel hotspots, these destinations may be worth the occasional hassle.

Language Barriers

Despite the language barriers, embracing the challenge and using gestures or translation apps to communicate with locals is essential. Traveling is a beautiful experience that many people love to embark on.

Today’s single person often finds themselves exploring new destinations alone, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the journey. The world is full of diverse cultures and languages, which can initially seem daunting. However, by learning a few key phrases or using technology to bridge the gap, you’ll be able to connect with locals in meaningful ways. This enhances your travel experience and fosters personal growth and development.

Travel can change your life, providing leisure and pleasure while creating lasting memories.

Safety and Security

Ensuring your safety and security while abroad is essential, so it’s important to research the local laws and customs before you go. Safety should be a top priority when traveling.

Before boarding an airline, ensure you know the security measures to protect passengers.

While on vacation, relaxation should be the primary goal, but this does not mean neglecting safety precautions. Always be cautious of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels off.

Environmental Impact

Traveling to new destinations directly impacts the environment, so we must be mindful of our carbon footprint and make sustainable choices while exploring.

As a single person who can’t live without the thrill of traveling, you understand the importance of minimizing your environmental impact.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Transportation: Opt for eco-friendly modes of transportation like public transit or cycling whenever possible.
• Planes: Choose airlines with solid sustainability policies and offset your carbon emissions.
• Accommodation: Stay in eco-friendly hotels or consider alternative options such as homestays or camping.

By making these sustainable choices, you reduce your own environmental impact and set an example for others.

5 Reasons Why Travel Is Underrated

Traveling is an underrated experience that can truly broaden your horizons and perspectives. It has the power to open your mind to new cultures, traditions, and ways of life, allowing you to see the world from a different lens.

Not only does travel promote personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone and challenging you to adapt to unfamiliar situations, but it also connects people from different backgrounds, fostering understanding and empathy.

Additionally, traveling provides memorable experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends, offering a much-needed escape from the monotony of daily routine.

Broadens Horizons and Perspectives

Experiencing different cultures and perspectives can open your mind and broaden your horizons in ways you never thought possible. Traveling is an essential aspect of personal growth that no person can afford to live without.

It’s an excellent opportunity to see everything the world offers, allowing you to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives. When you immerse yourself in unfamiliar surroundings, you are forced out of your comfort zone, pushing you to adapt and learn from different cultural norms and practices.

This exposure allows you to appreciate the diversity of humanity and understand that there is not just one way of doing things. By embracing these differences, travel enriches your life by expanding your knowledge, empathy, and understanding of the world around you.

Promotes Personal Growth

After expanding your horizons and gaining new perspectives through travel, it’s important to remember that traveling promotes personal growth. As a single person exploring the world, you can’t live happily without travel’s invaluable experiences.

Here are four reasons why traveling is so great for personal growth:

• True self-discovery : Traveling allows you to step out of your comfort zone and truly discover who you are.
• Rest and rejuvenation : A vacation allows you to relax and recharge, which is essential for personal growth.
• New connections : Meeting people from different cultures teaches you valuable lessons about diversity and fosters personal development.
• Expanded mindset : Experiencing different customs, traditions, and ways of life broadens your perspective and helps you become more open-minded.

So remember, while some see travel as overrated, its importance in promoting personal growth cannot be denied.

Connects Cultures and People

When you immerse yourself in other cultures, you’ll find that connecting with people from all walks of life becomes effortless. Traveling opens up a world of possibilities and allows you to explore new places while connecting with the locals.

It is important for personal growth because it exposes you to different perspectives, traditions, and ways of life that broaden your understanding of the world. As a single person, traveling can be an incredible experience as it gives you the freedom to go wherever you please and meet new people along the way.

The connections made while traveling can often become lifelong friendships, creating a sense of belonging no matter where you are in the world. It brings meaning to life by showing us that there is so much more beyond our own little bubble and encourages us to embrace diversity instead of competition.

So hop on that plane or train because we can’t live without exploring new cultures and connecting with people.

Provides Memorable Experiences

Immersing yourself in alien cultures while traveling creates unforgettable experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. Traveling is essential because it allows you to broaden your horizons and learn about the world beyond your own backyard.

Here are four reasons why travel is great and why people spend their time going to as many places as possible:

• Escape from competition and pressure: When you travel, you break free from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in new surroundings. It’s a chance to step away from the pressures of work or school and enjoy being in the moment.
• Fulfilling your desire for adventure: For some, traveling is something they can’t live without. The thrill of exploring unknown territories, trying new activities, and meeting new people drives them to keep discovering.
• Collecting souvenirs of memories: Whether it’s a postcard, a trinket, or a photograph, souvenirs remind you of the incredible moments you experienced during your travels. They allow you to relive those special memories even when you’re back home.
• Relaxation and rejuvenation: Taking a vacation allows you to relax and rest away from the stresses of everyday life. Whether lying on a beach or hiking through nature trails, travel will enable you to recharge physically and mentally.

Traveling opens doors to countless must-see destinations and must-do activities around the world. So pack your bags, embrace new cultures, create unforgettable memories, and let travel be an integral part of your life!

Escapes Daily Routine

Escaping your daily routine through travel allows you to experience new surroundings and break free from the demands of everyday life. Traveling is vital for everyone, whether you are a single person seeking adventure or can’t live without exploring new places .

In today’s fast-paced world, constant competition and pressure exist to be productive and achieve more. But when you embark on a journey, you can relax and rest away from the pressures of work and responsibilities. It allows you to recharge your mind and body, returning refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

So don’t underestimate the power of travel in providing a much-needed escape from your daily routine.

Final Thoughts – Is Travel Overrated?

Travel’s not all it’s cracked up to be, with long lines, crowded tourist attractions, and overpriced hotels. While traveling is vital for broadening your horizons and experiencing new cultures, it can be great in moderation.

There’s often a sense of competition and social pressure to visit the same must-see and must-do attractions as everyone else. But sometimes, taking a step back and choosing to relax and rest instead can be just as rewarding.

Don’t let the hype fool you – these popular destinations are often overrated. Instead, seek out hidden gems that may not be on every tourist’s radar. Remember that travel should always be about discovering what truly interests you rather than succumbing to societal expectations.

After exploring both sides of the argument, it’s clear that the answer is subjective.

While some may argue that travel is overrated due to its expenses and inconveniences, others believe enriching experiences and personal growth make it worthwhile.

Whether travel is overrated depends on your perspective and what you seek from life. Travel can be thrilling and exhilarating for some, like a rollercoaster ride, leaving others feeling queasy.

It’s up to you to decide if you’re up for the adventure!

Matt Francis

Hi, I'm Matt Francis. A digital nomad, blogger, web developer and all-around good egg! I am the brains (and brawn) behind Everyday Ape. My website features a wide range of topics, with a focus on travelling and working online.

Related Posts

Discover the Best Digital Nomad Websites and Resources

• February 9, 2024

Best Tax Havens for Digital Nomads – 13 Tax-Friendly Places

• October 18, 2023

10 of the Best South American Countries for Digital Nomads

• October 17, 2023

Trending now

6 Cheapest Business Class Airlines for an Affordable Upgrade

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With the ever-shrinking seats in coach class, the allure of those spacious front-of-plane cabins has never been stronger. Flying business class can feel reminiscent of the golden era of travel, when glamour and comfort ruled the skies. Perks like lie-flat beds, privacy doors that encapsulate seats, airport lounge access, and even chauffeur services can entice even the most austere travelers among us to contemplate splurging on an upgrade every now and then.

Of course, those amenities all come at a price. Business class fares can be prohibitively expensive for the average traveler, with one-way tickets soaring as high as several thousands dollars. But did you know that the cheapest business class airlines offer many of the best perks for less money? If you know the right carriers, an affordable but luxurious business class ticket could be within reach. Here’s everything you need to know about the cheapest business class airlines .

What perks and amenities do the cheapest business class airlines give you?

On board a cheap business class airline that still offers good value, you can expect a spacious seat—one that lies flat on longer routes—better in-flight meals, complimentary alcohol, and reserved overhead bin space.

Other perks on the ground will vary from airline to airline. Some carriers “unbundle” their cheapest business class fares, meaning amenities like airport lounge access , seat selection, and over-the-top perks like chauffeur services aren’t offered to keep prices lower. Other airlines simply do not offer any customers amenities like lounges at all.

To get the cheapest business class fares, you’ll have to decide what perks are most important to you. Would you prefer to relax in a lounge during a long layover? Or is an affordable bed in the sky with fully closing doors of more importance? The airlines below all offer luxury, but the emphasis is put on different stages of the travel experience.

What prices are considered affordable for business class?

The price for that premium seat can get quite steep: Flights in top business class cabins can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Like other airline tickets , the price of cheap business class fares can depend on the destination, time of year, when you book, and the airline itself. The longer the flight and the plusher the cabin, the higher the fare will climb.

However, according to recent data from aviation statistics firm Cirium , The average business class fare in 2023 was $1,845. So anything near or below that price point can be considered a pretty good deal for one-way in business class—keeping in mind the factors like the length of the flight and the amenities your ticket includes.

6 of the cheapest business class airlines

TAP Air Portugal business class tickets can occasionally be found for under $2,000 roundtrip.

TAP Air Portugal

Generally known as a budget carrier, TAP Air Portugal actually offers a solid—and affordable—business class product as well. According to Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going.com , TAP Air Portugal routinely prices its business class seats to Europe for less than $3,000 roundtrip—sometimes even slipping below $2,000 roundtrip. For that price, you’ll get lie-flat seats with bedding that includes wrap-around duvets and large pillows, as well as meal service that features Portuguese dishes and wines. The seats and finishes might not feel as plush as other business classes, but you’ll have space to stretch your legs and lie flat at an attainable price point.

Turkish Airlines

Offering a few more amenities but still cheaper rates in business is Turkish Airlines, a carrier that Nastro says also consistently offers seats in business class on flights to Turkey and other destinations in Europe for under $3,000 roundtrip. You’ll be well cared for in Turkish business class, which offers a lie-flat seat that’s more than six feet long and up to two feet wide, with an 18-inch entertainment screen. When it comes to dining, you’ll have access to the airline’s iconic flying chefs, who prepare a litany of Turkish dishes and other cuisines mid-flight and essentially transform the business class cabin into a flying, top-tier restaurant. Plus, business class passengers also have access to Turkish lounges when they arrive at the airport.

Emirates' most affordable business class option doesn't include perks like lounge access or seat selection.

Emirates “Special” business class fares

In order to give customers access to the cheapest business class seats, Emirates unbundles its business class fares. If you book one of these tickets, called “Special" business class fares by the airline, you won’t have access to Emirates lounges , chauffeur service, seat selection, or upgrades to first class. But once onboard the plane, you get all those bells and whistles Emirates business class is known for: ultra-comfy beds, gourmet food, premium cocktails, and even the A380’s onboard cocktail lounge.

Using the unbundled booking method can potentially save travelers thousands of dollars. A quick check of business class fares on Emirates’ New York to Dubai route for June 2024 showed the airline’s Special business class price at $2,787 one-way, while its Flex Plus business class ticket, which offers the most perks and rebooking options, clocked in at $6,229—a difference of more than $3,400. The Special fares are only available on certain routes and certain times of year, so if you see one that works for you, it could be worth locking in.

This little-known German carrier flies from 13 major US gateways to Europe, and is one of the best cheapest business class airlines out there. Condor’s sharp-looking business class cabins with striped accents offer seats that transform into a 6.5-foot lie-flat bed, 4K entertainment screens, and direct-aisle access for every passenger. Plus, each business class passenger gets access to Condor’s lounges. Fares start at about $1,100 on flights from New York to Berlin.

Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite option is a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lite

Much like Emirates’ unbundled tickets, Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite and Business Class Classic fares offer the same opulent seats to fliers who’d like to shave off a few amenities in order to save money. You won’t have lounge access or seat selection before check-in included in your ticket. But you can book into the revered Qsuites product, which offers fully closing doors around a spacious lie-flat seat (79 inches long and 21 inches wide) and impeccable in-flight service. While the price tag can’t be considered “cheap” compared to some carriers, the unbundled fares can be a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky. The unbundled fares aren’t offered on all routes, but a search of Qatar’s flights from New York to Doha for August 2024 shows Business Class Classic fares for $6,268, while Business Elite is $8,810—a difference of more than $2,500.

JetBlue Mint

Although it’s not offered on every plane or every route, JetBlue’s Mint business class is among the best premium products in terms of value for the money. Mint offers a mix of standard lie-flat seats and more private suites with doors, depending on the aircraft layout. Each seat offers adjustable firmness, a massage function, and turns into a bed that’s six feet, eight inches long outfitted with blankets and pillows from Tuft and Needle. You can also expect some seriously scrumptious food and drink options, as JetBlue has partnered with New York restaurant group Delicious Hospitality, the collective behind Manhattan restaurants Pasquale Jones, Charlie Bird, and Legacy Records, to design the rotating menus in Mint. One-way tickets start at about $700 and range up to $2,000 to fly between New York and Los Angeles, but expect to pay more on JetBlue’s international routes.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

I've been to 54 countries and have lived in 10. These 5 underrated places are worth the trip.

• Kate Boardman has visited 54 countries around the world and lived in 10, including the US.
• She's enjoyed spots like France and Bali but says people should visit underrated places like Oman.
• In Guatemala, she climbed an active volcano, and in Ecuador, she swam with hammerhead sharks.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kate Boardman , a 36-year-old former teacher and current content creator from Massachusetts who has lived and traveled all over the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I first lived abroad when I was 15, when I participated in an exchange program in Germany. I lived there for a year, attending school and staying with a host family.

That was my first exposure to living overseas and truly immersing myself in other cultures. From there, the travel bug hit me hard. It inspired me to study international business in France while I was at university, and future trips after that.

I've been to 54 countries and lived in 10, including the US. The sense of freedom and self-growth that comes from traveling is unbeatable. I also love being able to see the world in a different way.

The most popular destinations are popular for a reason.

Everyone talks about Paris, London , Bali — all travel destinations that are super popular, in part thanks to social media.

I visited Bali in early 2012 and saw it expand firsthand. There was a lot of construction — with many beach clubs being built — and it became overcrowded by foreigners. It's led to locals being priced out of their homes.

I also think spots like Cancun are super overrated; there are way cooler places to visit in Mexico. Many tourists spend a week in an all-inclusive resort and think that's fun — but that couldn't be more unattractive to me.

Obviously, there's still beauty in places that are oversaturated and famous. But I think that there's an excitement that comes from experiencing places that are off the beaten track.

It's often in those places that you can have the most surprising experiences.

I was treated like family in Iran

I would say my favorite country that I have visited is Iran. I went in 2018 and was there for 10 days.

Normally, when I'm traveling, I backpack alone and stay in hostels as a solo traveler. However, in Iran, if you're American, Canadian, or from the UK, in order to get permission to enter the country, you need a set itinerary and a licensed travel guide.

It was a very coordinated trip and a bit more challenging to visit, but it was so rewarding because I was welcomed with the warmest hospitality.

One of the unique aspects of this trip was how close my guide and I became. He went above and beyond, inviting me over to his family's house for dinner, where I got to meet and hang out with his friends and family. It was truly special.

Because I had a guide, everything was kind of set for me in Iran. He arranged different accommodations, including a road trip through the country, where we stayed in various cities at different guesthouses.

It only cost me around $1,000.

The nature and landscape of Iran are absolutely beautiful and amazing. The sights, attractions, and history are mind-blowing. You've got these gorgeous mosaics everywhere. All of the architecture had my jaw dropping in awe while walking around.

The food is also delicious, and the markets are incredible, each filled with gorgeous textiles, jewelry, turquoise, and rugs.

I would totally visit there again. I hope the political situation changes because that would definitely be one of my group trip destinations. I think it's just incredible.

Georgia took me by surprise

Georgia is just one of those countries that's not on a lot of people's radar. And then they go there and they're like, 'Whoa, that's awesome. Why didn't I know about this before?'

I knew very little about Georgia before I visited in 2018. I spent only five days in the country, but I was completely blown away.

I stayed in Tbilisi, which is the capital city. It's a really beautiful, trendy, and artsy kind of city. It has amazing wine and incredible food.

Probably one of my favorite things about the trip is that I stayed in this hostel called Fabrika . It was an old Soviet Union sewing factory that they turned into a super cool, industrial, hipster hostel.

In Tbilisi, I also went on a pub crawl throughout the Old Town, which featured a bunch of underground cellars and bunkers that have been turned into trendy nightclubs and bars.

During my time in the country, I took a trip out to the countryside to an area called Kazbegi, which is absolutely stunning. There were gorgeous and breathtaking mountains, hills, and massive churches.

Related stories

In the city, I also had a Turkish bath, which is a big thing in Georgia. I got a full scrub down.

Guatemala has something for everyone

When most people from the US think about going to Central America, they're focused on Mexico or Costa Rica. Guatemala seems to be a place that kind of gets overlooked.

But life is great in Guatemala.

You've got beautiful weather all year round, the jungle, rainforests, and the Caribbean's white sand beaches, while the Pacific side has its black sand beaches. It's got a little bit of everything.

I first lived in Guatemala in 2021, where I worked as a teacher at an international school. They provided housing in Guatemala City. However, after I finished working for them, I moved to a beach town on the Pacific coast and lived there for about six months.

I've traveled there on other occasions too, staying for periods of four or five months.

The typical salary for a Guatemalan is about $500 a month, with a good salary being $1,000. I would say that $2,000 a month is more than enough to live there extremely comfortably.

There are a lot of digital nomads moving there, especially to Antigua — an old colonial town with a lot of charm, cobblestone streets, and painted buildings.

There's just so much to do in Guatemala; it's so magical.

The biggest must do is hiking the active volcano called Acatenango . Sometimes, you can see it erupting right from its base camp. There's not many places in the world where you can experience that.

Another good place to visit is El Paredon, a super up-and-coming hippie surf town. The surfing is great, and you've got these black volcanic sand beaches. It's just a really laid-back place.

Lake Atitlan is also an incredible spot. It's surrounded by volcanoes and several Mayan villages, each with its own personality and vibe.

Oman's deserts are magical

Oman is in the Middle East, bordering the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. I've been there three times between 2016 and 2018.

The country is culturally rich, and the capital city, Muscat, is really beautiful. It has old traditional marketplaces and gorgeous architecture — the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is definitely worth checking out.

The deserts there are incredible, so doing a desert trip is a must. I camped out in the desert with the locals, rode camels, and drove Jeeps over the sand dunes.

Having tea and watching the sunset in the desert was magical too.

Oman also has wadis, which are basically big canyons in the middle of the desert with swimming holes. There, you'll find bright turquoise water contrasting with the orange rock.

The country's islands are also beautiful and incredible for snorkeling. They look like you'd be in the Caribbean, but you're in the Middle East.

The Galapagos Islands are truly like nowhere else in the world

I visited Ecuador last year for about six weeks. I was leading a gap year program with a group of high school students. We split our time between the Galapagos Islands and the mainland, which consisted of cities and the Amazon.

Because Ecuador has incredibly unique biodiversity that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world, The Galapagos Islands are an absolute must. I've never seen such incredible wildlife in my life; so many species exist only on those islands.

While visiting The Galapagos, my group went snorkeling with 50 to 100 hammerhead and Blacktip sharks. We also swam with sea lions and saw giant tortoises.

Another amazing aspect of Ecuador is learning about the Inca culture. My group did a homestay and lived with a family for about 10 days and learned about their way of life.

We experienced how connected they are with Mother Earth, whom they refer to as Pachamama, and learned about their traditional medicine: They grow their own food and seek out plant medicine when they're sick, rather than relying on processed foods.

Learning about and sharing their way of life was truly special.

I want to show people how to travel the world

There are many beliefs people have about different countries and cultures, sometimes considering them too dangerous, expensive, or unattainable.

I want to inspire more people to explore, step out of their comfort zones, and experience more of the world. I am hosting group trips with the goal of bringing people to these countries and showing them why they are so life-changing.

Watch: From Nepal to Kosovo, here's how countries are celebrating Pride

• Main content

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Bed and Breakfast
• Moscow Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Things to Do in Moscow
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Overrated - Ess-Thetik

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    
• Moscow Restaurants    

“Overrated” Review of Ess-Thetik

We have been to this place once with my wife. Beer selection is too limited for a sausage joint. And even not all items available on the menu. We also asked for fries and they were out. Go figure out: beer and sausages without fries. Bruschetta was ok, mashed potatoes below average. There is no beef dog on the menu,we go for lamb and turkey sausages instead. Lamb was quite poor. Turkey was good but requires some more spice. Pickles are also not tasty seem to be from supermarket shelf. Service is good and fast. Prices are at lower end. Atmosphere nice, music quite enjoyable.

• Excellent 35
• Very good 11
• All languages
• English  (10)
• Russian  (53)
• French  (1)
• English (10)
• Russian (53)

7 - 11 of 64 reviews

The best place in Moscow if you want to have some Austrian Sausages and Italian Salads, Panini, very nice soup. I will continue with atmosphere it is very cozy and stylish. nice music, nice design, nice people. If you want to meet celebrities you should visit this place. for me this is one of the BEST!!!

Narrow but cosy space for those who want to have a good quick lunch. Big and tasty sausages served with cabbage and mustard, bruschettas, couple of soups. Nice coffee in glasses. Foursquare special check-in doesn't work though.

Heard some great things about this place and decided to check it out. Friendly welcome that convinced us to eat in and we were given complimentary bread, sausages,Beer. Everything was great. There was the meat, which was superbly cooked. Best mixed cheese and sausages I've had in Mosocw and I've been back a few times with my Family, after our re-visit in Russia

Travelers who viewed Ess-Thetik also viewed

Been to ess-thetik share your experiences, owners: what's your side of the story.

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Browse nearby

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Credit card rates
• Balance transfer credit cards
• Business credit cards
• Cash back credit cards
• Rewards credit cards
• Travel credit cards
• Checking accounts
• Online checking accounts
• High-yield savings accounts
• Money market accounts
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Home buying
• Options pit
• Investment ideas
• Research reports
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

11 Fast Food Burgers That Are Overrated

We all have our favorites when it comes to fast food burgers, but sometimes it's fun to try the latest and greatest. So, you decide to try that new place that all your friends are raving about -- who knows, maybe it's worth all the buzz. Or, perhaps you're on a road trip and want a taste of that patty that the locals swear by. Whatever the case, there's a lot of hype, and you want in so you wait in line eager to try the latest craze. But after all that anticipation, the first bite is ... underwhelming. It's just okay, at best. Or worse, it might be burnt or undercooked in the middle.

Unfortunately, reality often doesn't align with expectations, especially if those expectations are sky-high. Fast food burgers can be delicious, but consistency is a gamble. Plus, they often pale in comparison to your favorite local spot -- but that's beside the point. If you've fallen into the trap of highly rated but mediocre or downright bad fast food burgers, you're not alone. According to diners at these fast food chains, the following burgers are sorely overrated.

Read more: Fast Food Restaurants That Serve Low-Quality Beef

In-N-Out Burger

We might get a lot of hate for this one, but In-N-Out is perhaps one of the most overhyped burgers out there. The popular burger stop has reached a cult-like status among its fans, with many passionately declaring it the best fast food in the country. The chain has been around since 1948, and its menu has largely stayed the same since then. The hype may partially come from the fact that most of the restaurant's locations are in California, making it a must-try pit stop for any out-of-state and international travelers who have heard others sing its praises.

However, many diners feel short-changed when they try In-N-Out for the first time. One East Coaster, who grew up hearing people gush about the chain, said , "When I finally tried it I was disappointed because I was expecting one of the best burgers of my life. It was just fine. Good for the price but not amazing by any means." Many feel the same way, and even a few regulars admit that the excitement is overblown. Food writer and chef Andrew Zimmern also threw his hat into the ring, saying in an exclusive interview with Mashed that he doesn't understand In-N-Out's popularity, especially compared to other fast food chains. If you do plan on trying In-N-Out's burger, it's best to lower your expectations -- at least just back down to regular fast food levels.

Whataburger

To say that Whataburger has a strong fanbase is an understatement. Since 1950, the Texas-based chain has been winning over the hearts of hungry diners with its promise of extra-large and delicious burgers. Like In-N-Out, tourists from non-Whataburger states flock to the restaurant with high expectations. However, many feel that the chain's signature burgers fall short in several notable ways.

Bombarded by Texans imploring them to try Whataburger, one reviewer (via Paper City ) found their meal underwhelming. Despite the fanfare, their burger arrived overcooked, with toppings that were lacking in flavor and quality. Others share similar experiences, expressing disappointment at cold food, stale buns, and dry meat. To make matters worse, some believe that Whataburger has declined over the years. They feel the quality and value no longer justify a visit, especially compared to other similar burger chains. Of course, every location is different and experiences vary. One fan summed it up, saying , "Burgers can be hit or miss but when they hit it hits good." This inconsistency raises red flags -- it's clear that there's a major gap between fans' glowing recommendations and the reality many diners face.

Shake Shack

Far from its humble beginnings as a hot dog cart in New York City, Shake Shack (after switching to burgers) now operates over 400 locations across the U.S. Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard people vouch for its burgers. Enthusiastic fans rave about their high quality and taste , raising the expectations of the uninitiated.

Some people just don't understand the hype surrounding Shake Shack's burgers. After braving the infamously long lines, one first-time customer expressed disappointment (via Business Insider ) at the small size of her burger. All in all, she found it overrated. Others echo this sentiment on sites like Reddit. One user sparked a lively discussion by posting a picture of their burger. Someone responded , "Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, it's actually pretty good. It's a good burger, not a great burger. And that teeny-tiny burger in the picture is about $7 ($9 for the double), and it really shouldn't be." Other users also chimed in to criticize the restaurant's pricing.

While prices can vary, reviews on TripAdvisor also called the burger overpriced, adding that it's too greasy and average taste-wise. Even the famed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey confessed that he prefers In-N-Out to Shake Shack, which says a lot.

Five Guys has taken the world by storm since it first opened its doors in 1986. Known for using the finest ingredients, the chain has amassed a devoted following that believes its burgers reign supreme. With such high praise, inevitably, some people don't get it.

The main problem that naysayers have is the price. More expensive than most fast food burgers, Five Guys asks a lot of its customers. For some, it's a bad deal. One price-shocked diner said  that they paid $44 for three cheeseburgers and an order of fries. Though they were satisfied with their food, the hefty Five Guys price tag left them unwilling to return. The restaurant chain has come under fire recently for its high prices. One customer's receipt went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter , after it showed they paid $24.10 for a bacon cheeseburger, soda, and a small order of fries. In the comments, people were in disbelief, calling it a total rip-off. "The burgers aren't even good. I never got the appeal," wrote one disgruntled user.

Quality control seems to be another sticking point. TripAdvisor reviews mention issues like soggy, burnt, cold, or thin burgers, proving that premium prices don't always guarantee a premium experience.

Culver's

Established in 1984, Culver's dominates the fast food burger game in the Midwest. The Wisconsin-born institution is famous for two things: its frozen custard and the ButterBurger, a menu staple named for its buttered buns. In its popularity, the ButterBurger has earned a reputation for greatness, one that it often can't meet. While many will defend the burger to the very end, others find it overrated.

Dissatisfied customers have taken to online platforms to voice their grievances, reporting problems across the board. While fast food burgers are known to be greasy, some find the chain's offerings to be excessively so. Others take issue with the burger's construction, saying that Culver's practice of putting all the condiments on the bottom bun leaves the rest of the burger unpleasantly dry. "I really don't understand the love of Culver's burgers," one person wrote in a Reddit post. "They are super bland to me (just a mix of mayo and meh burger meat)." Reviewers on Yelp share similar criticisms, lamenting the lack of salt and seasoning between the buns. Missing that much-needed burst of flavor, the ButterBurger doesn't have enough going for it to make it stand out from other burgers on the market.

McDonald's

There's nothing more American than McDonald's. With over 40,000 stores worldwide, the restaurant is famous for offering reliable, cheap eats wherever it's located. McDonald's signature Big Mac has grown into a pop culture phenomenon, but does it deserve all the attention?

According to recent customers, the chain doesn't live up to expectations. Diners say the burgers taste fake, blaming the various artificial ingredients and preservatives in the meat. While McDonald's claims its classic patties are now 100% beef (in the U.S. at least), customers still have problems with how they taste. One Reddit user  compared the burger's flavor to meatloaf, prompting others to speak up in defense of meatloaf. Countless diners also have complaints about inconsistent quality. Taking to Yelp to share their experiences, customers encountered too much grease, missing patties, and rubber-like cheese, to name a few common issues. "The bun was so hard and stale it made noise when I tapped it," one distraught customer wrote . "Add to that the cold, dry beef."

McDonald's may have been a big part of many people's childhoods, and you may even remember its burgers fondly today. However, nostalgia is a powerful thing -- the reality is much less appetizing.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

A relative newcomer (having opened in 2002), Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a rising star in the fast food landscape. The chain has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with locations now in 36 states across the country. Freddy's has won over countless fans with its crispy, smashed patties, flavored with Fry Seasoning. While many love the burgers and even consider them the best fast food has to offer, others find them lacking.

Reviews on TripAdvisor paint a bleak picture, suggesting that fans (in their enthusiasm) may be exaggerating the burgers' quality. "Skinny greasy burgers," wrote one customer. "Cost is higher than expected. Just a downer experience after a lot of hype." Other reviewers agreed with this assessment, complaining that the burgers are overall mediocre. For another customer, the issue is the saltiness. They explained that one double has a much higher sodium content than a similar burger at Culver's. We found this to be true: Freddy's double steakburger contains 1,680 milligrams of sodium, while a double ButterBurger at Culver's (with roughly the same toppings) contains 780 milligrams. If that doesn't convince you, some reviewers threw in the towel, finding their burgers too salty to eat.

Burger King

Often seen as McDonald's biggest competitor, Burger King remains a popular choice for quick, easy food. Perhaps the best-loved item on the menu, the Whopper gives the Big Mac a run for its money. Many advocate for the burger as the best in its tier, praising its additions of mayo and ketchup as well as its size. But if you're expecting greatness, don't get your hopes up.

For one, the Whopper fails to live up to its advertised size. While larger than your average fast food burger, the Whopper falls short of its own promises. Don't take our word for it -- Burger King is currently facing a lawsuit (via  Reuters ) for portraying the Whopper on menu boards as bigger than it really is. If this weren't bad enough, customers have plenty of other criticisms. "The burger patties are gross. They have a wax/crayon aftertaste now. Clearly a cheaper supplier," wrote one disillusioned customer on Reddit . This is one online discussion of many that suggests a general decline in quality. Some commenters denounced the chain's use of old, dry toppings and stale buns, while others picked apart the Whopper's inconsistent application of sauces. Whether or not quality has gone downhill or if people now have higher standards, it seems Burger King disappoints in more ways than one.

White Castle

White Castle, which first opened its doors back in 1921, is widely considered the first fast food burger chain in the world. The restaurant's burgers are smaller than most. In fact, the chain invented the concept of sliders, and they remain popular to this day. Thanks to the 2004 cult classic film, "Harold and Kumar" fans still flock to White Castle, looking to retrace the duo's iconic journey. With such a storied past, an air of legend surrounds the chain's sliders. Unfortunately, their backstory is more interesting than the reality.

One traveler from Austria, admittedly enticed by Harold and Kumar, described their first trip to White Castle on Reddit. "It looked like a greasy mix of moist sludge and really old onions," they said of the sliders. Sadly, the mini burgers tasted as disgusting as they looked, and their partner felt sick the next day. While this doesn't inspire much confidence, neither do other customer reviews. On TripAdvisor, one diner noted the burgers as tasting like something you'd get from a frozen microwavable meal. Others compared them to cardboard and accused the chain of skimping on the meat. White Castle's long history has cultivated a sense of nostalgia for many, and its pop cultural significance has cemented it as a must-try for tourists. However, the sliders just don't hold up to these lofty expectations.

Steak 'N Shake

Not to be confused with Shake Shack, Steak 'n Shake is a Midwestern burger chain with roots in Illinois. Since 1934, the restaurant has made it its mission to provide the best burgers and shakes in the nation. If you ask any one of its loyal fans, they'll say the chain's burgers live up to this promise. However, other customers beg to disagree.

Reviews point to a decline in quality and taste, possibly due to various changes in ownership over the years. Many people have fond memories of growing up on Steak 'n Shake burgers. For one such customer , their recent (and last) visit came as a shock: "I remember we waited so long in the drive through and then when we got our food our burger was cold, but not like room temperature, actually ice cube cold." Unfortunately, this is a problem that's all too common. While some diners find their burgers perfectly cooked, many have had issues with undercooked and burnt patties. Others bemoan diminishing portion sizes, describing the patties as overshadowed by significantly larger buns and tomato slices. Some even call the burger inedible, blaming an overabundance of grease, seasoning, and salt. Inconsistencies like these are a recipe for disaster, and it's no surprise that Steak 'n Shake's burgers can't meet customers' expectations.

Fatburger first opened in 1947 with the bold slogan "The Last Great Hamburger Stand." Today, the Los Angeles-based chain extends across the country, having made a name for itself among burger enthusiasts everywhere. Notable fans have included Ice Cube and Notorious B.I.G., who famously name-dropped the chain in their music. This rich history fuels the restaurant's legendary status, raising the bar for its burgers to impossible heights.

Customers everywhere say the burgers don't live up to the hype. One person posted a picture from the chain's website on Reddit, seeking recommendations for their first visit. Another user replied , "This picture and OP's question are so full of hope. The reality is so full of disappointment. Fatburger looks soooo nice in ads. That's about all the love I can give Fatburger." Others agreed, saying that the burgers are overpriced for their low quality.

Reviews on TripAdvisor consistently mention the chain's high prices. Diners call the burgers average and wonder why the chain charges premium prices for such a meal. Others have found the burgers to be subpar, like one customer (and former Fatburger devotee) who described its patties as dry and overcooked. They expressed sadness that the burgers were no longer the tasty treats they once loved. While the chain is culturally significant, it seems that its burgers are ultimately a forgettable experience.

Read the original article on Mashed

Recommended Stories

Cubs place cody bellinger on il due to rib fracture, call up top prospect pete crow-armstrong.

Cody Bellinger ran into a brick wall. It didn't end well.

Xaira, an AI drug discovery startup, launches with a massive $1B, says it's 'ready' to start developing drugs

Advances in generative AI have taken the tech world by storm. Biotech investors are making a big bet that similar computational methods could revolutionize drug discovery. On Tuesday, ARCH Venture Partners and Foresite Labs, an affiliate of Foresite Capital, announced that they incubated Xaira Therapeutics and funded the AI biotech with $1 billion.

Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson reportedly joins Tee Higgins in requesting trade

Hendrickson is coming off a career-high 17.5-sack season.

College Football Playoff will not consider Army-Navy game in selection process

The decision ends one of the more pressing issues for the CFP Management Committee this week in Dallas.

What to do when your credit card application is denied

After receiving a credit card rejection, take these steps to improve your application and get approved in the future.

2024 NFL Draft Care/Don't Care: Minnesota's QB conundrum, the WR bonanza and more

Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon reveals his final thoughts on the eve of the 2024 NFL Draft, including what the Vikings will do at the most important position.

Microsoft to report Q3 revenue as Wall Street looks for AI growth

Microsoft will report its Q3 earnings after the bell Thursday, as investors look for AI growth.

'Baby Reindeer' is based on Richard Gadd's real life. He's asking internet sleuths to stop trying to expose the people behind the characters.

The Netflix limited series is about Gadd’s experience with a stalker and, separately, being a victim of sexual violence. He’s asking viewers not to “speculate on who any of the real life people [behind the characters] could be.”

TikTok Lite axes ‘addictive as cigarettes’ reward-to-watch feature under the EU’s watchful eye

The EU has effectively vanquished a TikTok feature that Europe’s digital commissioner described as “toxic” and “addictive as cigarettes.” TikTok owner ByteDance said on Wednesday that TikTok Lite’s reward-to-watch feature would be suspended.

Only Amazon Prime members can score these 9 secret deals — and they start at just $8

Hidden bargains include $200 off a Eufy robovac, and there's plenty more where that came from.

US mandates new airline refund rules, fee disclosures

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Miral Fahmy and Aurora Ellis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Business Chevron

Nissan unveils four concept cars to fuel China comeback

Nissan Motor unveiled four concept cars for the Chinese market on Thursday as the Japanese carmaker looks to regain lost ground in the world's largest auto market.

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

‘Shogun’ Tames the Winds of War in a Dreamy Finale

Ben travers.

• Share on Facebook
• Share to Flipboard
• Share on LinkedIn
• Show more sharing options
• Submit to Reddit
• Post to Tumblr
• Print This Page
• Share on WhatsApp

[Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for “Shōgun” Episode 10, “A Dream of a Dream,” including the ending.]

Because we’ve seen those images so many times — slain men strewn over blackened trenches — it’s easy to forget that they aren’t natural. War may feel like the only way forward because it’s familiar, both in reality and on screens, but it’s thoroughly and inevitably destructive. Men are mangled and decimated along with the ground they sprint, ride, and fall across. Where once there was a peaceful meadow, now there’s just a half-dug cemetery. No wonder then, when Lord Ishido (Takehiro Hira) shouts, “War is inevitable,” the earth itself shakes in rebuttal. The Council of Regents knows as much, worrying the minor quake is a sign of doom, but Ishido refuses to acknowledge such superstitions. To him, there is only one way forward. It is what he knows and, yes, what he wants.

But to Lord Toranaga (and therefore to “Shōgun” itself), there’s another course. This student of the wind, this dreamer of dreams, he sees a way out that doesn’t require fallen soldiers or scorched earth. Through his intimate knowledge of individuals, astute planning, and selfless sacrifices (or, one may argue, self ish leadership), Toranaga turns his vision into being: a “nation without wars.”

So “Shōgun” ends not with war, but with a poem. And it’s all the better for it.

…and why she ultimately sides with Toranaga by pledging the Heir’s armies to him instead of Ishido. “But thankfully, the wind,” she says — a reference that comes back around when Toranaga explains his triumphant plan to Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) on the hillside, to end the series. Impressed with Toranaga’s foresight, Yabushige asks him how it feels “to shape the wind to your will.” “I don’t control the wind,” Toranaga says. “I only study it.” But he is the wind Ochiba credits with bringing her back to Mariko — for reconnecting fallen leaves with their branch, even if the branch could not be saved in the process.

Yabushige, who spent most of his life playing both sides while looking out for No. 1, struggles to grasp Toranaga’s unique brand of pacifism and instead accuses him of hypocrisy. “All this death and sacrifice from lesser men,” he says, “just to ensure some victory in our names?” “If you win, anything is possible,” Toranaga says in response, invoking an earlier discussion with the Anjin, but winning isn’t a matter of stature or personal glory. Whether Toranaga’s impossible dream ends with him as Shōgun isn’t the point. The point is what doesn’t happen, rather than what does. It’s the lives spared, not the lives lost. Mariko’s sacrifice saves thousands upon thousands from similar fates, but Toranaga isn’t spared the pain tied to her loss.

But it doesn’t have to be. Toranaga rejects the way things are to realize a future that only exists in his dreams. Isn’t that what TV gives us? The opportunity to witness our dreams turned into a reality? What could make for a better ending than that?

“Shōgun,” an FX production, is available on Hulu .

Most Popular

You may also like.