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☆ Digital nomads can rent apartments on 'standby' for a fraction of the cost — but you might be forced to move out with 3 days' notice
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Landing's latest offering is a membership tier called "standby," and it's the rental equivalent to flying standby on an airline. "Standby" members pay a flat $1,295 monthly fee to access 20,000 fully-furnished apartments across more than 375 cities, with the exception of New York and California. That means if standard members want your apartment, you could be kicked out with as little as three days' notice. If that happens, however, you can transfer to any available Landing apartment at no additional cost — but it's not guaranteed it'll be in the same city. A Landing apartment.

☆ Which airlines had the best on-time performance in 2022? Delta led the pack — see the rest of the list.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Department of Transportation's list of airlines' on-time performance was published Thursday. Every airline had a worse on-time performance rate in 2022 compared to 2021. But, the Dallas-based carrier was still the worst-performing company among the Big Four, which also includes American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta. Take a closer look at the best and worst airlines for on-time performance for 2022:10. Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesRate: 82.14%Rate in 2021: 88.22%

☆ These are the best and worst US airlines for on-time performance in 2022, according to DOT data — see the list
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

☆ ChatGPT planned a family vacation to Costa Rica. A travel adviser found 3 glaring reasons why AI won't replace experts anytime soon.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

KimKim's head of product asked ChatGPT to plan a Costa Rica vacation for her family of four. A travel adviser said ChatGPT's suggestions weren't family-friendly and contained logistical errors. While there was nothing wrong with the locations themselves, travel adviser Brittany McNamara immediately found three issues with the plan. With McNamara's recommendations in mind, Fu asked ChatGPT to remove Guanacaste from the itinerary and come back with a revised schedule. "There's no ability to help with the logistics, which is what a travel adviser is really helpful for — not just the advice, but also the execution."

☆ Flight attendants say it's okay to recline your seat on a plane, but there's one thing you should never do
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But if there's anybody who can settle the age-old debate, it's flight attendants. Five out of six flight attendants interviewed by Insider all agree: you have the right to recline. "It's definitely not rude to recline your seat," flight attendant Andrew Kothlow of the blog "Two Guys on a Plane" told Insider. "In first class reclining your seat isn't so rude because there's space to recline, but reclining in the main cabin of the plane is," the flight attendant told Insider. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesBut the passenger etiquette the flight attendants demonstrated more concern toward was their boldly bare-footed customers — and for good reason.

☆ Only 3 airlines guarantee parents can sit next to their children for free, new DOT dashboard shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Alaska, American, and Frontier guarantee children under 13 can sit next to an accompanying adult for free. Alaska, American, and Frontier are the only US airlines that currently guarantee parents can sit next to their children without paying extra fees, according to the tracker. Alaska, American, and Frontier guarantee children under 13 can sit next to an accompanying adult for free. Before the dashboard's launch, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines each adjusted their policies to ensure parents can sit with their children free of charge, according to the agency. "Now, all 10 airlines guarantee meals and rebooking, and nine guarantee hotels when an airline issue causes a cancellation or delay."

☆ How Walmart CEO Doug McMillon went from unloading Walmart trucks as teen to earning $25.7 million in total compensation
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Hannah Towey | Ben Tobin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

"My optimism is higher than it was at the beginning of the year," McMillon said on a post-earnings call in May 2022. "In the US, economic stimulus is clearly having an impact." McMillon's optimism has the numbers to back it, with fiscal 2022 earnings expected to increase by high single digits. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSource: Reuters

☆ These 3 destinations in Europe and Asia will give you free hotel stays, flights, and cash to take your next vacation there
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Taiwan said it will pay international visitors $165 and Hong Kong is giving away 500,000 free flights. The governments of Sicily, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are pumping billions into the programs, which range from free flights, hotel stays, and excursions — to straight cash. Gary Yeowell/Getty ImagesSicily, a historic island in the South of Italy, first launched its "See Sicily" travel promotion two years ago and recently announced its revival for 2023. Hong KongThe central district of Hong Kong. Starting March 1, the tickets will be distributed by airlines Hong Kong Express, Cathay Pacific, and Hong Kong Airlines, Time Out reported.

☆ Photos show how cruising has changed over the last century, evolving into a $7 billion industry carrying nearly 30 million every year
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Between 2009 and 2019, the number of people going on cruises steadily increased each year from 17.8 million to 29.7 million, according to Statista— until COVID sent those numbers crashing down. A drone image shows decommissioned cruise ships being dismantled at Aliaga ship-breaking yard in the Aegean port city of Izmir, western Turkey, October 2, 2020. REUTERS/Umit BektasSource: Statista, Cruise Lines International Association

☆ The US passport system is backed up again — just in time for Spring break
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The US passport system is backed up (again) — just in time for Spring break. Expedited passport renewal now lists a wait time of five to seven weeks, not including delivery. US passport renewal services are facing increased wait times this month as travelers gear up for Spring and Summer vacations. Travelers have been facing passport renewal backlogs for the past two years, as the government struggles to keep up with pent-up travel demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. If you applied and have not received your passport within five days of planned international travel, you should call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment at a passport agency, a State Department spokesperson said.

☆ I worked on a cruise ship for eight months because I wanted to travel. The low pay and exhausting schedule weren't worth it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Chris Libreros worked on a cruise ship for eight months after working in the hotel industry. So he helped me get a job in the Guest Services department, which is like the general front desk of a cruise ship. We were originally scheduled to depart from Hong Kong, but because of China's COVID restrictions, they moved the cruise ship over to Singapore. On a cruise ship, most crew don't get any days off. If someone from the US were to work on a cruise ship, they would have to expect a decrease in salary.

☆ Portugal is shutting down its popular 'golden visa' program. Here are two ways you can still get a residence permit (for less money).
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Portugal is shutting down its "golden visa" scheme as part of its efforts to fight the housing crisis. But the nation's more popular — and less expensive — alternatives to the golden visa scheme are still attracting hundreds of remote workers and entrepreneurs to its shores. In late October, Portugal launched a "digital nomad visa" that allows remote workers from non-EU countries to live and work in Portugal for up to five years. Portugal approved 200 digital nomad visas in the program's first three months, according to data from the Ministry of Affairs. Before the digital nomad visa was introduced, remote workers and entrepreneurs used the popular D7 visa (also known as the passive income visa) to receive local residency status.

☆ A record number of Americans applied for second citizenship in 2022. These are the 11 countries where you can buy a 'golden passport.'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Austria: estimated $9.5 million investment requiredVienna, Austria. Sylvain Sonnet/Getty ImagesEven if you can afford the multi-million dollar price tag, Austria's citizenship by investment program is incredibly selective. Under Article 10, Section 6 of the Austrian Citizenship Act, the Austrian government is able to award citizenship to foreigners who show "extraordinary merit" and contribute significantly to the state's interests — either scientifically, culturally, or economically. This can include setting up a business, creating jobs, or introducing new technologies, according to Austrian law experts. The exact investment amount required for the award is not clear, but is estimated to be around $9.5 million, Forbes reports.

☆ Wealthy Americans are racing to get the EU's last remaining 'golden passport' before it's gone
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

For the first time, Americans are applying for "golden passports" more than any other nationality. For the first time, Americans are applying for golden passports and visas more than any other nationality, according to Henley & Partners' 2023 USA Wealth Report, released Thursday. Henley & Partners' Head of North America Mehdi Kadiri said Malta's golden passport scheme was the second-most sought-after program among Americans, in part because Malta's program is accessible through real estate investment. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly applied for European citizenship in 2020 through Cyprus' now-defunct golden passport program. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, golden passports and visas faced global scrutiny for allowing sanctioned oligarchs access to the UK.

☆ We're married Delta pilots with two young kids. Here's how we've navigated our careers together and our top 10 travel tips for couples.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Delta pilots Brent and Kelly Knoblauch first met as interns in 2010. Kelly: Brent and I first met in 2010, when I was still in college at the University of North Dakota. And then I think almost a year to the day, Kelly was also hired as a pilot back at Delta. Being able to see what you're seeing, what you're hearing, what you're suspecting, and just being open about that. Kelly: It actually went really well.

☆ From 'babaloo' to 'slop chest,' these are 35 secret terms only cruise workers know — and the ones you don't want to hear as a passenger
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Cruise workers have their own secret language they use to communicate with one another. That's because crew members have dozens of secret code words and sayings they use to communicate while keeping passengers in the dark. Insider compiled a dictionary of cruise ship language based on interviews with cruise workers, previous reporting, and industry blogs. GUSTAVO GRANADO/AFP via Getty ImagesBabaloo: Alternatively spelled "Babalu," this is widespread cruise worker slang that means "fool" or "idiot." Slop chest: A tiny convenience store in the crew-only section of a cruise ship that sells essential items.

☆ Cruisegoers are paying $75,000 a week to stay in the 'Ultimate Family Townhouse' on Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas — see inside the three-story suite complete with a private slide
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Hannah Towey | Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Royal Caribbean saw its largest booking day in the company's history when reservations opened for the Icon of the Seas in October 2022. Its maiden voyage from Miami to the Caribbean was nearly sold out in just a few hours. Source: Insider

☆ Spain launched its long-awaited 'digital nomad visa' — here's who qualifies and how to apply
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Spanish government has officially approved a new digital nomad visa for remote workers. How Spain's visa for remote workers compares to Portugal's digital nomad visa:Portugal's digital nomad visa has a slightly higher minimum income requirement than Spain's. Cavan Images/Getty ImagesSpain's digital nomad visa is very similar to its neighbor Portugal's, which was released back in November. In order to qualify for Portugal's digital nomad visa, remote workers must make at least four times its minimum wage to apply. Spain's Startup Act and digital nomad visa saw support from both sides of the political spectrum.

☆ The art of the buffet: Cruise chef of two decades explains how ships feed thousands of passengers at sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Marco Goetz has worked on some of the world's largest cruise ships as an executive chef. "On land, your daily routines are more organized — you know what is coming," Goetz told Insider. The art of the buffetGuests are served food in the Marketplace buffet onboard the cruise ship MSC Virtuosa. Throughout the cruise, buffet options are adjusted in accordance with guests' nationalities, Goetz told Insider. But, cruise ship workers receive living quarters (most chefs have their own cabin) and meals for free.

☆ Taking a secret 'hush trip' could help with burnout — but might land your company a surprise tax bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

More remote workers are traveling without their employer's permission, also known as "hush trips." "Anybody loves the opportunity to be productive in paradise rather than in their home office," Pokora told Insider. "I think as long as remote work stays an option and working from home in general we're going to see more of this." Hush trips are the most recent addition to the growing lexicon at the intersection of work and travel, joining longtime favorites "bleisure," "workation" and "digital nomad." On the employer's side, hush trips can cause tax and legal headaches if they go on for too long, Courtney Leyes, a partner at the law firm Fisher Phillips, told Insider.

☆ 5 cruise workers reveal the best and worst parts of their jobs — from in the kitchen to on stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Most jobs onboard cruise ships require grueling hours, cramped cabins, and no days off. Insider talked to 5 cruise workers about the best and worst parts of their jobs. Insider spoke with five cruise ship workers including a dancer, musician, chef, and photographer about the best and worst parts of their jobs. And nearly all cruise workers — with entertainers being a notable exception — do not have protected days off until their contract is complete. For many, the unique jobs available on cruise ships are a more intriguing alternative to 9-to-5 desk jobs.

☆ 3 couples who drive trucks for a living reveal how they manage to stay in love while on the road
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But the Rebelos aren't influencers or travel photographers — they're truck drivers. Insider interviewed three trucking couples about how their marriages have survived — and even thrived — while driving freight across the country. "Even prisoners have a bigger cell than a truck," Deb told Insider. "Of course you love the person, but you better like that person, too," Frank Rebelo said. "You get into a little bit of an argument and you're packing all your stuff," Deb LaBree told Insider about the couple's early trucking days.

☆ I secretly spend winters in the Canary Islands and only go to the office a few months of the year. I'm happier, healthier, and more productive.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

A remote worker based in Germany secretly works from the Canary Islands during the winter. I'm more productive at work because I'm living a happier and healthier lifestyleThe warmer climate and more active lifestyle has improved his physical and mental health, the remote worker said. I'm making the best use of my time and being productive and efficient while doing what I love. I'm a very motivated person — I have very specific work goals both within my company and externally. I love the freedom that remote work allows but value in-person collaborationNow that I'm moving into more leadership positions, team building is a larger part of my job.

☆ I'm a cruise ship officer. I love my job, but it's not the constant vacation that people assume.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

I've worked in the oil field, on research vessels, and on small boats, but working on a cruise ship is the most difficult job I've ever had. Working on a cruise ship has also allowed me to meet people that I would have never met otherwise. Cruise ship officers are divided into three different "watch groups" that are assigned two shifts that are four hours long. I'm in charge of the safety of thousands of passengersThe view from the cruise ship of St. Maarten (left)/ Inside the cruise mooring station (right). On the ship, you're always constantly on task and then you come home and you've got nothing to do.

☆ A cruise ship dancer and musician reveal what it's like to be entertainers at sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

From actors to musicians, cruise ships employee dozens of performers to entertain guests on board. A Royal Caribbean singer and dancer told Insider what it's like to live and work on a cruise ship. "When you're like a gigging musician like me, it's just a hustle on land," James told Insider. On Royal Caribbean ships, passengers can see Broadway classics like "Mamma Mia" and "Grease," ice spectaculars, and "aqua shows" with performances from dancers, divers, and artistic swimmers. Do you work on a cruise ship?

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