Cleared for Departure

Sunset city street with pedestrians, a cyclist, tram tracks, and market stalls in a European town

Instead of Paris, Lisbon, Barcelona and London: 15 Walkable European Cities Where Expats Can Still Live Well in 2026

MAY 29, 20266 MIN READ

In 2026, expats are increasingly choosing Europe’s secondary cities over famous capitals, prioritizing walkability, affordability, transit, and everyday livability. This roundup highlights 15 attractive options, including Valencia, Strasbourg, Bologna, Braga, Freiburg, and Trieste, while explaining why cities like London, Paris, Lisbon, and Barcelona are losing appeal for long-term relocation.

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NEWS

What Is TSA Gold+? The New Airport Security Partnership Explained

MAY 20, 20264 MIN READ

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is moving forward with a new aviation security initiative called TSA Gold+, a public-private partnership program designed to modernize airport screening operations across select U.S. airports. While the name may sound like a new premium traveler service or airport fast lane, TSA Gold+ is not a passenger membership program like TSA PreCheck. Instead,...

VISA & ID UPDATES

Schengen entry/exit system goes live — what travelers should expect

MAY 20, 20263 MIN READ

What the new biometric system actually does, longer airport waits, and prep tips Practical guidance for Americans visiting Europe (non-EU passport holders).

WEATHER DISRUPTION

Hurricane season prep for travelers — what to do if your flight is grounded

MAY 18, 20266 MIN READ

Hurricane season can disrupt flights quickly. Here is how to prepare before travel, what to do when a flight is grounded, and what insurance may or may not cover.

Airport security rule change: powders, electronics, and the new 100ml conversation airport security screening and checkpoint preparation

SECURITY RULES

What travelers should check before airport security screening

MAY 18, 20263 MIN READ

Plain-English summary of what is new, what is unchanged, and what travelers keep getting wrong – Practical guidance for All US air travelers.

POINTS & MILES

How to evaluate a transfer bonus before moving points

MAY 1, 20263 MIN READ

Which transfer partners are worth the boost — and which to skip Practical guidance for Award-travel enthusiasts and credit-card optimizers.

SEASONALITY

Memorial Day weekend travel surge — packing & airport survival guide

APR 22, 20264 MIN READ

Real-world packing, security-line speed, and what to leave home this Memorial Day Practical guidance for US domestic travelers flying for the long weekend.