Genius Tips to Master the Art of Travel

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Transcript

00:00:00Now, carefully arranging your used towels isn't the best thing to do in a hotel.

00:00:05You're just not helping.

00:00:07The general rule is, dump them somewhere like the bathroom floor or in the bathtub.

00:00:12Then the staff can see that they need to change the towels.

00:00:16If you keep them all nice and folded, the staff may just get it wrong and leave them

00:00:20as they are, thinking that they're still fresh.

00:00:23You're on a low-budget trip and you brought along some appliances so you can cook right

00:00:28there in the hotel.

00:00:30Not a big deal.

00:00:31But if there's only one outlet and you want to boil some eggs in your electric kettle,

00:00:36maybe don't.

00:00:37First, you never know what capacity the outlet has.

00:00:40It might even set off the hotel's fire alarm.

00:00:43Just stick to sandwiches or something.

00:00:45Of course, you can boil water for some ramen noodles, but if you feel like a slice of fresh,

00:00:50crusty toast, never try to make it with an iron.

00:00:54Sounds crazy, but some people have even tried heating up their frozen pizza with a hairdryer.

00:00:59What happened?

00:01:00They ended up having to go look for another hotel and an actual restaurant.

00:01:06Always look for hotels that include breakfast.

00:01:09It's usually way more expensive to have breakfast at a nearby restaurant, plus you most likely

00:01:14wouldn't know where to go.

00:01:16Much better to hit the hotel's breakfast buffet – coffee, cheese, ham, toast, fruit.

00:01:21If you play your cards right, you'd be too full for lunch!

00:01:25Sometimes your hotel room's way bigger than you expected.

00:01:28If there are two beds, but you're traveling alone, maybe don't use both of them.

00:01:33That'll just add a bunch of unnecessary work for the hotel staff.

00:01:38Even though room service includes cleaning, it's polite to do some basic tidying up

00:01:43yourself before you leave.

00:01:45Pick up any paper lying around, wipe up that coffee you spilled on the floor.

00:01:50Don't make the bed though – the staff's gonna replace the sheets no matter what.

00:01:54Plus, if you make the bed right after you get up, you're just actually creating a

00:01:58lovely dark environment for tiny dust mites.

00:02:01Yeah, bugs might be a real issue.

00:02:04Even the best hotels with the best staff can be powerless against those little guys.

00:02:10Put your luggage in the bathtub first – it's the cleanest place in the room.

00:02:14Then check the place over for bugs.

00:02:16If you don't see any, start unpacking.

00:02:20So no bugs, but what about mold?

00:02:23The most common way for mold to get into a hotel room is if you chuck your wet towel

00:02:27on the bed and go out for the day.

00:02:30You might get back to an interesting-smelling room.

00:02:34If you're going to be traveling a lot and plan on using the same hotel chain more than

00:02:39once, don't try to trick the hotel into thinking you never drank that soda from the

00:02:43minibar.

00:02:44Yeah, a can of soda might cost you double what you'd pay at the gas station, but you

00:02:48don't want to get put on the hotel's naughty list.

00:02:53This one sounds hilarious, but still, no one should ever be boiling their socks, or any

00:02:58other item of clothing, in the kettle that comes in the hotel room.

00:03:02Some hotel managers claim to have seen it happen.

00:03:05Just send your clothes off to the hotel's cleaning service people.

00:03:10If you love sleeping on a thick pillow, ask the front desk for an extra one.

00:03:15Don't even think about moving that cushion from the couch.

00:03:17Chances are, it's never really been washed.

00:03:21Saying thank you is always polite, but a nice tip would go down even better.

00:03:26It's not that polite to leave your room service tip on the last day of your stay.

00:03:31Different people might've been cleaning your room, so only tipping the last one is

00:03:34kind of unfair.

00:03:36If you decide to leave your tip on the very last day, leave a note along with it to make

00:03:41sure they share it with their co-workers.

00:03:45You can also tip the parking valets when you drop off and pick up your car.

00:03:49And in general, don't be shy.

00:03:51You can tip a door person, a porter.

00:03:53Those small tips can add up, and they'll be really grateful for any extra cash.

00:04:00Taking reusable items from your hotel room as a souvenir is a big no-no.

00:04:04So it's okay to grab those shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soap combs, sewing kits – that

00:04:11stuff can save you an emergency.

00:04:13Leave those towels, glasses, and dishes behind for the next guest.

00:04:18If your room has the bathrobe of your dreams, you can always go to the front desk and ask

00:04:23if you can buy one.

00:04:24If you try to take one with you without asking for permission, chances are your credit card

00:04:29is going to be charged for it later.

00:04:32By the way, don't dry hotel towels out on the balcony.

00:04:36If you end up saying goodbye to one of them just because the wind took it away, or was

00:04:40it some shady neighbor, you'll be the one who's going to pay for it.

00:04:44They're just plain white towels, but they can be pretty pricey.

00:04:49Don't be too shy to call down to the front desk and ask for a late checkout.

00:04:54It's probably not a big deal for the hotel, but it might make all the difference to you.

00:04:59Hotels know you might be more likely to choose them again or leave a nice tip if they give

00:05:04you a few extra hours in your room.

00:05:06If they say no, well, at least you tried.

00:05:11One thing you can do to help the staff out when you leave is to air out your room.

00:05:15That small step is one of the most time-consuming things they have to do, and they have to clean

00:05:21the rooms really fast.

00:05:23Just leave the windows open to freshen the room up a bit.

00:05:26If it's really hot outside, you can even leave the air conditioning on.

00:05:30Just don't do both at the same time.

00:05:33Leave the TV remote on the desk, any cutlery on the table, and all the chairs back in their

00:05:39places.

00:05:40It'll save housekeeping a lot of time – they're already in a huge rush.

00:05:44Imagine cleaning hundreds of rooms every single day!

00:05:48Accidents can happen anywhere, and it's okay if you accidentally drop a glass and

00:05:53it breaks.

00:05:54Don't try to get away with it – give the front desk a call.

00:05:57They probably won't even charge you for such a minor accident.

00:06:01Plus, management might think the housekeeping staff broke it, and they might make them pay

00:06:05for a replacement.

00:06:07Never turn down a chance to join your hotel's reward program.

00:06:11It's usually free, and you can get it after your first day.

00:06:15If you travel a lot, try to choose those big chain hotels that give you bonuses every time

00:06:20you book.

00:06:21You could get bumped up to a suite, get better Wi-Fi, a free gym pass, or even a free night.

00:06:28Beware of steamy showers.

00:06:30If you accidentally release all that water vapor into your room at the same time, you

00:06:35might trigger the hotel's fire alarm.

00:06:37They keep those things extra sensitive just to be on the safe side.

00:06:41So make sure you keep the door shut next time you steam up the place.

00:06:46If you're traveling with a pet, let the hotel know about it beforehand.

00:06:50Pet policies can differ from one hotel to another.

00:06:54And if you have a more unusual pet, better double-double-check.

00:06:58It might be a pet-friendly hotel, but you probably can't show up with your pet peacock.

00:07:03If they say no, they'll usually be able to tell you about another hotel nearby.

00:07:09Trying to hide your little furry friend isn't the best idea.

00:07:13Dogs can be super noisy, so can cats, so can peacocks.

00:07:17You're going to be looking at a hefty fine if they catch you.

00:07:21Booking etiquette is a bit different now than it used to be.

00:07:24You used to have to confirm your stay at some hotels by writing them a letter.

00:07:28Nowadays, just make sure you have all your booking info handy on your phone.

00:07:33That'll make the front desk people pretty happy.

00:07:35If it's a big hotel, they might have hundreds of people checking in in the span of a few

00:07:40hours.

00:07:41The front desk staff are usually super busy managing guests, deliveries, events, emergencies,

00:07:46a random peacock running through the lobby, and so forth.

00:07:50Just a nugget of advice, don't disturb them for every minor question you might have.

00:07:56Check out that booklet that's normally hanging out on the bedside table.

00:07:59The answer is most likely in there.

00:08:02Enjoy your stay!

00:08:07You check into your hotel room, connect to Wi-Fi, jump on the bed, and post 15 photos

00:08:12of your new window view.

00:08:14When the initial surge of excitement is gone, you notice a suspicious blinking light on

00:08:19your big TV.

00:08:20Could it be that someone is watching you?

00:08:23Or have you just seen too many spy movies?

00:08:26Well, hidden cameras come in all shapes and sizes.

00:08:30Large ones are easy to spot, but the small ones can be really sneaky and inconspicuous.

00:08:36They can be hiding behind furniture, in decorations, or vents, and anywhere else you'll have

00:08:41trouble noticing.

00:08:43There are even special cameras that can be hidden in everyday movable objects like alarm

00:08:48clocks, picture frames, vases, and lamps.

00:08:52Check to see if these objects are facing at a strange angle or if they're positioned

00:08:56to get the best view of your room or bathroom.

00:09:01The easiest way to spot a hidden cam is to look for the lens reflection because all cameras

00:09:06come with lenses.

00:09:08Turn off the lights and slowly scan the room with a flashlight, laser pointer, or a special

00:09:13wireless spy cam detector.

00:09:16It comes with infrared scanning lights and one illuminating light.

00:09:20When you find a reflective red spot, you gotta turn on the flashlight to help check if there

00:09:25is a hidden camera.

00:09:27Definitely check the vents along with any other holes and gaps in the walls or ceiling.

00:09:32Some advanced detectors even show you what the camera is seeing, making it way easier

00:09:37to spot and disable.

00:09:39The detectors only work on cameras that are turned on and working normally though.

00:09:46Your mobile phone can also help you find some hidden threats.

00:09:50Turn on Bluetooth and walk around, see if any unknown devices pop up on the screen.

00:09:56Another idea is to install a network scanner app that shows all devices that are connected

00:10:01to the Wi-Fi network you're using at the hotel.

00:10:05When it's done scanning, study the list for devices called something like IP camera or

00:10:11cam.

00:10:12Plus, you can put your phone on selfie mode, turn off the light and close the curtains

00:10:18and look around the room slowly while focusing on the screen.

00:10:22Keep an eye out for purple or white lights on the screen.

00:10:27You can play detective some more and call your friend or family member and start walking

00:10:31around your room.

00:10:33Different cameras should emit a sort of radio frequency.

00:10:37It will most likely interfere with your phone call signal.

00:10:41If you start hearing any weird noises while you're on the phone in a certain area of your

00:10:46room, make sure to inspect it carefully.

00:10:50Check out the light switches, electrical outlets, lamps and other objects you normally wouldn't

00:10:55pay attention to.

00:10:57If they look a bit crooked, have a hole or seem misplaced, it could be a sign that someone

00:11:03tampered with them.

00:11:05Many spy devices need wires and whoever installed them had to hide those wires, often behind

00:11:11the vinyl baseboard.

00:11:13That's why the place where the floor and the wall meet is another area you should check.

00:11:18Bridges, bumps or discoloration could be a sign there's a microphone hiding there.

00:11:24The same goes for spots on ceilings and walls, even if they're not larger than a coin.

00:11:31If you do find a hidden camera or something looking suspicious, don't shy away and let

00:11:36the hotel administration or your booking service know about it.

00:11:40Don't try to touch or move the device yourself.

00:11:43If the hotel denies everything, contact local law enforcement.

00:11:49After you've scanned the room for cameras, check out the mirrors.

00:11:53Someone could be watching you from the other side.

00:11:56First, see if the mirror is built into the wall or can be adjusted.

00:12:01If the mirror is semi-transparent, it will be built into the wall.

00:12:05You can do a simple test to check the mirror.

00:12:08Press your fingertip against the glass and push firmly enough to leave a fingerprint

00:12:13as you move your finger away.

00:12:16Study the fingerprint.

00:12:17If there's a small gap between the print and the mirror where the glass should be,

00:12:21then it's just a mirror.

00:12:24On a semi-transparent mirror, there will be no gap.

00:12:29Another way to check if your mirror is semi-transparent is simply to tap the glass.

00:12:34If someone is watching you from the other side, the mirror will make an empty sound.

00:12:39A double mirror needs a brighter light on the other side than on yours.

00:12:43Get close to it and cup your hands around your eyes.

00:12:47Do you see some light behind the mirror?

00:12:49If so, you might have an unwanted audience.

00:12:54Before you leave your room or go to bed, make sure every door is securely locked.

00:12:59By every door, I mean not only the entrance to the room but also the door leading to the

00:13:04terrace if you have one.

00:13:06You can bring a portable door lock with you for extra security if you're staying in.

00:13:11You could also start a little DIY project and wrap a belt or a bag strap around the

00:13:17arm that pushes the door shut.

00:13:20Buckle it up and wrap it around several times for an extra layer of protection.

00:13:25Another idea for when you're about to nap or go to sleep is to build a pyramid of stuff

00:13:30by the door.

00:13:33Glasses and mugs will do perfectly.

00:13:35If someone tries to get inside while you're sleeping, there'll be some serious noise.

00:13:40Intruders prefer to keep it low-key, so they're highly likely to give up on robbing you straight

00:13:46away.

00:13:48If you travel with some valuables and don't feel comfortable leaving them around the room,

00:13:52you could put them in the safe inside your room.

00:13:55But because those safes use passcodes instead of physical locks, someone from the hotel

00:14:00has to know the master code to unlock it, just in case.

00:14:04So you can bring your own safe with you instead.

00:14:07You can find the ones looking like books on Amazon, for example.

00:14:11They're made of strong metal and textured paper.

00:14:14They come with a combination lock and have enough room to fit your passports, cash, and

00:14:19jewelry.

00:14:21In case you have to leave your laptop in the room and want to make sure no one plugs in

00:14:25a USB drive to steal your data, here's what you can do.

00:14:29Leave a bottle of water or some other item next to the USB port.

00:14:34Measure the distance, let's say it's one thumb-length away.

00:14:38For someone to plug in their device in the laptop, they need to move the bottle.

00:14:43You can take it one step further and drop a pen parallel to the laptop under a certain

00:14:48angle.

00:14:50You can measure the angle with your smartwatch or phone using the Compass app.

00:14:54Again, if someone moves it, you'll know.

00:14:59Even something as simple as a Please Do Not Disturb sign can help you figure out if someone

00:15:04entered your room while you were away.

00:15:07Make it look like you left in a rush and the sign accidentally stuck between the door and

00:15:12the doorframe.

00:15:13If you come back and the sign is hanging freely, then someone must have ignored it and tried

00:15:18to disturb you.

00:15:19In that case, you can contact reception and ask to send someone to enter the room with

00:15:25you to keep you safe.

00:15:28If you care about the cleanliness of your room as much as you do about your belongings

00:15:32and your personal safety, this one's for you.

00:15:36Real housekeeping workers normally have up to 20 rooms to take care of on an 8-hour shift.

00:15:43It means they'll have no more than 30 minutes for your room.

00:15:47It gives them enough time to make the bed, clean the floors in the room, and the bathroom,

00:15:52empty the trash bins, and dust all surfaces.

00:15:56But they rarely have the time to take care of smaller objects like light switches, door

00:16:01and drawer handles, and remotes.

00:16:04And yes, these are exactly the objects you'll be in contact with the most.

00:16:09They can actually have more germs than the toilet.

00:16:12So if you want to be sure those germs won't land on your hands, bring enough antibacterial

00:16:18wipes to clean all those things before you touch them.

00:16:34No-no's of air travel.

00:16:36Even if we omit the topic of unpleasant odors, phew!

00:16:40The airplane floor is extremely filthy.

00:16:43People with contagious foot problems might've been walking the aisles barefoot before you.

00:16:48There's likely to be a lot of dirt left after previous passengers.

00:16:52And don't even get me started on the floor in the lavatories, ew!

00:16:56If your feet need some freedom, take off your shoes, but at least wear your socks.

00:17:01Or bring along a pair of light slippers.

00:17:04Keep in mind that the pressurized air in the passenger cabin is just as dry as it is

00:17:09in the Sahara Desert, with only about 20% humidity.

00:17:12That's why your skin may feel discomfort after a flight.

00:17:17But wouldn't it make more sense to install several humidifiers that could add some moisture?

00:17:22But this extra load would cost airlines lots of money.

00:17:25Plus, the plane's airframe is mostly made of aluminum and other metals, and humid air

00:17:30could lead to corrosion.

00:17:32So don't forget to bring a moisturizer and use it during the flight.

00:17:37Always secure your tray table as soon as the plane starts moving on the tarmac, and never

00:17:41lower it during the take-off and landing.

00:17:44It's a security measure, which ensures that you and the other passengers will have a clear

00:17:48pathway in case of an emergency evacuation.

00:17:51Also, keep your seat in an upright position during take-off and landing.

00:17:56First of all, a reclined seat can seriously slow down an emergency evacuation, since it

00:18:01will block a person sitting behind.

00:18:03What's more, the more backward you're leaning, the harder it is to get into the

00:18:07braced position during an emergency landing.

00:18:11Try to avoid snoozing during or right after take-off and landing.

00:18:15For one thing, it's not the best thing for your health.

00:18:18The main problem is that the air pressure inside the cabin changes very quickly during

00:18:22these phases of the flight.

00:18:24This, in turn, affects the air pressure in your ears.

00:18:28It's important to be alert during this time to relax and open up your ears.

00:18:32For example, by yawning or swallowing frequently.

00:18:35Chewing gum works for me.

00:18:37If you're sleeping, you can't do this, which can lead to permanent damage.

00:18:42And of course, there's a safety issue.

00:18:44Most accidents happen during take-off and landing.

00:18:47If you're sleeping during these stages, you might not be alert and conscious enough

00:18:51if an emergency happens.

00:18:54This next recommendation comes from the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency.

00:18:59According to them, you might want to skip on hot drinks on a plane.

00:19:03The water used to make tea or coffee doesn't come from bottles – it's regular tap water.

00:19:08And water tanks on airplanes are often old and full of bacteria.

00:19:13In 2004, there was a study which found that more than 12% of water samples contained harmful

00:19:19bacteria.

00:19:20But if you still decide to have a cup of hot beverage on a plane, never pour coffee

00:19:25or tea on your own.

00:19:27Flight attendants are trained to handle this task in crowded aisles of a moving airplane

00:19:31and won't accidentally burn you or other passengers.

00:19:34It's probably better if you don't order Coke on a plane.

00:19:38The cabin pressure, so low up in the air, causes a lot of foam.

00:19:43For apparent reasons, flight attendants don't want to serve you a cup filled with froth.

00:19:47That's why they'll fill only half the cup, then wait for the bubbles to settle,

00:19:51and then finish pouring.

00:19:53That can take ages.

00:19:55Keep your air vent open.

00:19:56This way, you'll minimize the spread of germs.

00:19:59Planes have high-quality air filters.

00:20:01They'll catch up to 99% of all airborne germs, so you should be safe there.

00:20:07But make sure to wipe that tray table.

00:20:10With 8 times more bacteria than the toilet flush button, it's the dirtiest place on

00:20:14board.

00:20:16Another thing you should avoid is leaning your head on the window, if you have a window

00:20:20seat.

00:20:21You never know who occupied your seat before you, and, in any case, the glass is likely

00:20:26to be covered with germs.

00:20:28Say no to backless sandals and high heels on a flight.

00:20:31I do.

00:20:32There are very serious safety reasons for such a request.

00:20:36The first is that both these types of footwear make it very difficult to evacuate the aircraft

00:20:41fast.

00:20:42If you wear high heels, you will anyway have to leave them behind in case the crew is using

00:20:47emergency slides during an evacuation.

00:20:50The heels are very likely to damage the slide, so off they go.

00:20:54Now ask yourself, do you really fancy running away from the airplane barefoot?

00:20:59I'll answer that for you – nope.

00:21:01Instead, wear sturdy shoes with a solid sole.

00:21:05In this case, you won't find yourself standing on the hot tarmac or in the weeds without

00:21:09any footwear at all.

00:21:12Don't stuff heavy objects into overhead compartments.

00:21:15Your things may not stay inside during severe turbulence, and while falling out, they will

00:21:20injure you and other passengers.

00:21:22Ow!

00:21:23That's why if it feels difficult to lift something into the overhead compartment, better

00:21:27put it under the seat in front of you or elsewhere.

00:21:30Don't blame the pilots for the hard landing.

00:21:33When you experience it in bad weather, it might be intentional.

00:21:37If the runway is covered with water or snow, the plane has to touch down hard in order

00:21:42to break the water layer and prevent aquaplaning.

00:21:45Otherwise, the water can perform the role of a lubricant, and the plane won't be able

00:21:50to break or respond to any control.

00:21:53Deploying an emergency slide when there's no emergency is a bad, very bad idea.

00:21:58It can cause hour-long delays and cost airlines thousands of dollars to pack the undamaged

00:22:04slide back into its container.

00:22:06Why would someone do it?

00:22:07Apparently, some think it'll help them get off the plane faster.

00:22:10Well, they're an idiot.

00:22:12Don't be one yourself.

00:22:13Just keep in mind that it doesn't work this way.

00:22:17Don't ignore the instructions of the cabin crew to open window shades during takeoff

00:22:20and landing.

00:22:22This way, flight attendants can see what's happening outside, assess the situation, and

00:22:27act fast, organizing the evacuation.

00:22:30For example, if there's a fire outside one exit, they will redirect passengers toward

00:22:34another door.

00:22:36Avoid carrying spray deodorants or shaving cream in your carry-on baggage.

00:22:41Both these things tend to explode mid-flight and, therefore, aren't allowed to onboard

00:22:45the airplane.

00:22:46A much better idea is to choose stick deodorants.

00:22:50You also mustn't keep power banks in your checked luggage.

00:22:53And if you want to bring one on board, its capacity shouldn't be more than 20,000 mA.

00:22:58Besides, you shouldn't use them during the flight since they might catch fire.

00:23:03In general, lithium batteries are safe to use, but since they're high-energy, they

00:23:08can catch fire if they're not treated with care, misused, or if there's a manufacturing

00:23:13fault.

00:23:14Such batteries have been the cause of quite a few fires onboard airplanes, as well as

00:23:18during ground handling.

00:23:20Do not worry about airport scanners – they won't harm your health.

00:23:24Otherwise, airport employees wouldn't be able to stay near them without special clothing.

00:23:29And when you're passing by a baggage scanner, the risk is minimal.

00:23:33And the last one.

00:23:34Don't act like a jerk onboard.

00:23:36Behave yourself.

00:23:37I know you will.

00:23:39Also, never try to land a plane on your own.

00:23:41Nah, don't laugh, I'm not kidding.

00:23:44In movies, they often show us that something happens to the pilots, and they can't land

00:23:49the plane.

00:23:50And that's when the main character, a very skillful person, starts their game.

00:23:54Unfortunately, it's close to impossible to do it in real life.

00:23:58Even if a person is a genius, is fond of computer simulators that match the real model

00:24:03of an aircraft 100%, and is ready to follow all the instructions from the ground, they're

00:24:08likely to fail due to one simple aspect – stress.

00:24:12It is true that there have been cases throughout history when amateurs landed smallish private

00:24:17planes after the incapacitation of a pilot.

00:24:21However, there has never been a case of a non-professional pilot landing a commercial

00:24:26passenger airplane.

00:24:27It's only in the movies.

00:24:30Many airports have carpets at their gate areas.

00:24:33This nicety usually comes with a few other perks – lower ceilings, comfortable seats,

00:24:38and pleasant natural lighting.

00:24:40All this costs more for airports, and carpets are not so easy to clean as hard floors are.

00:24:46But they create a cozy feeling for passengers waiting for their flight, making them more

00:24:51relaxed.

00:24:52Still, it isn't a gesture of goodwill on the part of airports.

00:24:55According to social research, calm passengers are about 7-10% more likely to go window shopping

00:25:01and actually buy something in the lounge area or duty-free zone.

00:25:05So, by investing in the passengers' comfort, airports actually increase their own income.

00:25:11If you ever wanted to know what happened to your baggage while you're on board a plane,

00:25:15the short answer is that airport staff don't actually know once it leaves their territory,

00:25:20and they probably really don't care.

00:25:22Sorry.

00:25:23Baggage is sorted automatically.

00:25:25Scanners scan the barcode and sort the baggage according to its destination.

00:25:29The three main tasks of airport baggage handlers are to move your bags from the check-in area

00:25:34to the gate, to move them from one gate to another when you have a connection, and to

00:25:38move your bags from the plane to the baggage claim area.

00:25:42And that's it.

00:25:43So, if your luggage doesn't move fast enough, it can be late for your connecting flight,

00:25:48or the exact opposite.

00:25:49Your bag gets to your destination before you do, because you're stuck at passport control.

00:25:54Another problem can arise if you forget to tear off any old stickers showing a different

00:25:58destination.

00:26:00In this case, the scanner might send your luggage to the wrong country.

00:26:04Most airports are equipped with giant kitchens where the food for passengers is prepared.

00:26:09These kitchens usually cook food for different airlines at once.

00:26:12And since that oh-so-delightful airplane food must be cooked for about 6-10 hours in advance,

00:26:18these kitchens have to work 24-7.

00:26:21And however surprising it might sound, the menu for your flight is developed up to a

00:26:25year in advance.

00:26:27This is a common practice for most airlines because every single ingredient matters and

00:26:32adds to expenses.

00:26:33In fact, one airline managed to save $40,000 after they removed just one olive from every

00:26:40salad they served on their flights.

00:26:43Airport staff sometimes ask passengers to rub their hands on a piece of cloth before

00:26:47putting it into a special machine.

00:26:49It might seem kind of scary, but it's actually harmless.

00:26:53You're simply being checked by a machine called an atomizer.

00:26:56Before their working day starts, employees put samples of dangerous chemicals into the

00:27:01machine.

00:27:02The machine memorizes these smells, and in case a person's hand smells like those chemicals,

00:27:07it alerts airport staff to this danger.

00:27:11You know how it sometimes goes.

00:27:12You come to the security checkpoint, and suddenly it turns out you have something prohibited

00:27:17to take on board in your carry-on.

00:27:19But don't worry.

00:27:20All the things seized during the pre-flight inspection can be stored at the airport for

00:27:23as long as three months.

00:27:26On top of that, you have an opportunity to mail them any address inside the country.

00:27:31Things taken away by security and weren't claimed can also get sold at special auctions

00:27:35and are delivered worldwide.

00:27:38If you have a long layover between flights, going to the nearest hotel to rest might not

00:27:43be the cheapest option.

00:27:44There's a much better trick.

00:27:47Check if the airport or airline sells 24-hour access to the VIP lounge zone.

00:27:51In most cases, you can have free snacks and drinks there, and use free shower cabins and

00:27:56rooms for rest at a very affordable price.

00:27:59In multi-terminal airports, search for underground passageways connecting terminals that most

00:28:04people might not know about.

00:28:06For example, at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, there's a walking tunnel between Terminal

00:28:111 and Terminal 2 that's mostly used by employees since passengers are simply unaware of its

00:28:17existence.

00:28:19There's an actual term for the first 60 minutes after you clear check-in.

00:28:23The golden hour.

00:28:25It's the time that passengers statistically spend more money in retail and duty-free areas

00:28:29of the airport.

00:28:31And having the most comfortable seats in those areas right in front of the shops is a clever

00:28:35trick to lure you in for shopping.

00:28:38Let's admit, sitting in front of a comfy chair while looking at a flashy sign or shopping

00:28:42window can be tempting, and that's exactly what the airports want you to feel.

00:28:47If your flight is overbooked and you can't fly at the designated time, don't hurry to

00:28:52accept the first voucher you're offered as an apology.

00:28:55Normally, airlines keep raising the stakes until they have enough volunteers to give

00:28:59up their flight seats.

00:29:01And if they don't and you've been bumped in voluntarily, you can insist on a cash refund

00:29:05instead.

00:29:07Depending on your ticket price and the time of your delay, you might be entitled to as

00:29:11much as $1,300.

00:29:14Most airports have specific experts called profilers.

00:29:19These people practice what's called SPOT, or the Screening Passengers by Observation

00:29:24Technique.

00:29:25They carefully analyze facial expressions, gestures, and behavior in order to detect

00:29:30suspicious people.

00:29:32Their job is to notice the nonverbal signs of anxiety, such as people licking their lips,

00:29:37itching, or looking around a lot.

00:29:40If a profiler notices a person acting in a weird or off way, they can invite them for

00:29:45an inspection, where they can talk to a person to find out more about them.

00:29:50Profilers work in both the main halls and in passport control.

00:29:53The typical question they ask is, what's the purpose of your visit?

00:29:58Then they check the person's reaction to this inquiry.

00:30:00No matter how reserved a passenger is, if they have something to hide, TSA officers

00:30:05will find out, thanks to the tiniest cues in people's behavior.

00:30:09Before your luggage even gets on the plane, it goes through 5 security levels, and one

00:30:14of them, besides scanning the contents, includes being checked by a special dog that can sniff

00:30:19out dangerous chemicals.

00:30:21It's a well-known fact that a dog's nose is much stronger than that of any human.

00:30:26In fact, dogs distinguish smells from 10,000 to 100,000 times better than people do.

00:30:33No wonder airports take advantage of this super sense for security and regularly use

00:30:37these sniffer dogs to detect suspicious substances.

00:30:41What's really cool is that you can't even distinguish a detection dog from its civilian

00:30:45siblings.

00:30:46Unlike police dogs, the ones working at airports aren't trained to frighten or intimidate people.

00:30:52The most popular sniffer breeds are Golden Retrievers, Labs, and German Shorthaired Pointers.

00:30:58Charging your phone at a specifically designated spot can look convenient, but it's not really

00:31:03safe.

00:31:04If the charging station only allows you to plug in your cord, you might get malware installed

00:31:08on your phone with you, none the wiser.

00:31:11The only safe way to charge your phone or tablet is to find an electric socket and use

00:31:15it with your own charger.

00:31:17Same goes for free airport Wi-Fi.

00:31:20Start from the airports requiring you to authenticate yourself more often than not.

00:31:25Someone can easily access your data while you're using an unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot.

00:31:30It's safer to use your mobile data, but if you absolutely have to use the airport's Wi-Fi,

00:31:35best clear or encrypt all your important data on your device.

00:31:39It might be exasperating to take your laptop out of your carry-on at the security check

00:31:43every single time, but the airport staff need to have a clear look at your device to make

00:31:49sure nothing is concealed inside.

00:31:51On the screen of an x-ray scanner, a laptop looks like a semi-transparent object with

00:31:56a clearly visible hard drive, CD drive, and whatnot.

00:32:00But security officers can't see what's behind some of those parts, for example, a dense

00:32:04and rather large battery.

00:32:07People tend to choose the closest security line to them.

00:32:10If that line turns out to be super crowded, just look around after ID and ticket check.

00:32:15You may see another checkpoint with much fewer people.

00:32:19Some checkpoints at the airport are situated at the far edges of the terminal, and that's

00:32:23why passengers fail to notice them.

00:32:26Applying for a TSA pre-check can be a great time-saver for traveling in and out of the

00:32:30U.S.

00:32:31Being a member of this program has some great perks.

00:32:35First, getting through security and passport control happens faster.

00:32:39If you're a pre-check traveler, you won't have to take off your shoes or remove your

00:32:43belt, and forget about placing your stuff like liquids and laptops in special bins.

00:32:48If you aren't flying to or from the U.S., then you can look up similar services available

00:32:53in your country.

00:32:56If you're flying economy class but don't like it, who does?

00:32:59Check in online and check out the seating options about four days before your flight.

00:33:04It's about that time that airlines typically start upgrading seats, and you might get an

00:33:08upgrade to business class for a small fee, or even sometimes for free.

00:33:13You can also ask for an upgrade when you're already at the airport.

00:33:16Most people forget about this opportunity, or simply don't care, so you might just get

00:33:20lucky.

00:33:21Ah yes, everyone loves a holiday, but figuring out what to pack in your luggage can be a

00:33:27daunting task, especially when you're limited on weight and baggage space.

00:33:32Not to mention you're likely to do some holiday shopping on your adventure away from home.

00:33:37So you're going to need extra space on your return for all those souvenirs you've collected.

00:33:42Accumulating too much weight or bulk can end up costing you a handsome fee with the airline

00:33:47if you're not properly prepared.

00:33:49But you can now relax.

00:33:51You just focus on booking your vacation.

00:33:52We'll take care of your luggage with these handy traveling tips.

00:33:56No doubt your clothes are going to take up the bulk of your luggage.

00:34:00Considering most airline standards permit one bag for most local trips, and up to two

00:34:04bags for longer distances, that doesn't grant you a whole lot of space if you plan on being

00:34:09fashionable on your getaway, especially in the winter.

00:34:12However, this doesn't mean you have to turn your undergarments inside out for repeated

00:34:17use.

00:34:18The key here is to be clever with how you pack.

00:34:21Firstly, you might want to consider how you're folding your clothes.

00:34:25The most space-sufficient method to store your wardrobe in a suitcase for travel is

00:34:29to roll up each item.

00:34:31Think of your clothes like those sleeping bags you used to take on your camping trips.

00:34:35They always seem too thick for their compacted covers, but with perseverance, you could roll

00:34:40it up tight enough to fit inside.

00:34:42Now, you don't need to wrestle with your clothes quite as much, but the same principle here

00:34:47applies.

00:34:49Start by folding your shirts, pants, and whatever else you plan on packing neatly, similar to

00:34:55how you might find them on a clothing store shelf.

00:34:57Then, when you have them in a relatively rectangular or squared-off shape, roll them up tightly.

00:35:04Now that you have your little clothes-logs, start packing them into your bag.

00:35:08And behold, extra space!

00:35:13Now here's something we've all experienced arriving at our holiday destination.

00:35:17We drop our suitcase on the hotel bed, open it up, only to find all our clothes unfurled

00:35:23and scattered like a tornado stormed through our bag.

00:35:26Your luggage has had a rough journey from your home to your holiday destination.

00:35:31It's been dragged through airport terminals, tossed around by baggage handlers, and rocked

00:35:35back and forth during in-flight turbulence.

00:35:38A simple stationary item, rubber bands, will help you keep your clothes neat.

00:35:43Now that you've got them rolled up, place a couple of rubber bands around them to keep

00:35:47them from unfurling.

00:35:49This is an especially neat trick if you want to roll an outfit together as one.

00:35:53Maybe you've got head-to-toe denim that you can't wait to rock on your getaway.

00:35:58Fold up your clothes as before, then layer the different items of your ideal outfit atop

00:36:02each other.

00:36:04Roll them up as one, then use the rubber bands to keep them together.

00:36:08You can preemptively decide your day-to-day outfits before you even board the plane.

00:36:12However, you may still prefer to fold your clothes, especially business or formal shirts

00:36:17and pants.

00:36:19Lucky for you, we have a handy trick for that, too.

00:36:22Instead of folding each item individually, we're going to lay it out all on top of each

00:36:27other.

00:36:28Start with your shirts and tops, alternating with one on top and one on the bottom, keeping

00:36:33the necks of your shirts at the center.

00:36:36Work your way down to your pants and smaller items until they're all laid out flat.

00:36:40Try to keep your pants in the middle.

00:36:43Finally, start folding your items in on themselves, with the shirts creating the outer layer,

00:36:48until you end up with a neat bundle, like a present.

00:36:51You should be able to sit your bundle squarely into your bag.

00:36:56Want to save even more luggage space?

00:36:58Instead of putting your undergarments and socks into their own section, try fitting

00:37:02them into available spaces and gaps within the rest of your luggage.

00:37:06If you plan on taking a cap with you, for instance, the inside of your headwear is a

00:37:10great space to store your socks.

00:37:13This applies to other small luggage items, too, such as phone chargers and ties.

00:37:18So keep in mind that you can also lay your ties and belts out flat across the clothes

00:37:23in your luggage to conserve space.

00:37:25And if you're really limited on baggage size, say all you have is a carry-on for a

00:37:30fortnight-long trip, here's another method.

00:37:34Get yourself some compression bags to store your clothes in.

00:37:37These bags will compact multiple sets of clothes into the size of a small laptop bag.

00:37:44Fold up the clothes you intend to pack and store them into the compression bag.

00:37:48You should be able to fit eight to ten standard clothes items, or a few bulky ones.

00:37:53Once you've filled the bag, seal it and squeeze the air out through the built-in one-way pressure

00:37:57valve.

00:37:58The easiest way to do this is either by rolling it, and you should be pretty good at rolling

00:38:03your clothes by now, or by using your knees to apply pressure.

00:38:07You should be able to fit two to four of these compression bags in your standard carry-on

00:38:11suitcase, which is especially helpful if you want to save money by avoiding checked-in

00:38:16luggage.

00:38:17And you can take even more clothes on board with you if you stick them into a pillowcase.

00:38:22The best thing about this tip is that it also doubles as a comfy pillow for you to rest

00:38:27your head on during the flight.

00:38:29If you do have a bit more space to spare, another great way to keep your stuff organized

00:38:34is with packing cubes.

00:38:36It might not be as space-efficient as compression bags, but a lot of travelers prefer them for

00:38:41tidier and well-organized packing.

00:38:44You might like to divide them by outfits or clothes types, such as one for pants and

00:38:49one for tops.

00:38:50You can easily purchase packing cubes from most online retail services and travel and

00:38:55camping stores.

00:38:56There are also packing cubes specially designed for one or more pairs of shoes.

00:39:01This is a great way to compact the space your shoes would otherwise take up in your luggage,

00:39:06and to keep your clean clothes from coming into contact with your footwear.

00:39:10Nobody wants their tops to smell like feet, right?

00:39:14If you're still struggling to bring all your items with you inside your suitcase, there

00:39:18are a couple more tricks that you can use for that extra bit of weight, without the

00:39:22extra cost.

00:39:24The most obvious of which is to use your own body.

00:39:27That's right, time to layer up!

00:39:29Pick out all your bulky items, and wear as many as you can manage.

00:39:34You can try wearing some shorts under your pants, or several layers of your winterwear,

00:39:38such as your sweater, jacket, and coat, all over the top of one another.

00:39:43You might be sweating a little, but most airports and planes are well air-conditioned, and you

00:39:48can always shed some layers once you've boarded your flight.

00:39:51At least you'll have some warm wear to snuggle up in if you do get cold up there in the clouds.

00:39:57If you don't want to wear all those layers, there's actually another type of bag you can

00:40:00carry on the plane with you, free of charge.

00:40:03Get yourself a duty-free bag from any of the duty-free stores in the airport.

00:40:08You can even hang onto it for next time.

00:40:11Store all your extra items in your duty-free bag, and carry it onto your flight at no additional cost.

00:40:17It's also worth considering what type of luggage you're using.

00:40:20More importantly, how much it weighs.

00:40:23A lot of people forget that the standard 15 pounds permitted by most airlines includes

00:40:28the actual weight of their suitcase.

00:40:30The bag itself can often weigh up to 4 to 6 pounds.

00:40:33That's a huge chunk of your weight in the bag alone.

00:40:36So, when you're shopping for your luggage, take into account how much it weighs.

00:40:40Choosing a lighter bag will give you more space for the items you want to take with you.

00:40:45Stick to some of these handy tips, and you'll be on your way with no shortage of luggage

00:40:49and some extra money to spend on your vacation.

00:40:52Happy flying!

00:40:53Are the letters SSSS on your boarding pass a reason to worry?

00:40:59What's much more dangerous than turbulence?

00:41:02Should you really be the first to board the plane?

00:41:04You're about to figure it out.

00:41:10You might have noticed that most planes have blue seats.

00:41:13There's no mystery here.

00:41:15Airlines opt for this color because it's considered to have a calming effect.

00:41:20This color supposedly puts passengers at ease and helps even the most nervous flyers to

00:41:24relax.

00:41:26But there's also another, more practical reason.

00:41:29Stains, dirt, and scrapes are less visible on dark blue fabric.

00:41:36Never throw your boarding pass away in a public place.

00:41:38It contains tons of your sensitive information, including your name and frequent flyer number.

00:41:44This in turn may allow someone else to check your future bookings, change your seat, or

00:41:49even cancel your flights.

00:41:52So the best way to deal with a boarding pass for a flight you've already boarded is to

00:41:56take it home and feed it through a paper shredder.

00:42:01By the way, if you ever see the letters SSSS or S on your boarding pass, get ready for

00:42:07additional security checks.

00:42:09Instead of these letters, there may be a checkerboard pattern.

00:42:12Anyway, if you have any of these marks, your carry-on luggage can also undergo a thorough

00:42:18inspection.

00:42:19Why might they choose you for secondary screening?

00:42:22Some of the criteria are making a one-way reservation or paying cash for your ticket.

00:42:28In some cases, the selection is absolutely random.

00:42:32Look, your gate is open and the boarding has started.

00:42:37Where are you running?

00:42:38There's no need to hurry.

00:42:40The trick experienced globetrotters use is always board last.

00:42:44For one thing, you don't have to waste time standing in line.

00:42:47Then, there are fewer people on the jetway and in the aisle, and you spend less time

00:42:52on the plane.

00:42:53No one is going to take your seat anyway.

00:42:56There's one exception though.

00:42:58If you have a bulky carry-on bag, it may make more sense not to board last.

00:43:02Otherwise, the chances are high that all the overhead bin space will be occupied by the

00:43:07time you reach your seat.

00:43:09And then, your bag may end up in another part of the plane, and you'll have to wait till

00:43:13the other passengers disembark before you get to your luggage.

00:43:17Duh!

00:43:18Before take-off and landing, flight attendants usually flip a small switch on the bathroom

00:43:23door.

00:43:24This prevents it from flying open when it's not supposed to.

00:43:27With the same ease, a flight attendant can open the door when someone is inside.

00:43:31Look, they only need to lift the lavatory sign and move the knob into the unlocked position.

00:43:39Pilots don't worry about turbulence.

00:43:41That's because they know that there is a thing way more dangerous than any turbulence.

00:43:45It's an updraft.

00:43:47In most cases, turbulence only drops you a couple of feet down, even though it might

00:43:52feel as if you're falling from the top of the Empire State Building.

00:43:56If the turbulence is strong enough for the pilots to ask flight attendants to sit down,

00:44:00the plane can go 10 to 20 feet down.

00:44:03The most extreme white-knuckle turbulence is super rare.

00:44:08But an updraft is a big air mass, part of a storm or some other weather phenomenon,

00:44:13moving upwards.

00:44:15Pilots don't see updrafts on their radars at night, and when a plane hits one, it feels

00:44:19like driving over a huge speed bump at 500 miles per hour.

00:44:24An updraft is also extremely treacherous because it can push an aircraft upward to dangerous

00:44:29altitudes.

00:44:34Modern planes have a special system that detects other aircraft, mountains, and different solid

00:44:39objects in their path.

00:44:41Ten miles away from another plane, and a voice in the cockpit starts chanting,

00:44:45Traffic!

00:44:46Traffic!

00:44:47Five miles closer, and the same voice begins to give pilots the directions.

00:44:54Airplanes can operate with one engine, even during takeoff and landing.

00:44:58With engines failing simultaneously is almost unheard of.

00:45:02But even then, a plane wouldn't drop from the sky like a rock.

00:45:07Pilots would have up to 20 minutes to find a suitable place to land.

00:45:11The way the cabin is pressurized has a great effect on your taste buds.

00:45:15You lose up to 30% of your ability to taste sweet and salty things.

00:45:21In other words, it's not that airplane food isn't tasty, you just don't feel its flavor.

00:45:26That's also the main reason why airline catering companies add extra salt and spices to the

00:45:31dishes they cook.

00:45:34But you know what may help you?

00:45:35Noise-canceling earphones.

00:45:37For some reason, that probably has a scientific explanation.

00:45:41Cutting off all that noise around can help your taste buds.

00:45:46Each of those dings you hear during the flight has its own meaning.

00:45:50In most airlines, a boing soon after takeoff indicates that the landing gear is getting

00:45:54retracted.

00:45:56Three dings in a row means more urgency than just one.

00:46:00A high-low ringtone informs crew members that their colleague needs them in another part

00:46:04of the plane.

00:46:06Three low chimes means some serious turbulence ahead.

00:46:10Crew members are supposed to put away meal carts, take their seats, and fasten their

00:46:14seatbelts.

00:46:16If you're a nervous flyer, pick a seat in the middle of the cabin.

00:46:20Turbulence mostly affects the front and rear parts of the cabin.

00:46:24The middle section, which is over the wings, doesn't shake so much.

00:46:30Pilots and co-pilots eat different meals.

00:46:32The reason for this precaution is very simple.

00:46:35Imagine both pilots having the same dish and getting food poisoning.

00:46:39In this case, neither of them will be able to control the plane.

00:46:44If they still want to have the same dish and won't agree to have anything else, there's

00:46:48a safety net.

00:46:50Pilots don't have their meals at the same time.

00:46:52If one pilot ate the dish and still feels okay several hours later, the other pilot

00:46:57can brave their meal as well.

00:47:00What would you say when asked about the filthiest place on a plane?

00:47:04Nope, that's not the toilet seat.

00:47:06It's not even in the bathroom.

00:47:09Flight attendants warn that you should be particularly careful with headrests, seat

00:47:13pockets, tray tables, and seatbelts.

00:47:17Experiments have shown that one-third of all seatbelts have yeast and mold on them.

00:47:22Most tray tables are covered with bacteria.

00:47:25Seat pockets are extremely filthy too, but headrests are the dirtiest of them all.

00:47:31In most cases, flight attendants don't have enough time to change or disinfect them in

00:47:35between flights.

00:47:40If your captain announces they're finishing some paperwork, it means they're busy revising

00:47:44the flight itinerary or waiting for the ground staff to prepare the flight logbook.

00:47:50It's a journal that contains the official record of a journey.

00:47:55Some places, especially those flying long distances, have secret bedrooms for crew members

00:47:59to catch some shut-eye.

00:48:01These bedrooms, called crew rest compartments, are located either at the back of the plane

00:48:06or behind the cockpit.

00:48:09Such a compartment can have up to 10 comfortable beds where flight attendants can have a rest.

00:48:15Plane windows are made of super strong plexiglass that can easily cope with high speeds, and

00:48:20the window panes are shaped in a special way so that the high pressure inside the cabin

00:48:25pushes them against the aircraft body.

00:48:28In other words, plane windows are very unlikely to get broken.

00:48:34Once upon a time, plane windows were square, but the pressure built up in the corners of

00:48:38such windows, making them ultimate weak spots.

00:48:43This means that each square window had four weak spots.

00:48:46This made them likely to crash under the enormous stress of high altitudes.

00:48:51Luckily, making airplane windows curved solved this problem once and forever.

00:48:57Such a shape distributes the pressure and reduces the likelihood of cracks or any other

00:49:01damage.

00:49:03Planes regularly get struck by lightning, at least once a year or once per 1,000 hours

00:49:08of flight time.

00:49:10These days it's totally safe.

00:49:12The electric charge simply runs through the aircraft's aluminum shell.

00:49:16It doesn't cause the plane any damage.

00:49:19But did you know that airplanes not only get hit by lightning, but they also trigger it?

00:49:26When an aircraft is flying through a cloud, the friction between its fuselage and the

00:49:31air creates static electricity.

00:49:33Sometimes it can cause lightning.

00:49:37First, you probably already know that germs are everywhere, and it's impossible for

00:49:42humans to get rid of them.

00:49:44These tiny creatures train our immune system.

00:49:47We're becoming stronger when our organism constantly faces bacteria and improves its

00:49:52protection skills.

00:49:54So don't worry about what you see next.

00:49:57Welcome to one of the favorite places among bacteria and microbes – hotel rooms.

00:50:02Yes, they seem to be so clean, but in some ways, they're more dangerous than a garbage

00:50:08dump.

00:50:09Everything is dirty at the landfill, and you're afraid to touch anything.

00:50:13But the dirt in hotel rooms is almost invisible.

00:50:16Germs are waiting for you here, and there are a lot of them.

00:50:20So the first problems appear already in the elevator.

00:50:23The buttons on the panel are swarming with various bacteria.

00:50:27Suppose no one cleans them with a disinfectant.

00:50:30In that case, these buttons become the arena where billions of microbes multiply and devour

00:50:36each other.

00:50:37Take a look at an ordinary apartment building.

00:50:40There are elevators too.

00:50:41The same people live in this house, transmitting the same germs when they touch the elevator

00:50:46buttons.

00:50:47Your body encounters these microbes often and quickly develops the needed protection.

00:50:52But different people stay in hotels.

00:50:54A guy from some African country can bring a bacterium that will be dangerous for a girl

00:50:59from cold Norway.

00:51:00Therefore, after you touch the button, wash your hands with a soap or disinfectant.

00:51:06So the elevator opens its doors, and you walk towards your room.

00:51:11Watch out!

00:51:12There's another hot spot ahead.

00:51:14See that door handle?

00:51:15This area is another beloved playground for germs.

00:51:19How many people have touched it before you?

00:51:22How long has it been since it was washed?

00:51:24Do you know why such a handle is more dangerous than a toilet seat?

00:51:29First of all, microbes accumulate on our fingers and palms.

00:51:33When we don't wash them, we transfer a million bacteria from one place to another by touching

00:51:38the surfaces of different objects.

00:51:41So the best way is to touch the door handle with the same hand you used to press the button

00:51:46in the elevator.

00:51:47As soon as you enter the room, wash your hands.

00:51:51The good news is that hotel staff clean bathrooms and toilets much better than the rest of the

00:51:55room.

00:51:56So you're a bit safer here.

00:51:58But still, take a good look at the corners of the bathroom and the tiles.

00:52:03If you see black spots somewhere, it means there's mold.

00:52:07This thing can cause allergic reactions like runny nose and eye irritation.

00:52:12Mold can be pretty dangerous, but hotel staff usually watch it closely.

00:52:16So it's unlikely that there will be something like this in your room unless it's a cheap

00:52:21hotel.

00:52:22You don't stay there, do you?

00:52:23Oh, by the way, did you know that toilet paper in a public toilet contains more germs than

00:52:29the toilet lid?

00:52:31You make a mistake if you cover the seat with pieces of that paper.

00:52:34First, many people touch it, which means they transfer bacteria onto it.

00:52:39Secondly, dirty little splashes get on the roll when someone flushes the toilet.

00:52:45Microbes feel more comfortable living on soft paper than on the hard surfaces of the toilet,

00:52:50so don't put it on the seat.

00:52:53But if you see a metal or plastic cover on the roll, you're lucky since the roll is

00:52:57protected from germs.

00:52:59Then, after you've done your business and washed your hands thoroughly, you have two

00:53:04options.

00:53:05Wipe your hands with a paper towel or use a hand dryer.

00:53:09It doesn't matter which you choose, both variants have a lot of germs.

00:53:13But if you use the dryer, bacteria will fly all over the room.

00:53:17So better grab a towel.

00:53:20Okay, you come out of the bathroom and find yourself in a danger zone.

00:53:25Don't think that all germs there are harmless.

00:53:27Some of the most common bacteria in hotels cause intestinal infections.

00:53:33If you don't want to spend the rest of your vacation or business trip next to or on the

00:53:37toilet, get ready to fight colonies of tiny parasites.

00:53:42The first thing you need to do is wash those glasses and cups with soap.

00:53:46Some travelers carry their own mugs with them, which is a good idea.

00:53:49Then, look around and ask yourself, which places do people touch the most?

00:53:55These are the TV remote control, coffee machine, fridge, door handles, tables, hair dryer,

00:54:01and windows.

00:54:02But relax, you don't need to do the cleaning instead of the hotel staff.

00:54:07It's enough to have wet wipes with a powerful disinfectant.

00:54:11Wipe the surface of all these objects.

00:54:13Perhaps you worry in vain, and the hotel carefully monitors how clean the rooms are.

00:54:19Or you can tell the manager you want to have your room cleaned again.

00:54:23So you've wiped all the surfaces and jumped into bed tired.

00:54:27Unfortunately, you're not the only one to rest on that soft mattress.

00:54:32You have a huge company of bacteria.

00:54:34Of course, washing pillowcases and bed linen destroys germs, but what about the bedspread?

00:54:40Most likely, nobody washes it.

00:54:43Removing germs from the tissue is difficult, so you'll probably have to put up with it.

00:54:48But the thing you shouldn't accept is bed bugs.

00:54:52If you notice dark spots on your mattress, this is most likely the waste left by bed

00:54:57bugs.

00:54:58You're not hungry, are you?

00:54:59I don't want to spoil your appetite.

00:55:01The insects themselves can hide deep in the mattress.

00:55:04They can sleep there for months and then wake up to satisfy their hunger.

00:55:09While you're resting, they come out and bite your legs.

00:55:12If you notice small red spots on your skin in the morning, then bed bugs have, well,

00:55:18kissed you.

00:55:19The bites of these beetles are not dangerous.

00:55:22Some people may have a mild allergic reaction in the form of irritation on the skin.

00:55:27But the problem is that some bed bugs can get into your clothes or things.

00:55:32Then you'll bring them home.

00:55:33These creatures multiply rapidly.

00:55:35Therefore, if you don't want a colony of biting bugs in your house, then wash your

00:55:40clothes, clean your luggage, and go to the shower.

00:55:44But before that, ask the hotel manager to refund your money.

00:55:48Because bed bugs are unex… by the way, even if the room is squeaky clean, it doesn't

00:55:53mean there are no bed bugs in it.

00:55:55Perhaps previous guests brought them.

00:55:58So your bed has no black spots, and you've wiped all the dangerous surfaces.

00:56:03That's it, you're safe!

00:56:05Try to walk on the floor wearing slippers or thick socks, as the floor is also a source

00:56:10of dirt.

00:56:11You spend several nights in the hotel, and finally return to a clean and safe place – your

00:56:16home.

00:56:17Unfortunately, your house can also have many germs you don't see.

00:56:22Do you like to have fun with friends and play video games?

00:56:25Do you remember when the last time you cleaned the game pad was?

00:56:30All your friends have held it in their hands, which means you've collected all of their

00:56:34microbes there.

00:56:36Your kitchen cutting board – how thoroughly do you wash it?

00:56:39It's not enough just to splash it with water, especially if you cut meat and vegetables.

00:56:44You can cut some squash, and its germs will stick to the surface.

00:56:49Then you quickly wash the board and put it back in place.

00:56:52But the germs haven't gone away – they're still firmly attached to the surface, waiting

00:56:56for you to cut bread.

00:56:59Then they'll jump onto the food and get into your stomach.

00:57:02Uh, how's that appetite doing?

00:57:04Still good?

00:57:05Another dangerous place is a dish sponge.

00:57:08Even if you use a good detergent, germs still accumulate there.

00:57:12The best way to get rid of them is to change sponges once a week.

00:57:17And now you'll see a paradise for bacteria – a place with an ideal cold temperature

00:57:22and a lot of food, from fresh to spoiled.

00:57:25Hey, it's your fridge!

00:57:27There you put products that you bring from the supermarket.

00:57:30Hundreds of people could touch them with their hands, leaving millions of germs.

00:57:34Therefore, don't forget to wash your fridge often.

00:57:38And also, keep any meat away from packaged products, because germs on a rare steak multiply

00:57:44and spoil it quickly.

00:57:46Well, perhaps you're too worried about your health now.

00:57:49If so, then you should remember the words from the beginning of the video.

00:57:54Let me quote,

00:57:55You probably already know that Germans are everywhere.

00:57:58Wait, that's not it.

00:58:00Ah, sorry.

00:58:02Airports are some of the most visited and, at the same time, mysterious places out there.

00:58:07So let's see what's going on behind the scenes and what secrets airports hide.

00:58:12At some airports, there are special people called profilers.

00:58:17Such people bring to life a special program called SPOT – Screening Passengers by Observation

00:58:22Technique.

00:58:24They analyze your mimics, gestures, and behavior in order to detect suspicious people.

00:58:30Their job is to notice non-verbal signs of anxiety – people licking their lips, itching,

00:58:36or looking around a lot.

00:58:38If a profiler notices a person acting in an unusual way, they can invite them for an inspection.

00:58:44There, they talk to this person, trying to find out more about them and confirm, or not,

00:58:50their suspicions.

00:58:52Airport agents might also be watching you all the way from the security check to your

00:58:56gate.

00:58:57Some airports have facial recognition scanners that can easily track you.

00:59:01They're equipped with special software that compares passengers' faces with their IDs.

00:59:07Keep in mind that if you don't charge your laptop before the flight, it may be confiscated.

00:59:13It's not uncommon for an airport security officer to ask you to power your device up.

00:59:19If you fail to do it, your gadget can be taken away for an additional check.

00:59:25For safety reasons, it's crucial to make sure that it hasn't been tampered with or

00:59:29modified in a way that can cause harm during the flight.

00:59:33Packing an electric brush in your check-in luggage may land you in trouble.

00:59:38Brushes produced by some brands have lithium batteries inside, and those can potentially

00:59:43lead to serious problems in the air.

00:59:46That's why leaving your electric brush in your check suitcase isn't an option, but you're

00:59:51allowed to store them in your carry-on bag.

00:59:53At the same time, if your device runs on AA batteries, you can put it wherever you want.

00:59:59Anyone who's ever traveled by plane knows about the no-liquids rule, but not everybody

01:00:05knows that this rule also applies to peanut butter, toothpaste, creams, lotions, liquid

01:00:11make-up, laval lamps, snow globes, some kinds of medications, deodorants, and even gel shoe inserts.

01:00:20Now let's go outside for a while and look at those landing spots.

01:00:25Airports charge airline companies huge fees for landing on their runways on certain days

01:00:30and at particular times.

01:00:32But the most interesting thing is that the landing spots can be bought and sold.

01:00:37For example, in 2016, Oman Air paid Air France around $75 million for one early morning arrival

01:00:45slot at London Heathrow Airport.

01:00:48You must have noticed that airfare has increased over the past decade.

01:00:52That's because of the extremely high prices of landing slots.

01:00:57Dispatchers don't only control the planes in the sky, as you can often see in the movies,

01:01:02but they also look after their movements on the ground.

01:01:05They also control the lighting on the runways.

01:01:08There's three types of air traffic controllers, en route, terminal, and tower.

01:01:14Each of these dispatchers has their own area of responsibility.

01:01:18One dispatcher has about five monitors and the information on them is constantly changing

01:01:23since the monitors show weather conditions and information about other planes.

01:01:29You know how it sometimes goes, you come to a security checkpoint and all of a sudden

01:01:33it turns out you have something prohibited in your carry-on.

01:01:37But worry not, you still have a chance to save your favorite pen knife.

01:01:43At some airports, there are on-site postal services and you might have an opportunity

01:01:47to mail your belongings to any address you provide.

01:01:52But the mailing fees are pretty high, plus certain items are prohibited and the postal

01:01:57service won't deliver them.

01:01:59Airports can be selling your lost luggage right now.

01:02:02Of course, I don't say that there's no chance for you to get back your suitcases

01:02:06that's traveled to a different destination, but just as likely, you might not see it again.

01:02:12In this case, an airport has the right to sell your misplaced belongings at an auction.

01:02:18Most airports have an annual lost luggage sale.

01:02:21After paying an entry fee, you can bid on electronics, clothes, bags, and other stuff.

01:02:28While flying, you might have a celebrity on board, but you won't know it.

01:02:32Large airports have separate check-in and security procedures for celebrities.

01:02:37They often board the plane directly through a hidden door located beside the jet bridge.

01:02:43Some airlines also use cool cars to transfer VIP passengers from the terminal building

01:02:48to the plane.

01:02:50At the same time, most people come to the airport well ahead of time, and the most popular

01:02:55activity while waiting for a flight is wandering through the duty-free zone.

01:03:01And even though people rarely plan to buy anything there, different products end up

01:03:05in their shopping baskets.

01:03:08That's because lots of airports are designed in a special way that makes people feel relaxed

01:03:13and at ease.

01:03:14I'm talking about all those huge windows, a lot of light, massage chairs, and comfortable

01:03:20seating areas.

01:03:22And statistically, calm passengers are 10% more likely to spend money on retail, duty-free,

01:03:29and food.

01:03:30Designers put a lot of thought into airport layouts.

01:03:34It helps to ensure the smooth flow of travelers.

01:03:37And the main point here is easy navigation that can prevent people from getting lost.

01:03:43This is achieved through subtle but very effective design cues.

01:03:48Replacing duty-free zones between security checkpoints and boarding gates is one of them.

01:03:53They supposedly help you relax after clearing security and lead you where you need to go.

01:03:59But speaking of food, a celebrity chef restaurant at the airport might not be as good as it

01:04:04would be if you were visiting the real thing.

01:04:07Not chefs themselves, but special restaurant companies are responsible for airport outlets.

01:04:13One of the reasons is the extremely strict security that surrounds airport deliveries,

01:04:17including food.

01:04:19You may still have a nice meal, but it won't be the same.

01:04:23Now I'll tell you about one more way airports manipulate you into spending your money.

01:04:29They make you walk through the shiny duty-free stores straight after the security check.

01:04:33But the most curious thing is that the walkway through such stores usually veers to the left.

01:04:39That's done because most people are right-handed, which means they use their right arm to pull

01:04:44their luggage and are more likely to look to the right while passing through the stores.

01:04:50And the duty-free zone veering to the left leaves more space on the right where passengers

01:04:55are more likely to look.

01:04:57Oh, and have you ever noticed how many mirrors there are at airports?

01:05:02Mirrors are strategically placed there to make airports appear larger and create an

01:05:06illusion of more space.

01:05:09This in turn helps to reduce the feeling of claustrophobia and makes the airport experience

01:05:14more comfortable for travellers.

01:05:16If you have an opportunity, don't exchange cash at the airport – you'll never get

01:05:20a good rate there.

01:05:22Those who didn't buy local currency in advance can instead order it online and collect it

01:05:27at the airport.

01:05:29Some services only need a few hours' notice for such an order, or it might even be better

01:05:35to use an ATM to withdraw some cash at your final destination.

01:05:39Now, have you ever paid attention to airport codes?

01:05:43The most often used are three-letter codes.

01:05:46Why this number?

01:05:48Back in the 1930s in the USA, pilots used the National Weather Service's two-letter

01:05:53city codes to refer to airports.

01:05:56But soon, the number of airports in the country outgrew the number of such codes.

01:06:01That's why airlines expanded this system by adding the third letter – it was usually

01:06:06X.

01:06:07That's how LA, Los Angeles, turned into LAX.

01:06:12But even though there shouldn't be two airports with the same code, some of these codes sound

01:06:16so similar you could easily mistake one for the other.

01:06:21For example, look at this airport with the code CGP in Bangladesh.

01:06:26And here we have CPG – it's the code of an airport in Argentina.

01:06:31It's dangerously easy to fly to the wrong place, so pay attention!

01:06:36Check around the corner, under the bed.

01:06:38Wait, what's that hiding over there?

01:06:42Hotels are supposed to be your home away from home, but do you know what secrets they're

01:06:47keeping?

01:06:48Here's what no staff member or manager would ever tell you.

01:06:52Some hotel owners are very superstitious of the number 13, or they know guests might be.

01:06:59Whatever the case, you may find room 13 or the entire 13th floor completely missing.

01:07:05In the Far East, the same can be said about the number 4.

01:07:09You can easily get an upgraded room without any additional charge if you have a birthday,

01:07:15anniversary, or wedding.

01:07:17Just call ahead of time and warn them about the upcoming event.

01:07:21You might be checking that bed for stains and bugs, but you're probably overlooking

01:07:26the dirtiest thing in the room – the TV remote.

01:07:30It doesn't get disinfected between guests.

01:07:33Put it in a plastic sandwich baggie before using it.

01:07:36Plenty of other filthy things in that room, but we'll touch on those later.

01:07:42Every hotel has a place where housekeeping stores forgotten things.

01:07:46The most frequently lost items are phone chargers, but more interesting discoveries have been

01:07:51found – false teeth, glass eyes, and even boxes of worms.

01:07:57If no one comes for these strange treasures after 5 or 10 years – yes, they're nice

01:08:02enough to wait – the cleaners raffle the lost items among themselves.

01:08:07Some luxury ones may have hidden cameras built in for safety reasons.

01:08:12The most common place for this is the door peepholes, so always put a piece of masking

01:08:17tape or putty over the one in your room.

01:08:21But hidden cameras in the room itself are never okay.

01:08:24To check the place, turn off the overhead light and switch on your phone's front-facing

01:08:29camera.

01:08:31Slowly scan the room – your front camera will pick up their infrared light.

01:08:36Common spots are near the bed and in the bathroom, so check those areas thoroughly.

01:08:43Hotel owners often let their friends and family stay for free.

01:08:46You wouldn't know it since they usually leave before peak season starts.

01:08:51The employees and cleaners also get in on some perks.

01:08:55They keep towels, slippers, bathrobes, and shampoos.

01:08:59But what you might not know is that hotel chains are fine with you taking things from

01:09:04the room.

01:09:05Stationery, toiletries, coffee mugs, umbrellas – anything with their name and logo on it.

01:09:11This will serve as free advertisement when you take those things with you.

01:09:16Those beautiful bright vegetables and fruits near the hotel restaurant's entrance aren't

01:09:21just a decoration.

01:09:22They trick your body into feeling full before you even get your plate.

01:09:27You eat less, and the company saves money.

01:09:31They may give you extra bottles of shower gel or other toiletries, but there are ones

01:09:36that charge you for grabbing too much food during the breakfast buffet.

01:09:41To avoid upsetting the cooks with the amount of discarded food, some hotels in certain

01:09:46countries make their guests pay for anything left uneaten on the plate.

01:09:52No hotel chain would willingly tell you how to get the biggest discount for your stay.

01:09:57So if you have a limited budget, make a reservation after 6 p.m.

01:10:03This is when the sales department tries to sell all canceled reservations at the last

01:10:07minute.

01:10:08That often means cutting the price down, sometimes in half.

01:10:13The first Sunday of the month is the best time to check in.

01:10:16Vacationers are leaving, business travelers haven't arrived yet, so most of the best

01:10:21rooms will be available.

01:10:23To get the top pick, use a special service called Rooming.

01:10:28You can view everything in the hotel and choose which room you like the most.

01:10:33Just ask the receptionist about it.

01:10:36They won't willingly speak up about other free services unless you ask.

01:10:41Free phone chargers, hair irons, bottled water, and board games are among them.

01:10:46They can also order a transfer for you, book concert or theater tickets, and wake you up

01:10:51at a specified time.

01:10:54Hotels can refuse you a check-in, even if you've paid for a booking in advance.

01:10:59They can cancel your reservation if you don't show up before 6 p.m.

01:11:04If something's holding you up on your way, call and let them know in advance.

01:11:10Even if you arrive on time, you can still be denied a room.

01:11:14It usually happens when the hotel is overbooked.

01:11:17In that case, they might redirect you to a different one.

01:11:21Even more surprising, the chances of this happening depend on who you are.

01:11:26Young single men, couples, and groups of friends will usually get the boot before a family

01:11:31or a single older woman.

01:11:34It's because the first group is usually more flexible about the unexpected move.

01:11:39Before you pounce on that minibar, better check to see if those drinks are sealed.

01:11:44Hotel workers say they've had cases where guests finished all the provided beverages

01:11:49and then filled the bottles up with tap water to avoid paying for them.

01:11:53Shh, you didn't hear it from me!

01:11:57Large chains often have their own special transport for meeting important guests or

01:12:01getting around town.

01:12:03Their own taxis are usually cheaper than city ones, so if you want to save some money, check

01:12:09the cost of their transport at the reception.

01:12:12But don't ask the receptionist to recommend where you should have a meal.

01:12:16The hotel clerk will point you to a local place that pays them for the recommendations,

01:12:22even if it's overpriced and tasteless there.

01:12:26Guests don't really pay for the room itself, but for the hotel's location.

01:12:30Proximity to the airport, the beach, downtown, and famous sights will cost you an additional

01:12:36amount.

01:12:37Yes, even if it doesn't have any stars at all, and the conditions inside aren't great.

01:12:43Think twice before handing over your keys for valet parking.

01:12:47There have been cases when hotel workers took an expensive car for a joyride and even filled

01:12:53it.

01:12:54My car?

01:12:55No.

01:12:56A famous person could be staying in the room right next to you.

01:13:00Nobody would know it since they get to use made-up names to conceal their identity.

01:13:06For the rest of us common folk, that's not allowed.

01:13:10You requested a single room with a big bed and a nice view of the beach.

01:13:15What you got?

01:13:16A room with two small beds and a lovely view of a brick wall.

01:13:19It happens all the time.

01:13:21But they're supposed to give you compensation or some free service to make up for the difference.

01:13:27Know your right to this if the manager doesn't offer.

01:13:31The safe in your room can be anything but safe.

01:13:34If you have some valuables, ask the receptionist to put them in the main hotel safe up front.

01:13:40This place is usually much more secure since all the staff doesn't have access to it.

01:13:46Although hotel chairs and sofas look clean, wait till you see one under a microscope.

01:13:52Don't sit on them without first laying down a towel or blanket.

01:13:56You don't know if the guests before you had their feet up on the furniture.

01:14:00Laying on their feet would certainly be filthy since the room's carpets are rarely shampooed.

01:14:06Maybe once a year or even less.

01:14:08That being said, don't walk on them barefoot.

01:14:12If you use slippers or keep your shoes on, make sure to put shower caps on the bottoms

01:14:16when you pack them into your suitcase before leaving.

01:14:20Same story with that bed.

01:14:22Before you lie down on it, know that the cleaning staff might launder the linens between guests,

01:14:27but not that big, beautiful, germy bedspread.

01:14:31Don't touch the drinking glasses either.

01:14:34Even if they get it wiped out, it was probably with the same cloth used to clean other surfaces.

01:14:39Why?

01:14:40Well, because staff have only 20-30 minutes to clean each room completely.

01:14:46So they need to do it quickly, not thoroughly.

01:14:50Things that often get overlooked?

01:14:52Light switches, door and drawer handles, remotes.

01:14:55Ironically enough, it's the things that get touched most often.

01:14:59Experts have found that these items have as much germs on them as the toilet.

01:15:04Solution?

01:15:05Always bring plenty of antibacterial wipes.

01:15:09And if you ask about the hotel's cleaning practices, remember, cleaning doesn't mean

01:15:14disinfecting.

01:15:15Choose your words wisely, and don't give the manager a loophole.

01:15:21A lot of airports are built near water, and there's a whole bunch of reasons for this.

01:15:26First off, most airports are located in big cities, and big cities are usually built near

01:15:30some form of water anyway.

01:15:33Back in the day, before trucks and proper roads were built, goods were transported by

01:15:38ship.

01:15:39Having a river or ocean nearby was vital to deliver essential supplies to the cities,

01:15:44like food and building supplies.

01:15:46It also allowed for trading to boost the local economies.

01:15:50Because most people travel into big cities for business and holidays, rather than rural

01:15:55areas, it made sense to build the airports there.

01:15:58The high demand for travel meant that the airports were needed and also made them profitable.

01:16:03But that's not the only reason they're built near water.

01:16:06Big cities are usually super crowded, and airports require a lot of land.

01:16:10Imagine trying to find a space big enough in the middle of New York City to put an airport.

01:16:15It would be basically impossible.

01:16:18Cities next to water are usually a bit more rural, so there's more space than the big

01:16:22cities filled with skyscrapers.

01:16:24Some countries have even taken this one step further.

01:16:28Land is really scarce in Japan, so to build Kansai International Airport, the architects

01:16:33of Osaka headed 3 miles offshore to Osaka Bay to make a man-made island.

01:16:38The artificial island is 13,200 feet long and 8,500 feet wide.

01:16:44That's so big that it can even be seen from space.

01:16:47It took a whopping 38 months to complete, and travelers can get across to the main island

01:16:52of Honshu via car, railroad, or high-speed ferry.

01:16:56Kansai International Airport opened in 1994 and became the world's first airport to be

01:17:02built on the sea.

01:17:04Despite its location, it has the longest airport terminal in the world with a length of just

01:17:09under 1 mile.

01:17:11Airplanes also can't have any obstacles around them when landing.

01:17:15It would be really difficult to try landing a plane with obstructions.

01:17:18These include trees, mountains, buildings, and power lines.

01:17:23Over water, nothing will restrict planes from taking off or landing, making it much safer.

01:17:29On mountainous islands, runways are often parallel to the ocean as the mountains are

01:17:33inland, just like in the Grand Canaria Airport located on one of the Canary Islands.

01:17:39It also links to safety reasons.

01:17:41If a plane has to cancel a runway landing and go back around again, there must be enough

01:17:45room for it to do this safely without hitting anything.

01:17:49It's also got to be able to climb back up into the air at a safe angle to avoid causing

01:17:53problems for the passengers inside.

01:17:56Reaching this safe altitude is much easier, quicker, and safer by the sea, compared to

01:18:01big cities or mountainous areas.

01:18:04Speaking of failed landings, pilots are trained to deal with engine failure on takeoff.

01:18:09If a plane reaches the right speed for takeoff, it has to leave the runway, even if the engine

01:18:14fails.

01:18:15But, don't worry, planes can still fly with only one engine, it just requires a bit more

01:18:20effort.

01:18:22Because of the reduced capacity, it takes longer to reach the right altitude, and more

01:18:26space is required for takeoff.

01:18:29Taking off towards the ocean makes it easier to climb to a safe altitude without worrying

01:18:34about colliding with any obstacles.

01:18:37Another reason for airports being built at water level is that the higher up we go, the

01:18:41thinner the air becomes.

01:18:43It causes the thrust of the engines to decrease, as well as the lift produced by the wings.

01:18:49Setting off from higher areas means it's more difficult for the planes to take off.

01:18:53In terms of money, this would mean building longer runways which would cost more, and

01:18:57no one wants that.

01:18:59This also means the planes require less fuel as they don't burn as much energy on takeoff,

01:19:04and there's less noise made as the planes don't have to work as hard.

01:19:07But, despite this making the planes less noisy, airports are going to have pretty high noise

01:19:13levels.

01:19:14Imagine hearing planes zooming over your house while you're trying to get sleep at night.

01:19:18This is a key reason why airports are usually built on the coast far away from any residential

01:19:23areas, as fish aren't generally known to file noise complaints.

01:19:27In some countries, airports actually have to provide upgrades for nearby houses that

01:19:32will be affected by the noise.

01:19:33Germany is one of these countries, and they do everything from improving roofs to adding

01:19:38wall insulation to cover all that noise.

01:19:42Building by the coast means that they don't have to pay up for all these expensive upgrades,

01:19:46which saves the airport lots of cash.

01:19:49Coastal areas also have weather advantages for flying.

01:19:52Sea breezes are steady winds that blow from the water to the land.

01:19:57Planes mostly land and take off with the wind, making it the perfect place to build an airport

01:20:02as there'll be no delays caused by unexpected strong winds.

01:20:05But, while the sea breezes that come in spring and summer are great, areas near water can

01:20:10be prone to fog during fall and winter, so this part has its pros and cons.

01:20:15But not every airport is on the coast, as it does also pose a number of issues too.

01:20:20One of the biggest is birds.

01:20:22Our feathered friends love the coast because of all the yummy fish, but they can cause

01:20:27big problems for pilots.

01:20:29But airports manage to get around this using scare tactics.

01:20:32Birds don't really enjoy noise, and planes aren't the quietest of things.

01:20:37Airports also make loud bangs and even train hawks to take down birds that are in the way.

01:20:42The most obvious risk of building close to the sea, though, is flooding.

01:20:47Airports cost crazy amounts of money to build, and planes aren't cheap either.

01:20:52Back in 2018, Kansai Airport was flooded by Typhoon Jebi.

01:20:56They had to cancel all operations for two days, and the water was so high that it damaged

01:21:01the engines of the planes.

01:21:03While coastal airports put measures in place to protect against flooding, it's pretty

01:21:07difficult to save everything from a typhoon.

01:21:10With rising sea levels and an increase in extreme weather, these floodings are also

01:21:14looking more and more likely to happen.

01:21:17A quarter of the world's 100 busiest airports are less than 32 feet above sea level, and

01:21:2312 of those, including New York, San Francisco, and Shanghai, are less than 16 feet.

01:21:29Yikes!

01:21:30All that water poses another problem.

01:21:33If planes overshoot the runway, they have nowhere to go.

01:21:37Overshooting is basically when the pilot underestimates the length of the runway and doesn't reach

01:21:41takeoff speed in time.

01:21:43There are usually extra bits of concrete or grass that the plane can run onto when the

01:21:47airports are on land.

01:21:49There'd be a bit of damage to the plane in this case, but nothing major.

01:21:53But with coastal airports, the plane might go straight into the water.

01:21:57Luckily, there's new tech that aims to prevent this from happening.

01:22:01These new kits let the pilots enter in all the flight calculations including the weather

01:22:05conditions that could affect takeoff.

01:22:08This system then calculates how much runway the plane will need to stop.

01:22:12Many airports also have added soft concrete to the end of runways to avoid a watery disaster.

01:22:19When the plane glides onto this soft concrete, they get stuck and it stops them traveling

01:22:24too far.

01:22:25There are also financial issues with building airports next to the water.

01:22:29Land rent next to the coast or lakes is usually higher than the mainland due to the demand.

01:22:35Like 40% of the US population lives on the coast despite coastal areas only making up

01:22:41around 10% of America's total landmass.

01:22:45Airports require flat land to be built on, but this isn't always easy to find.

01:22:50And coastal land can pose particular problems due to sand conditions on marshland.

01:22:55But this doesn't mean it's not possible.

01:22:58One of the world's most famous airports, New York's JFK, was built on marshland.

01:23:04The land was a lot cheaper than usual, and marshland can't really be used for a lot.

01:23:09Of course, it can cost a lot of money to make the ground suitable to carry heavy loads,

01:23:14but this was all sorted.

01:23:16Finding such a big area close to one of the world's most famous cities was a very rare

01:23:20find, even if it was marshland.

01:23:26So why did people decide to add heels to shoes?

01:23:30Because they already had tongues?

01:23:32No.

01:23:33The heel invention dates back to the 10th century, and the original goal was to make

01:23:38horse riding more comfortable.

01:23:40Low heels let them fix their feet better in the stirrups to prevent slipping off.

01:23:46After many years, by the 17th century, shoes with heels became a fashionable trend in Europe.

01:23:52People wore them to show they had a horse, and this way tell everybody they were rich.

01:23:58Remember the chewing gum turbo and its unusual shape?

01:24:02They created such a shape to make the gum look like a track from a racing car tire.

01:24:0810, 9, 8, 7…

01:24:11You know, space engineers didn't invent the countdown.

01:24:14It was created by Austrian-German-American film director Fritz Lang in 1929.

01:24:21One of his films included a scene with the countdown.

01:24:25Then NASA decided to steal it, I mean use it.

01:24:30You take a spaghetti spoon with big teeth.

01:24:32See that hole in the middle?

01:24:34Its purpose is not to take out pasta.

01:24:37Use this circle to determine how much of it one person needs.

01:24:41The amount of dry spaghetti that fits in the hole is one standard serving.

01:24:45You don't have to guess how much spaghetti to cook for three people.

01:24:49Measure it with the spoon.

01:24:52In a supermarket, you pass by a shelf with eggs and try to decide which ones are better

01:24:57– the white ones or the brown ones.

01:25:00There's practically no difference between them.

01:25:02The egg's color depends on the breed of the chicken.

01:25:05These birds produce two different color pigments.

01:25:08You can take eggs of any color because the nutritional components of the eggs are almost

01:25:13the same.

01:25:14So what came first, the brown egg or the white egg?

01:25:18Never mind.

01:25:19It's enough to use a small amount of toothpaste to brush your teeth – the size of a pea.

01:25:25But the ads show that you have to cover the entire toothbrush with paste as a marketing

01:25:30ploy.

01:25:31You see, manufacturers want you to buy a new tube faster.

01:25:36Now a plane leaves white lines behind in the blue sky thanks to the condensation of carbon

01:25:42dioxide, steam, and burning fuel.

01:25:45In winter, steam comes out of your mouth.

01:25:47The same principle works here.

01:25:49It's always icy at the altitudes where planes are flying.

01:25:53Exhaust and hot air comes out of the turbines.

01:25:56When it collides with cold air, it creates thick lines of steam.

01:26:00Now chefs' big hats indicate their status in the kitchen.

01:26:04It's kinda like heels.

01:26:06The chef wears the tallest hat.

01:26:08Thanks to it, it's easy to find them in a kitchen among the staff.

01:26:12The number of folds on the hat means the number of ways the chef can cook eggs.

01:26:17Of course, modern kitchens no longer adhere to these traditions.

01:26:21But a hat is still a must.

01:26:23Thanks to it, not a single hair falls into the food, thank goodness.

01:26:28Doctors wear hats for the same reason – to prevent hairs from falling into the patient's

01:26:32soup during surgery.

01:26:34Well, actually, there's no surgical soup, I made that up.

01:26:39They install cameras in shops, banks, and hospitals to monitor everything.

01:26:44If something happens, you can call the police or rescuers.

01:26:48The camera really helps to solve a lot of problems.

01:26:51So why are there no cameras on planes?

01:26:54The crew keeps order on the plane, but they won't be able to do anything if something

01:26:58serious happens.

01:27:00Besides, there's nowhere to run on the plane.

01:27:03During the flight, the cameras are useless, and after the flight, the words of the passengers

01:27:08work ideally instead of cameras.

01:27:11So if cameras do no good, then why spend money on them?

01:27:16Now almost all hotels have white bedsheets.

01:27:19They choose this color specifically to show how high their standards of cleanliness are.

01:27:25The whiter and brighter the sheets are, the more luxurious the hotel seems.

01:27:30It's much easier to see dirt and stains on white linen.

01:27:33It's like proof that you've checked into a clean room.

01:27:37Ever wonder why a computer mouse is called like that?

01:27:41Well, in 1968, Douglas Engelbart of Stanford Research Institute introduced the computer

01:27:47mouse.

01:27:48He couldn't remember why it was called like that.

01:27:50The reason was probably that this little device with a wire really looks like a mouse

01:27:55with a tail.

01:27:57Gasoline looks like a rainbow in a puddle because it can't mix with water.

01:28:02It forms a thin membrane over it.

01:28:04When light reflects from it and the water at the same time, you've got a rainbow.

01:28:11Now they make magnets shaped as horseshoe because this increases the magnetic force.

01:28:16Colors matter too.

01:28:18The blue part indicates the South Pole, the red part the North Pole.

01:28:22The two poles work simultaneously and increase the attraction force.

01:28:28Now that Do Not Disturb sign on your hotel room door is not a requirement, but just a

01:28:34suggestion.

01:28:36Maids and staff have the right to go there if they suspect something's wrong, especially

01:28:41if you don't remove the sign for 24 hours.

01:28:45Why do clocks go to the right?

01:28:47The sun is the main reason.

01:28:49In ancient times, when people invented the sundial, the sun's shadow was moving to

01:28:54the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

01:28:59Mechanical clocks were first invented in the Northern Hemisphere, so it always goes right.

01:29:04Or as we now say, clockwise.

01:29:08Diamonds have such symmetrical shapes to show you their brilliance.

01:29:13Initially, the gems aren't so beautiful.

01:29:16They go through several stages of cutting and then become pieces of elegance.

01:29:21Most of these stones have a round shape with slightly pointed corners.

01:29:25Diamonds shine the brightest in this shape.

01:29:28So why are there two holes in the socket?

01:29:31The left hole is neutral, the right hole is hot, and the gap underneath is ground.

01:29:37Electricity needs to flow through the chain.

01:29:39The current flows from the hot slot, passes through your phone charger, for example, and

01:29:44then goes through the neutral hole.

01:29:48Ever wondered what that small pocket on your jeans is for?

01:29:51People used to wear watches on chains.

01:29:55A small pocket was meant for it.

01:29:57Now almost no one wears such a watch, but the pocket remains.

01:30:01You can keep something small like a ring in there.

01:30:05The lollipop stick has two holes for a good reason.

01:30:08When they put the stick in hot syrup, the liquid flows through these holes.

01:30:12It helps hold the lollipop tightly on the stick when it's completely solidified.

01:30:17Now the pen cap has two small holes too.

01:30:20They created it so you don't suffocate if you accidentally swallow the cap.

01:30:25Good thing.

01:30:26All the same, keep the cap out of your mouth.

01:30:30Now why did people start to wear a tie?

01:30:33That all goes back to the 17th century Europe.

01:30:36They invented a tie to tighten a collar.

01:30:39It protected soldiers from the cold wind blowing on their necks.

01:30:42But King Louis XIII liked this element of clothing so much, he made it a must-have accessory

01:30:48for royal gatherings.

01:30:51So why are the chopsticks connected?

01:30:53If they're disposable, they should be connected with a wooden clamp.

01:30:57It's to prove that no one used these chopsticks before you.

01:31:02The little fabric pieces stored in new clothes aren't actually patches.

01:31:06They're first-test subjects before washing.

01:31:09You can put this cloth in the washing machine and see what happens to it.

01:31:13If everything is fine, you can safely wash your clothes.

01:31:17Now why are the cups at parties colored red?

01:31:21Because it helps you quickly find your drink on the table among snacks and drinks.

01:31:25And all those other red cups.

01:31:27Here's a hint.

01:31:28Write your name on your cup.

01:31:30Also red is considered a color that provokes action.

01:31:34At the psychological level, it seems the red cup is asking you, hey, drink me up!

01:31:41They believe yellow taxis have their roots in 15th-century Italy, when postal businessmen

01:31:46used yellow cabins for delivery mail.

01:31:49He wanted everyone to recognize his cards.

01:31:53So different sorts of pasta are shaped differently because a specific figure fits a particular

01:31:59sauce.

01:32:00For example, thin and smooth pasta is perfect for light sauces and ingredients.

01:32:06Thick ribbed pasta, such as penne, is good for thicker sauces and vegetable stews.

01:32:13Now why are lab coats white, blue, and green?

01:32:16Previously, they only wore white clothes since this color was considered a symbol of cleanliness

01:32:21and sterility.

01:32:22Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, they started using green because it's easier

01:32:28for the doctor's eye.

01:32:30When a surgeon sees red for a long time during the operation, their eyes reduce sensitivity

01:32:35to this color.

01:32:36Shades of red mix, and doctors can't clearly see the nuances of the human body.

01:32:42But blue or green areas help refresh their vision.

01:32:45The eyes rest for a second, then return to red color again.

01:32:50If a doctor takes a look at the white coat during the operation, little green spots may

01:32:55appear in their eyes.

01:32:56You can check for yourself.

01:32:58Look at something red for a few minutes, then turn your gaze to a white sheet of paper.

01:33:03You'll see these spots of a greenish hue.

01:33:06So doctors wear blue robes not to be distracted.

01:33:10Also, different hospitals may have their own rules.

01:33:14Robes can be of different colors according to the hierarchy.

01:33:17This is necessary to distinguish a doctor from a nurse or an intern.

01:33:22Meanwhile, hospital patients still have to wear that gown that's open in the back.

01:33:27Careful what's behind you!

01:33:53According to some experts, if you can't find anything in plain sight, then using your smartphone

01:33:59is enough for a basic sweep.

01:34:01Every camera has a lens, and all lenses reflect light.

01:34:04So a quick way to check for hidden cameras is to close all the curtains in the room and

01:34:09turn off the lights.

01:34:10Use your phone's flashlight to point it at potential places or objects a hidden camera

01:34:15might be at.

01:34:16One of the apparent spots is the smoke detector on the ceiling.

01:34:20Grab a chair and point the light straight at it and try to see if there's any red or

01:34:24blue light reflected.

01:34:25You'll have to do it slowly since the light needs to strike the lens at the correct angle

01:34:30for you to see a reflection.

01:34:32After you're done, move on to other objects like the shower head in the bathroom or an

01:34:36alarm clock or phone charger.

01:34:38Keep in mind the positions of these objects.

01:34:41If the charger is placed where a surveillance camera could be, then investigate it and call

01:34:46the reception.

01:34:47Even a painting in the room can be a potential nest for a hidden camera.

01:34:51Other objects can be lamps, a hole in the wall, or somewhere inside the closet.

01:34:56Another creepy place is the bathroom mirror.

01:34:59This one is tricky to spot, so you'll have to be patient when inspecting it.

01:35:04You can also use your phone camera to spot surveillance cameras that spy on you at night.

01:35:09These secret cameras emit infrared lights that the human eye can't see so that they

01:35:13can work at night.

01:35:15You'll also have to turn off all the lights and put the camera in selfie mode.

01:35:19The rear-facing camera on most smartphones has an infrared filter, but the front one

01:35:23doesn't.

01:35:24You can try pointing a TV remote at the front-facing camera and press on any of the buttons to

01:35:29see it yourself.

01:35:31If you see a bright red light on your screen, that means it's working.

01:35:35All you have to do is move your camera in the dark to see if you can find a bright light

01:35:39around.

01:35:40It'll be good to do a second sweep to make sure you didn't miss anything.

01:35:44Another technique you can use is turning off the Wi-Fi when you enter the hotel room.

01:35:49Most of the cameras are hooked up to the Wi-Fi, so they won't be functioning anymore.

01:35:53If you get a call from the reception saying that the Wi-Fi is down in the room, that might

01:35:58be a red flag.

01:36:00There's no reason for them to know if the Wi-Fi was purposely turned off.

01:36:05It could mean that the cameras are on the local Wi-Fi.

01:36:08When you connect to your hotel room Wi-Fi for the first time, be careful about sharing

01:36:13your personal data.

01:36:14Most networks will ask for your login credentials, such as your email.

01:36:18Some people can recreate a Wi-Fi login page that's identical to that of the actual hotel,

01:36:24which can be deceiving.

01:36:25You might be connecting to a Wi-Fi router, but an email is all it takes for some people

01:36:30to know everything about you.

01:36:32One of the best things you can do is download an app that shows you what devices are currently

01:36:37connected to the Wi-Fi that you're using.

01:36:40It can show what smartphone, laptop, smart TV, and in the worst case, hidden cameras

01:36:45are connected.

01:36:46A radio frequency scanner can detect a wireless camera in the room, even if it's connected

01:36:51to its own Wi-Fi.

01:36:53It might be challenging, though, because of many wireless devices overcrowding the airways.

01:36:58You can pick up random signals even if you turn off all your devices and any wireless-emitting

01:37:03signals.

01:37:04Intrusion into your personal life can go so far as someone tapping your mobile phone or

01:37:09landline to listen to your conversations.

01:37:12One way of eavesdropping on people's conversations is installing a microphone to a line that

01:37:17sends the audio wirelessly to a recorder from a remote transmitter.

01:37:22Almost anyone can get their hands on such equipment since it's not too expensive to

01:37:26buy and is available in many shops and online.

01:37:30If you notice strange sounds while talking on the phone, like clicking, distant voices,

01:37:35or that sound similar to an old record playing, then chances are someone is listening to your

01:37:40phone calls.

01:37:41These sounds aren't typical for a regular modern cell phone.

01:37:45Most bugging software runs in the background of your phone without you knowing, which drains

01:37:50the battery.

01:37:51There can be many explanations for why your phone battery keeps draining, but some software

01:37:55living on your phone, viruses, and malware will likely be the reason.

01:38:00You can also look out for unusual phone activity when you're not using your gadget.

01:38:05If your notifications keep popping up and you muted them, then maybe your phone is being

01:38:10bugged.

01:38:11In that case, they do not only have access to your phone calls, but your actual phone.

01:38:17They can fish out any picture, video, file, and information you have without you knowing

01:38:22it.

01:38:23If you try powering off your phone, and it takes way longer than usual, it can be another

01:38:28sign of someone tracking your phone.

01:38:30For the phone to completely shut down, it needs to log out of all the tasks and activities

01:38:35properly.

01:38:36If your phone is transferring data to someone remotely, it might be the reason for the delay

01:38:41in shutting down.

01:38:43One of the biggest red flags is if you receive text messages that have random symbols and

01:38:48numbers.

01:38:49The ones who tap your phone use some illegal software, which sometimes requires them to

01:38:53receive secret codes.

01:38:55Make sure the text messages aren't something you subscribe to, otherwise contact someone

01:38:59who can help.

01:39:01If you scroll through your apps and notice something that shouldn't be there, or something

01:39:05that looks fishy, the app could be a disguise for a spying app.

01:39:09Also, check for weird history in your browsers for stuff you didn't search.

01:39:14You might notice your phone turning on and off randomly without you touching your phone.

01:39:19And worst of all, they can turn on your phone camera anytime they want without you knowing.

01:39:25If you feel like your phone is tampered with, then you have to factory reset everything.

01:39:30It wipes out all the data, including files, settings, and apps.

01:39:34The same risks apply to your laptop.

01:39:37Every now and then, we all click on something that seems legit, even though it acts as an

01:39:42access point for spyware to enter our computer software.

01:39:46Draining battery, overheating, and weird activity are telltale signs of your PC being infected.

01:39:53GPS trackers are the most common ways to track someone's vehicle.

01:39:57It's pretty simple to get the job done, but it's very difficult to find the trackers since

01:40:02they're usually planted deep inside the car.

01:40:05If you ever get the spooky feeling that someone could be watching you while you drive, or

01:40:10coincidentally see the same person everywhere you drive your car, then start searching for

01:40:15that tracker.

01:40:16The most common places are underneath the car or near the back wheels.

01:40:20If the person tracking your car is smart and knows what they're doing, they're not

01:40:24going to let you find it that easily.

01:40:26If you find nothing on the outside of your vehicle, then try looking on the inside.

01:40:31If you find something there, it's a clear sign the person tracking you broke into your

01:40:36car and planted the tracking device.

01:40:38Or it could be someone you know who took a ride with you once and slipped it in without

01:40:43you knowing.

01:40:45Check behind the dashboard and within your car's electronics to be sure.

01:40:49Instead of ripping your car apart to find the tracker, you can buy a GPS bug detector.

01:40:54They work by finding electronic frequencies in your car's proximity.

01:40:58They won't block it from tracking you down, but they'll help you find it.

01:41:02Before using it, turn off your smartphone or put it in airplane mode.

01:41:07This way, the frequencies won't intercept with the tracking device.

01:41:10And if you feel like this isn't working, try parking your car in a remote area where nothing

01:41:15is in sight.

01:41:17Even a remote garage would do.

01:41:19Well, anyone else feeling a little paranoid?

01:41:22Let's see some hands!

01:41:24You pull up to a hotel and see a No Vacancy sign.

01:41:28But don't necessarily believe it.

01:41:30Hotels usually do this when they only have 2 or 3 rooms left.

01:41:34Instead, try calling the front desk to see if they have rooms.

01:41:38Hotel star ratings aren't always reliable as the rating systems vary between countries.

01:41:43In Italy, for example, a hotel can be given 5 stars just for having a 24-hour reception

01:41:49desk, receptionists that speak 3 languages, and rooms that start at 16 square meters.

01:41:56Instead of using stars, look at ratings or reviews instead.

01:42:00Booking late can also get you the best deals.

01:42:02If your stay is not urgent, try booking a room on the day of the stay.

01:42:07If the hotel isn't full, you'll likely get a discount.

01:42:10Hotel managers reduce room rates last minute to fill them.

01:42:14It's also usually better to book directly with the hotel.

01:42:18Third-party websites are often given worse rooms or whatever is left over.

01:42:22Hotels are also likely to offer a reduced rate if you book directly.

01:42:27This is because third-party sites charge the hotel a fee.

01:42:30Once you're at the check-in desk, it's likely that the hotel staff already recognize

01:42:35you.

01:42:36Hotels, especially higher-end ones, will do a little research on their guests' social

01:42:40media.

01:42:41While this seems a bit creepy, it's only so they can see who you are to make your stay

01:42:46more comfortable.

01:42:48At check-in, you'll also be given an initial key which will reset the door lock and cancel

01:42:53any existing keys.

01:42:55But make sure to be respectful to your receptionist.

01:42:58Sometimes they might play practical jokes on rude customers by key-bombing.

01:43:03This is where they give you two of the initial keys.

01:43:06Another key resets the door, so once you use the second one, the first will no longer

01:43:10work.

01:43:11If your key has a magnetic strip on it, make sure not to put it near your cell phone or

01:43:16wallet.

01:43:17A strong magnet like the one in your phone can erase your card key, meaning you won't

01:43:22be able to get into your room.

01:43:23Now that you're all checked in, let's head up to your room.

01:43:27Make sure to have a quick scan of your doors and floor.

01:43:30Some hotel guests have reported tiny cameras being slipped underneath their doors.

01:43:35Even if the door is locked, endoscope cameras can easily slide under.

01:43:39The general rule is, if you can fit your finger under the door, a camera can fit too.

01:43:45Try covering the gap with a towel.

01:43:47Now how about the room in general?

01:43:49If you're not happy with it, you can easily request a change.

01:43:53If there are other available rooms, the manager will be happy to help.

01:43:57Once you are settled in, you'll want to head into the bathroom to check out all those

01:44:01samples.

01:44:02But while you might think you're being sneaky by grabbing the free shampoos, hotels actually

01:44:07want you to take them.

01:44:09The items contain the hotel's logo, so you're basically giving them free advertising if

01:44:14you put them in your home.

01:44:15The robes and towels are a different story though.

01:44:18Many hotels are now adding radio frequency chips so they can track stolen items.

01:44:24Toothpaste is one item you probably won't find in the hotel room's bathroom.

01:44:28For budget hotels, it's often too expensive to order, as it's classified as a medical

01:44:33supply.

01:44:34For luxury hotels, it's the opposite – they often can't find a toothpaste manufacturer

01:44:38that's fancy enough to be present in their rooms.

01:44:42You may also notice a seemingly random phone next to the toilet.

01:44:46But it's actually a requirement from the AAA for hotels to receive a 4-diamond rating.

01:44:52It does also act as a safety feature.

01:44:54If you slip on the wet floor or get stuck in the bathroom for some reason, you can easily

01:44:58call for help.

01:45:00While the staff clean hotel rooms frequently, disinfecting smaller ones is not on the top

01:45:05of their priority list.

01:45:07Remote controls and phones are some of the dirtiest things in a hotel room, so do yourself

01:45:12a favor and bring some disinfectant wipes to clean them before use.

01:45:16If you're thinking about putting your valuables in the safe for security, you also might want

01:45:21to think twice.

01:45:22Hotel locks use passcodes instead of locks, so there's a high chance someone in the hotel

01:45:27will know the master code.

01:45:29And who knows who else could get their hands on this information.

01:45:33You may also want to throw that comforter on the floor too.

01:45:36While sheets may be cleaned regularly, the comforters are not.

01:45:40Some hotels wash them every week or so, but others don't even bother.

01:45:46The same, I fear, goes for your sheets.

01:45:48Most high-end hotels will change the sheets daily, but a lot of budget ones don't change

01:45:53the pillows or bedding after a guest checks out.

01:45:57Probably a good idea to request fresh pillowcases when you arrive.

01:46:01Now you're ready to kick back on the bed and rent a movie.

01:46:04But don't try to be sneaky and claim you clicked on it by accident so you don't have

01:46:08to pay.

01:46:09The workers at the hotel's front desk can actually see how long you watched a movie

01:46:14for.

01:46:15So if you clicked out after a few seconds, they'll believe you, but not if you watched

01:46:19it till the end.

01:46:21Fancy a drink while you watch your movie?

01:46:23Make sure to check the seals on those minibar drinks.

01:46:26Movie guests often drink from the bottles and refill them with water.

01:46:30This way they waive the fee, and you may be charged if housekeeping hasn't noticed.

01:46:37After a good night's sleep, you're looking for something to do on your vacation.

01:46:41Instead of heading to Google or TripAdvisor to find the best spots, ask the front desk.

01:46:46Receptionists are trained to give guests the best recommendations for local activities.

01:46:51While you're out, housekeeping will drop by your room, but they might not just be cleaning.

01:46:57Sometimes, if a staff member is tired and they have enough time, they might take a cheeky

01:47:00nap on the bed.

01:47:02When cleaning, if you've left your room in a mess, the staff will have to move your

01:47:06things.

01:47:07They'll have to touch your stuff to actually clean, so if this bothers you, either put

01:47:12out the Do Not Disturb sign or clean up yourself.

01:47:16It's also best not to drink out of that glass in the bathroom, as many glasses aren't

01:47:20cleaned properly.

01:47:22Some workers even use disinfectant or furniture polish to get the glasses looking spotless.

01:47:28Housekeeping also don't always vacuum your room.

01:47:31Staff will sometimes just pick up any big crumbs and call it a day.

01:47:35Make sure to be nice to the staff.

01:47:37Most hotel staff are willing to give out upgrades and free stuff to a friendly face.

01:47:42They're not required to, but a smile goes a long way.

01:47:45Oh, and a tip always helps.

01:47:48Now it's time for checkout, but you're leaving early and will miss your breakfast.

01:47:53If your breakfast is included in the price of your room, the staff can prepare a take-out

01:47:57box for you.

01:47:58It's best to give them a heads-up the night before, though.

01:48:01Also take a look at the floor on your way out.

01:48:04It's carpet, right?

01:48:05Most hotels have fully carpeted floors.

01:48:08This is for three main reasons.

01:48:09One, you're much less likely to slip on carpet than wood or stone.

01:48:14Two, carpets act as added soundproofing.

01:48:17And three, it's more cost-effective for the hotel as carpet is much easier and cheaper

01:48:22to replace.

01:48:23You're all prepared for your next vacation, but you get called into work last minute.

01:48:28Oh, a nightmare!

01:48:30Everything's booked, so it looks like you'll be charged that pesky last-minute cancellation

01:48:34fee.

01:48:35If you call the hotel and ask to change to a later booking date, there's a chance that

01:48:39when you cancel this new date, the charge will be lifted.

01:48:43Hotels also usually overbook themselves as the average daily no-show rate is around 10%.

01:48:50This means there's a chance you won't actually get your reserved room.

01:48:53If you show up and there's no available rooms, chances are you'll get walked.

01:48:58This basically means the hotel will pay for a room at another similar hotel in the area.

01:49:03Most hotels also only accept credit cards as a form of payment.

01:49:08While it may be annoying, this is to ensure that they get their payment.

01:49:12Hotels often use extra-paid services, like the minibar, which they pay for at checkout.

01:49:17If your debit card doesn't have enough funds to cover the cost, the only way for the hotel

01:49:21to get the money is to sue you.

01:49:24Attorneys come for a separate fee.

01:49:27There's a surprising amount of items left in rooms that hotels don't want you to know

01:49:31about.

01:49:32In one hotel in Portugal, a worker even found a shark that was left behind.

01:49:37With no idea how it ended up there, the shark was eventually returned to its natural habitat,

01:49:42safe and sound.

01:49:43Once again, be careful when you first go into the bathroom.

01:49:48Hotels are places where you know for sure lots of people stay every day.

01:49:53And not all of those places pay attention to cleanliness as much as they should.

01:49:57There can be bedbugs and other pests around that you won't notice until it's too late.

01:50:03So here's the deal.

01:50:04When you arrive at a hotel and open your room, don't rush to open your bags and put all your

01:50:09clothes onto the shelves, and especially the bed.

01:50:13Better place your bags into the bathtub for the time being, and go check the room for

01:50:18those pesky bugs.

01:50:20Check out all the rugs, soft furniture, cushions, and all other places that pests could live

01:50:25in.

01:50:26Only after you've done that, take your bags out of the bathtub and unpack.

01:50:30The bathtub is the safest place because no bugs are able to survive there.

01:50:35So naturally, none of them will crawl into your stuff while you're not looking.

01:50:40You may want to throw that comforter on the floor at once, by the way.

01:50:43While sheets may be cleaned regularly, the comforters are not.

01:50:48Some hotels wash them every week or so, but others don't even bother.

01:50:53Same goes for your bedding.

01:50:55Most high-end hotels will change the sheets daily, but a lot of budget ones don't change

01:50:59the pillows or bedding after a guest checks out.

01:51:03Definitely a good idea to request fresh pillowcases when you arrive.

01:51:07It's also best not to drink out of that glass in the bathroom, as many glasses aren't cleaned

01:51:12properly.

01:51:14Some workers even use disinfectant or furniture polish to get the glasses looking spotless.

01:51:19Ever wondered why they never use fitted sheets in hotels?

01:51:23They might be convenient, but they're impractical for hotel use.

01:51:27The sheets are changed much more often than you do it at home, and the elastic becomes

01:51:31worn out all too soon.

01:51:33Besides, it's a nightmare to store fitted sheets.

01:51:37They have to be of two different sizes, one for either type of bed.

01:51:41It's just easier to take two universal flat sheets per double bed and get on with it.

01:51:46Speaking of sheets, you must have noticed that bed linen and towels in hotels are almost

01:51:51always white.

01:51:53The first reason is convenience, of course.

01:51:55When everything is white, it's easy to wash it all together and use bleach to get rid

01:52:00of any possible stains.

01:52:02The second explanation, however, is customer experience.

01:52:05According to public polls, people perceive a white color as luxurious and fresh, which

01:52:11makes their stay more pleasant.

01:52:13If you see an unusually attractive price for a room on a website, be careful.

01:52:18It might not include a mandatory resort fee.

01:52:22If you have an option to pay for a room in advance, you'll see the final cost at the

01:52:26checkout.

01:52:27It'll normally list the initial price you saw before booking and all the extra charges,

01:52:32resort fee included.

01:52:34If you decide to pay at the hotel, though, you might be up for a surprise when you check

01:52:38out, so always make sure to read the fine print.

01:52:42You may have seen a rather weird thing in many hotels, a phone in the bathroom, especially

01:52:47just next to the toilet.

01:52:49You'd probably be surprised to know that it's an actual requirement for hotels to receive

01:52:53a four-diamond rating from AAA.

01:52:56But this also makes pretty good sense.

01:52:58For example, if you slip and fall on the wet floor of the bathroom, a phone can be handy

01:53:03to call for help.

01:53:05Returning to bathrooms, hotels typically don't provide plungers in rooms.

01:53:09You see, hotels want you to have a feeling that you're the first person ever to enter

01:53:14the room you're staying in.

01:53:15It's a question of your comfort, which is the primary concern of any respectable hotel.

01:53:20And a plunger in the bathroom, according to anonymous polls, makes people think that the

01:53:25toilet may malfunction at some point, which doesn't help the image.

01:53:29If your hotel has card keys with magnetic strips, make sure you put your card key apart

01:53:34from your cell phone and wallet.

01:53:36The problem is that key cards are rewritten quite a lot, and they're designed for that

01:53:41process to be quick and easy.

01:53:44Also, a fairly strong magnet, like the one in your cell phone, could erase your key card,

01:53:49and you wouldn't be able to get inside your room.

01:53:52The hotel will surely provide you with a new card, but that's still inconvenient.

01:53:57Many hotels only accept credit cards as a form of payment, and without one, you won't

01:54:02be able to book a room directly or use the paid services provided by the place.

01:54:07Booking a room is just the first step of your stay at a hotel.

01:54:11On your vacation or business trip, you might use the minibar or other paid services that

01:54:16you'll only have to pay for at the checkout.

01:54:18If your debit card doesn't have enough funds on it to cover all your expenses, the hotel

01:54:22has no means to get their money apart from suing you.

01:54:26If you pay with a credit card, however, all the additional costs go to the bank, and everyone's

01:54:31happy.

01:54:32The time of check-in and check-out is fixed not to annoy you.

01:54:36It's done so you don't barge in onto guests who stayed in the room you've booked, and

01:54:41the hotel staff can clean the room and prepare it for the next guest's arrival.

01:54:45By the way, the checkout time is normally about 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., because hotels actually

01:54:51care about your well-being.

01:54:53They not only let you have your breakfast, but also give you some time to prepare for

01:54:57departure without hurry.

01:54:59Isn't it kind of annoying that many hotels don't have a socket near the bed?

01:55:03In fact, time is to blame in this case.

01:55:07Lots of hotels around the world were built before mobile phones and other portable devices

01:55:11became so popular and widespread.

01:55:14Back then, of course, they didn't need bedside sockets, and many of them haven't yet caught

01:55:18up with the times.

01:55:20You can avoid this issue if you stay at a hotel that's been built relatively recently.

01:55:25Once you're at the check-in desk, it's likely that the hotel staff already recognize you.

01:55:30Many hotels, especially higher-end ones, will do a little research of their guests'

01:55:34social media.

01:55:35While this seems a bit creepy, it's only so they can see who you are, to make your stay

01:55:41more comfortable.

01:55:42At check-in, you'll also be given an initial key which will reset the door lock and cancel

01:55:47any existing keys.

01:55:49But make sure to be respectful to your receptionists.

01:55:52Sometimes, they may play practical jokes on rude customers by key-bombing.

01:55:57This is where they give you two of the initial keys.

01:56:00Either key resets the door, so once you use the second one, the first will no longer work.

01:56:07Toothpaste is one item you probably won't find in the hotel room's bathroom.

01:56:11For budget hotels, it's often too expensive to order, as it's classified as a medical

01:56:16supply.

01:56:17For luxury hotels, it's the opposite.

01:56:20They often can't find a toothpaste manufacturer that's fancy enough to be present in their

01:56:24rooms.

01:56:25While the staff clean hotel rooms frequently, disinfecting smaller items is not on the top

01:56:30of their priority list.

01:56:32Remote controls and phones are some of the dirtiest things in a hotel room, so do yourself

01:56:37a favor and bring some disinfectant wipes to clean them before use.

01:56:42If you're thinking about putting your valuables in the safe for security, you may also want

01:56:46to think twice.

01:56:48Hotel locks use passcodes instead of locks, so there's a high chance someone in the hotel

01:56:53will know the master code.

01:56:55And who knows who else could get their hands on this information?

01:56:59Hotels usually overbook themselves, as the average daily no-show rate is around 10%.

01:57:04This means there's a chance that you won't actually get your reserved room.

01:57:08If you show up and there are no available rooms, chances are you'll get walked.

01:57:13This basically means the hotel will pay for a room at another similar hotel in the area.

01:57:19There's a surprising amount of items left in rooms that hotels don't want you to know

01:57:23about.

01:57:24In one hotel in Portugal, a worker even found a shark that was left behind.

01:57:29With no idea how it ended up there, the shark was eventually returned to its natural habitat,

01:57:35safe and sound.

01:57:36Most, if not all, hotels have fully carpeted floors, and there's a couple of very good

01:57:41reasons for that.

01:57:43First of all, it's your safety.

01:57:45You're far less likely to slip and fall on a carpet than on a wooden or tiled floor.

01:57:50Secondly, it's much more cost-effective, because it's faster and cheaper to replace

01:57:54a spoiled carpet than change the whole flooring in a room.

01:57:58And finally, carpets add to the room's soundproofing, which you'll be thankful for if you have overly

01:58:04active neighbors.

01:58:06Ever wondered what a continental breakfast is, and why it's called that?

01:58:10In fact, the name comes from the UK, which is a group of islands, and it means a breakfast

01:58:16that's served in continental Europe.

01:58:18It may include pastries, sliced bread with different toppings, meat, cheese, fruit juice,

01:58:24and hot beverages.

01:58:27It's your first trip to Egypt, and your new friends there invited you for lunch.

01:58:32The food seems a bit dull, so you decide to spice it up with salt and pepper.

01:58:39You don't see it on the table, so you ask the host for it, and you notice everyone's

01:58:43shocked.

01:58:45It turns out, it's a huge insult to the cook when someone wants to change the original

01:58:49taste of the food on their plate.

01:58:52The cook made it that way for a reason, and wanting to spice it up means showing that

01:58:57the dish wasn't good enough.

01:59:00You're used to doing it as a kind gesture around the world, but don't tip waiters, taxi

01:59:06drivers, or hotel workers in Japan.

01:59:09They can get offended, because they already get paid for providing you with good service,

01:59:15and there's no need for extra money to make it any better.

01:59:19If you really want to show appreciation, just say thank you.

01:59:23It's okay to tip private guides, tour companies, and interpreters.

01:59:28You can put any amount that feels right to you in an envelope, and hand it down to them.

01:59:34If you want to impress your new Japanese friends or colleagues, take some time to study chopstick

01:59:40etiquette.

01:59:41When you master the art of holding chopsticks, remember not to rub them together.

01:59:47People do it to remove splinters, so it might look like you're unhappy with the quality

01:59:51of the pair that your host provided you with.

01:59:55Don't put your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice.

01:59:58This way, it can be seen as an offering to the deceased.

02:00:03Don't wave chopsticks in the air, or use them to point at things.

02:00:07Both are considered really rude.

02:00:09The same is with moving things with your chopsticks, or the hand holding them.

02:00:14It looks disrespectful, plus you're likely to spill things.

02:00:19When in Italy, don't order a cappuccino after noon.

02:00:23The locals don't do it because they believe the milk and foam turn this drink into a meal,

02:00:28and it's not good for digestion.

02:00:30Also, be prepared to enjoy your coffee standing at the bar, and pay for it before you even

02:00:35order it.

02:00:37First, you pay the cash register, then show the receipt to the server to get your drink.

02:00:43Are you a big fan of chewing gum?

02:00:45Well, you'll have an uneasy time in Singapore.

02:00:48Using, selling and importing chewing gum is banned there, and you'd have to pay up to

02:00:53several thousands of dollars for doing it.

02:00:56This law was introduced in the 1990s to make the city cleaner, and keep the local fast

02:01:02trains up to schedule.

02:01:04When they launched a new transit system, passengers stuck gum onto train door sensors, causing

02:01:08some serious delays.

02:01:10With the new rules, this problem was solved.

02:01:13The no-gum policy, along with many other strict rules, did help to make Singapore a really

02:01:19clean and fine city.

02:01:21Pun intended.

02:01:22If you absolutely can't imagine your life without chewing, the local authorities recommend

02:01:27replacing the gum with bananas.

02:01:31When someone asks you to pass them something, like salt at the table in Bolivia, don't give

02:01:36it directly to them.

02:01:38Hand it to the person sitting next to them, and they'll pass it for you.

02:01:41If the person next to you is asking for that little favor, you still can't hand it straight

02:01:46to them.

02:01:47The person next to you will have to help.

02:01:49This table etiquette comes from a superstition that handing something to someone directly

02:01:54into their hands brings bad luck.

02:01:57For the same reasons, you can't reach across the table or stand up to pass something or

02:02:02toss it to someone.

02:02:03And don't forget to keep both hands on the table when you aren't eating.

02:02:07It might look like you're trying to hide something if your hands aren't visible at all times.

02:02:13When you arrive for a meal in Jordan, the hosts may give you some bitter Arabic coffee

02:02:18as a warm welcome.

02:02:19Don't try to stretch it for the rest of the evening.

02:02:22The polite thing to do is empty it fast.

02:02:25Only when everyone's done with the drink do people go back to socializing.

02:02:29As you pass the empty cup to the hosts, make sure to jiggle your wrists.

02:02:33If you just pass it without jiggling, it will mean you're asking for a refill.

02:02:38Don't rush to arrive at an event on time in Venezuela.

02:02:42People might think that you're rude or greedy.

02:02:44The polite thing to do is to be 10 to 15 minutes late.

02:02:48Events scheduled for 7 o'clock will often begin at 8 o'clock or later.

02:02:53A popular story goes that in the 1980s, a foreign reporter arrived at a press event

02:02:58more than an hour late.

02:03:00When he saw the room was mostly empty, he went to apologize to the host for missing

02:03:04the event.

02:03:06The host then told him he was the first reporter to arrive.

02:03:09It's quite interesting because the clocks in this country have officially been 0.9 seconds

02:03:14ahead of the rest of the world for years.

02:03:18Are you planning to travel by bus in Ireland anytime soon?

02:03:22Don't forget to thank the driver for the ride on your way out of the bus.

02:03:25You'll hear an overwhelming majority of locals do it loudly as it's basically not optional.

02:03:33Choose the gift wisely if you've been invited to a home in Vietnam.

02:03:37It's okay to bring fruit, sweets, or incense.

02:03:41Handkerchiefs are believed to be a symbol of a sad farewell, and cutting tools are a

02:03:45sign of cutting relationships, so don't bring those.

02:03:49Wrap your gift in colorful paper and don't opt for black.

02:03:53The locals believe this color to be a bad omen.

02:03:56When you present the gift, hold it with both hands.

02:04:00And don't be surprised if the hosts don't open it right away.

02:04:03It's done after the giver has left.

02:04:07Don't leave anything on your plate in India.

02:04:10It's a sign of disrespect for the food you were served.

02:04:13Food is considered sacred in the country, so it would upset your hosts a lot.

02:04:18So, wash and dry your hands before starting the meal.

02:04:22Don't forget to praise the cook and wait for the eldest to stand up before you leave

02:04:26the table.

02:04:27In South India, it's common to serve food on a banana leaf.

02:04:31You gotta fold it over from the top when you're done with the meal.

02:04:34Folding it from the bottom means you weren't satisfied with what you got.

02:04:40It might be a good conversation starter elsewhere, but don't brag about your achievements in

02:04:45Denmark.

02:04:46The locals believe that everyone is equal, so you won't hear them talk about their

02:04:51successful careers or talents or how special they are.

02:04:56And they expect the same from you.

02:04:58If you're looking for a good topic, they'll gladly talk to you about the greatness of

02:05:03their country.

02:05:05The Danes are really proud of it and all its wonders.

02:05:09If you're going on a trip to Germany and plan to drive on the famous Autobahn, make

02:05:15sure to tank up before you hit the road.

02:05:18Stopping, parking, making U-turns and backing up on this super speedy highway is illegal.

02:05:25Yes, even if you have to stop because you've run out of gas, you'll have to pay a fine

02:05:31since you were supposed to plan things better.

02:05:34And although the Autobahn technically doesn't have a speed limit, watch out if you're

02:05:38passing by urban areas like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich, or construction works and heavy

02:05:45traffic.

02:05:46There will be special speed instructions for these spots.

02:05:52In case you're planning to explore Cyprus by car, quench your thirst before you start

02:05:57the vehicle.

02:05:58Drinking anything, including water, isn't allowed while driving on the island.

02:06:03So if you can't resist snacking or drinking behind the wheel, prepare to pay a fine.

02:06:11In Ethiopia, you gotta think twice before choosing a gift for someone.

02:06:15They see it as a debt they'll have to repay in the future.

02:06:19So if you bring something really expensive, the receiver will either have to spend a lot

02:06:24of money on a return gift or feel indebted to you.

02:06:34That's it for today!

02:06:35So hey, if you pacified your curiosity, then give the video a like and share it with your

02:06:39friends.

02:06:40Or if you want more, just click on these videos and stay on the Bright Side!

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