Reading view

Don't start your getaway on the wrong foot. Here's how to choose the best seat on the plane.

A blue flight seat by the window

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Happy Saturday! With colon cancer rising for those under 50, we asked one gastrointestinal surgeon what three changes he's made to lower his risk. Here's what he said.


On the agenda:

But first: Forget snakes. Let's talk about seats on a plane.


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.


This week's dispatch

Empty seats on airplane

urbazon/Getty Images

Better seat, better trip

So you've survived your trip planning group chat, and you're ready to book your travel for that much-needed summer vacation. I mean, c'mon, you deserve it.

But where exactly do you sit on the plane to ensure your trip gets off to the best start? If you don't choose wisely, you could throw off your entire getaway.

Contributing writer Kelly Magyarics flies at least once a week (whew!) and has mastered the art of picking the right seat to maximize her comfort.

When traveling in economy, Magyarics says she prefers sitting "in the aisle seat in the roomy exit row." This seat typically offers more legroom for passengers, but just remember that you'd be required to help in case of an emergency.

"I'm also known to select seats in the bulkhead row that's directly behind a wall, curtain, or screen because they often come with extra legroom," Magyarics writes.

While it does mean giving up any storage space in front of you, Magyarics suggests boarding the plane early to ensure you get room in an overhead compartment. Those flight features might require an extra fee, but it could be worth it.

If you're not willing to spend extra, BI's travel reporter Monica Humphries prefers the back of the plane for long-haul flights because she's found it's her "best chance of getting accessible overhead storage."

"Another perk of the back of the plane is galley access. For long-haul flights, I stretch my legs every few hours," she writes. "It helps my body adjust to cramped quarters and keeps me from feeling claustrophobic."


Hack your hydration

An athlete backlit by the sun drinking water.

Juan Jose Napuri/Getty Images

Staying hydrated is key to your mental and physical performance. Matt Jones, a sports nutritionist who works with elite athletes, shared five tips for optimizing daily water intake.

For instance, timing is important. It's helpful to consume 80% of your daily water intake before 4 p.m. so your body has enough time to process it before bedtime. Coffee, fruit, and tea can also help keep you hydrated.

See his recommendations.


The mystery of Kylie and Timothée

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.

Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have reportedly been going strong for two years, but some fans still feel like the couple makes an odd pairing. However, any confusion is actually proof of a PR job well done.

Two PR experts explained how their strong individual brands are making some fans confused and the "perfection" of the relationship's slow rollout.

A tale of two very different celebrities.


High-quality basics at a lower cost

A Cos store in a mall.

Samantha Grindell/Business Insider

COS, a London-based fashion label, is having a major moment. Simple, elegant, and comfortable, its clothing appeals to people who want the quiet luxury look without the price tag.

The brand, owned by H&M, is finding a foothold among US consumers who aspire to the old-money aesthetic.

Plus, it recently expanded into perfume.


Should I stay or should I go?

A photo collage of an older couple looking at a tropical beach

Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI

Skyrocketing prices. Market chaos. An uncertain future for Social Security. These are some of the factors eating away at older Americans' dreams of traveling the world in their golden years.

Several retirees told BI that instead of globetrotting, they're cutting corners and getting creative to afford trips. Some wonder whether it's now or never when it comes to their travel dreams.

A retirement travel dream, deferred.


What we're watching this weekend

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives for What to Stream.

Hulu; BI

  • "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives": The Mormon MomTok influencers are back on Hulu for a second season filled with more friendship and relationship drama.
  • "Murderbot": Alexander Skarsgård stars as a rogue robot in a new Apple TV+ sci-fi series that blends comedy and thrills.
  • "Novocaine":In this R-rated action movie on Prime Video, "The Boys" actor Jack Quaid plays a regular guy who can't feel pain.

See the full list


A red shopping bag surrounded by $100 bills.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

What to shop

  • Inclusive swimwear with a perfect fit: We tried out Andie Swim and were genuinely impressed by their inclusive sizing and thoughtful designs. Finding the perfect swimsuit is as easy as taking the brand's fit quiz — learn more in our review.
  • About the viral "Crocs" bag: After using the Bogg Bag ourselves, it's clear why so many parents swear by it. It's spacious, waterproof, and a breeze to clean — ideal for carrying everything from beach toys to snacks without the stress.
  • Dress pants can be comfortable, too: We used extensive testing and research to find the best men's dress pants for all styles and budgets. From comfy stretch options to sharp yet affordable picks, there's something for every guy and every occasion.

More of this week's top reads:


The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.

Read the original article on Business Insider
  •  

Why you need an adults-only vacation

Windstar icelandic cruise ship

Windstar Cruises

Welcome back to our Saturday edition! Oscar-nominated actor Demi Moore eats a meat-free diet, but there's one guilty pleasure she can't live without.


On the agenda:

But first: Leave the kids at home.


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.


This week's dispatch

cruise deck

Brusinski/ Getty Images

Grown-up getaway

There's nothing like a family vacation, but every once in a while, you really do need adults-only fun. Think about it: You can properly relax with no unexpected (well, maybe) interruptions as you unplug.

Lucky for us, there are plenty of options to enjoy kid-free fun — from cruises to hotels.

Adults-only resorts cater to grown-ups, whether you're looking for a tranquil afternoon at the spa, adventure on nearby hiking trails, or delight in fine dining.

Brittany Chang, BI's senior visual features reporter, took readers inside Hyatt Vivid's first-ever adults-only all-inclusive resort in Cancún, Mexico, and it's a perfect paradise for travelers looking for something more casual. It doesn't mean there aren't plenty of activities to do.

"Guests can sign up for mezcal tastings or booze it up at the property's six watering holes, including a swim-up bar in the rooftop pool," she writes, adding that guests can also "sweat it out in an underwater cycling class, or take a 10-minute bus to Ennea Beach Club."

There are also adults-only cruises that still offer the space to act like a kid. BI's travel reporter Joey Hadden went on one with Virgin Voyages and was surprised to find not only a tattoo parlor on board, but also an actual playground.

"The cruise ship playground was surrounded by fun activities, like a human-size chess set, a boxing ring, and a net suspended above an ocean view," Hadden writes. "If there had been children around, I wouldn't have felt comfortable taking up space on this playground. Surrounded by only adults, however, I felt free to enjoy these activities."

Convinced yet? Great! Call the sitter.


POV: protein overload

man guzzling protein shake

Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI

Protein-maxxing is the latest obsession in health, fitness, and longevity. Still, there is such a thing as too much protein.

Our bodies can't store it past a certain point, and the excess sometimes crowds out other necessary nutrients. Doctors and dietitians told BI what happens when you overdo it.

They also shared how to consume the right amount.


The human cost of "K-face"

Woman looking in the mirror.

Gracia Lam for BI

Korean plastic surgery, like K-pop and K-beauty, is riding the wave of global South Korean cultural influence. International tourists go to South Korea for procedures at low prices (by US standards, at least) to achieve "K-face."

The quest for K-face is not a grassroots movement, however. It's a carefully executed investment strategy by the Korean government worth more than a billion dollars.

And it profits off endless insecurities.


Working women with great taste

Photo collage of a vintage image of a woman with loafers and a sweater

Gucci; Frankies Bikinis; CSA-Images/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

BI asked successful women across industries about the clothes they wear to achieve a chic, professional look.

Their answers ranged from sustainably-sourced favorites to trusted Jenni Kayne sweaters and timeless Gucci loafers. Many said it's not the clothes that matter, but the feeling they give the wearer.

Confidence is key.

Also read:


No ordinary short-term rental

The villa at sunset.
The villa at sunset.

Kasianda

Justin and Annabelle Parfitt wanted to offer guests luxury stays at their two-villa Bali compound, and they spent $1.7 million to do so.

The five- and seven-bedroom villas boast separate pools, fine dining fare, and butlers, but the best part is the complimentary party-planning services. The Parfitts work with guests and planners to throw extravagant shindigs, especially big birthdays.

See inside the party villas.


What we're watching this weekend

You for What to Watch.

Clifton Prescod/Netflix; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

  • "You": Netflix's psychological thriller series, starring Penn Badgley, ends with its fifth and final season.
  • "Andor": Diego Luna reprises his role as the titular rebel soldier in season two of the "Star Wars" spin-off series.
  • "Babygirl": Nicole Kidman plays a powerful CEO who has an affair with her much younger intern in Halina Reijn's 2024 erotic thriller, now streaming on Max.

See the full list


A red shopping bag surrounded by $100 bills.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

What to shop

  • Weekend luggage: Not every trip requires a full set of suitcases. For your next long weekend, quick visit, or overnight stay, these are the best weekender bags we've tested.
  • A city-dweller essential: Our team's newest NYC transplant put the viral Hulken rolling tote to the test, and she can't believe anyone lives here without it. Make city-schlepping easier with her favorite find.
  • Make ice cream at home: The Ninja Creami has blown up on TikTok as an easy way to make ice cream with any kind of milk or dairy alternative. We tested it, and while it's useful for those with dietary restrictions, it has drawbacks.

More of this week's top reads:


The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City (on paternity leave). Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.

Read the original article on Business Insider

  •