Proof that rocket science is history: In D.C.’s Air and Space Museum, there are five new galleries, two of them straight out of a sci-fi fever dream. I’m talking about Elon’s rocket guts, cosplay-level spacesuits and a clone of R2-D2 built by MythBuster Adam Savage. One display feels like a TEDx event on Mars. Goes to prove that despite the name, the Air and Space Museum has a lot to see there. (lol)
Why rich people swap homes (and how you can, too)
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Want to globe-trot like a baller but on a budget? Enter home swapping: the Airbnb alternative that doesn’t cost a mortgage payment per night. It’s just what it sounds like. You stay in someone’s house, they stay in yours, like Freaky Friday with better Wi-Fi.
There are entire Facebook groups dedicated to this, from “Women Over 50 Who Swap” to “Vegan Baseball Fans Who Travel.” Yes, really. But before you pack your bags, there are some things you need to know.
🧐 Start smart (and safe)
If you’re brand new to swapping, I say bite the bullet and pay to use a trusted third-party platform first. This way, the other party is verified.
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt a rogue swap via Craigslist unless your dream vacation includes mystery stains, hidden cameras and a surprise roommate in the attic.
Plus, when you go DIY, you’re responsible for all the legwork, i.e., background checks, contracts and safety protocols.
🚩 Major red flag: If someone refuses to video chat or sign a written agreement, walk away. Ask about alarm systems, cameras and whether a neighbor, cleaner or family member has a key while you’re there.
🛖 What about your place?
If you rent, check your lease. Most don’t allow subletting without approval. And if you own, look at your mortgage terms. Some lenders limit short-term rental arrangements.
Protect yourself by locking your valuables in a portable safe (this one’s $19). Lock any closets and rooms off-limits to guests. For super-valuable small stuff, get a safety deposit box at your bank.
Have a local contact (a plumber, handyman or even a neighbor) around for anything that might go wrong while you’re away.
Insurance is part of this convo, too. Ask if your renter’s or homeowner’s policy extends to anyone you swap homes with. You may need additional coverage.
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Change of plans? Sell your trip instead
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You planned the dream getaway. Flights? Booked. Hotel suite? Paid for. Maybe you even splurged on a poolside drink package because hey, you earned it.
Then bam, life throws a wrench in it. A surprise meeting. A fever. The worst part? That pricey reservation is nonrefundable.
Over 1.2 million kilometers
How far one 1985 Toyota Tercel has driven in the past 40 years. The car’s still in mint condition, and if you don’t believe owner Andy, he’s got a photo of the odometer rolling over at 999,999 (it only goes up to six digits). His secret? Regular oil changes. (That’s about 745,000 miles if you’re like me and never got the metric system.)
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Google Docs can instantly translate text. Go to Tools > Translate document > Choose a language > Translate. It creates a new copy, so your original stays untouched. C’est incroyable!
Flight delayed or lost luggage? Airlines owe you money
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You finally made it to your gate, overpriced coffee in hand, sprinting like your vacation depends on it, only to be greeted by those two soul-crushing words: Flight Delayed. Maybe it starts with 30 minutes … then an hour … then four.
Early flights, cheap seats, less trauma
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Thinking about a summer getaway? Whether you’re dreaming of golden beaches or a family battle royale at Disney, it’s officially “stop refreshing and actually book your flight” season.
Let’s break it down.
Teen taxi takeover: Waymo just dropped a self-driving car service (paywall link) for teens in Phoenix, with plans to expand. Kids ages 14 to 17 can summon robot cars to school, soccer or wherever else, no license needed. Parents are jazzed. “So like my dad’s Waymo can pick us up at 6 if your mom’s Waymo can drop us off at 10.”
Tunnel vision: The Musk Boring Company is planning a 10-mile loop in Nashville, linking downtown to the airport. It’s privately funded, Tesla-filled (of course) and could launch by 2026 if no one panics about excavation under Music City.
🐒 Chimp off the old block: I want to see this in person! Tourists snapping pics at a temple in Bali get their phones and wallets snatched by monkeys. It’s been happening for years, and nobody can stop it. The only way to get your stuff back? Bribe them with fruit, really. (paywall link). Oh, and they know what’s valuable and will barter for better snacks. If they were ducks, they’d want quackers.
🧴 Your shampoo’s big break: TSA may finally drop the 3.4 oz liquid limit. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says it’s “the next big announcement,” but there’s a catch: The tech that makes it possible (3D CT scanners) won’t be in every U.S. airport until 2040. For now, that travel-size mouthwash isn’t going anywhere.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: When your cell service is acting up, switch on Airplane mode, wait a few seconds and turn it off. Your phone will reconnect to the nearest tower. Nice.
💺 This idea is taking off: Forget flying on Wednesdays to save money on airfare. Delta’s letting AI set airfare based on what you personally might pay, i.e., how likely you are to cough up more money based on past purchases. About 3% of tickets use AI already. By year-end? 20%.
🛻 I think he might be right: Waze’s cofounder thinks Gen Beta (those born from 2025 to around 2039) won’t ever touch a steering wheel. With Tesla and Waymo pushing robotaxis, Uri Levine says the future is all self-driving, and maybe mobile shoe stores. So yeah, traffic might just be a bunch of vans selling Crocs.
Google Maps trick: You don’t need the exact name of a place to find it. Just type a general phrase like “walking trails,” “live music” or “shoe repair,” and Google will pull up local results. Perfect for those “I can’t remember the name, but I know what I need” moments.
Does clearing your browser really lower flight prices?
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I got a great question from Danielle in Austin: “Kim, every time I search for a flight and go back later, the price has gone up. Are airlines tracking me? If I clear my browser history or use incognito mode, will I get a cheaper deal?”
Around $500 a night
What some travelers are paying to stay at luxury hotels inside airports (paywall link). No Ubers needed here, just walk off the plane and into your room. Added perks? Fancy food, upscale bars, blackout curtains and spa-like bathrooms. Hey, jet lag with lobster sounds pretty nice.
Google Maps detour: Need to make a stop on the way? With your final destination set, tap the 3-dot icon (top right) and select Edit stops. Type in your second location, and it’ll appear on your route. To change the order, tap, hold and drag the three lines next to each stop. Then hit Done.