Scott Laird

Scott Laird

Contributor|Travel

Scott Laird is a travel writer with decades of experience working in and covering the travel industry, including roles in hotels, car rentals, travel agencies and airlines—everything from throwing bags to planning flight schedules. He holds a BA in Organizational Management from Alaska Pacific University and a MS in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Based in Dallas, he’s set foot on all seven continents and travels over 250,000 miles each year to destinations across the globe, but can most often be found in his home states of Alaska or Hawai’i, the Islands of Tahiti or onboard a cruise. Follow Scott for continued coverage of the travel industry, with tips on how travelers can ensure every journey is at its most rewarding. 

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11 hours ago

Iran Conflict Upends Travel Plans Beyond Gulf Region

The Iran Conflict has upended air travel in the Gulf Region, which is a major world air travel hub for several airlines. Here are the updates on airspace closures.

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Feb 23, 2026

How To Travel To See The Internet-Famous Punch The Monkey

Punch the Monkey is a popular internet meme, but here's how fans of the monkey can visit him live and in person at his zoo in Ichikawa, just outside Tokyo, Japan.

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Feb 22, 2026

The Best Ways To Find Locally Made Souvenirs When Traveling

Locally made souvenirs are in high demand among travelers. Here are the best ways to find them in top destinations around the world.

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Feb 19, 2026

These United Airlines Customers Will Start Earning Fewer Miles In April

United Airlines Mileage Plus members will earn fewer miles per dollar in April 2026, unless they have this product from United Airlines and Chase Bank.

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Feb 17, 2026

Exit Row Fliers Should Be Aware Rules Can Vary By Country, Airline

Many airlines and countries have exit row seating requirements that are different from the United States. A review of the different regulations.

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Feb 13, 2026

Lay Over On These Pacific Islands To Avoid The Long Flight Down Under

Flights to Australia and New Zealand don’t necessarily need to be 14-hour marathons. A flight stopover at these tropical Pacific islands helps break up the journey south.

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Feb 3, 2026

Breaking Down Taxes On Airline Tickets And What They Pay For

A primer on the taxes collected on the sale of an airline ticket, and what government agencies the taxes go to pay for, including safety and passenger facilities.