General General 6 min read

Are we there yet?

Every parent should read this article before embarking on a road trip

Image: LeManna

Traveling with children can be one of life's most rewarding adventures and one of its biggest challenges. A trip that looks effortless on social media often involves careful planning, a healthy dose of flexibility, patience, and a willingness to expect the unexpected. Fortunately, experienced parents, pediatricians, and travel experts agree on several practical habits that help reduce stress and keep kids happier on the road.

1
Choose flights that work with your child’s schedule

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Of course, it’s tempting to book the cheapest flight available, but the lowest fare isn't always the best value when you're traveling with young children. Whenever possible, look for departure times that line up with your child's regular nap or bedtime . A sleepy child is often far more likely to relax, or even sleep, through a good portion of the journey, making the experience easier for everyone on board.

Direct flights can also be worth paying a little extra for. Every layover means another security check, another boarding process, and another opportunity for delays to throw off routines. Pediatric experts also recommend arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare, reducing the stress of rushing through terminals with children and luggage. Starting the trip calmly often sets the tone for everything that follows.

2
Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need

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If there's one piece of advice nearly every experienced parent agrees on, it's this: pack extra snacks. Delayed flights, long security lines, traffic jams, and unexpected detours have a way of stretching meal times, and hungry children rarely become more patient as the hours pass .

Choose foods that travel well and don't require refrigeration, such as crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, applesauce pouches, or pretzels. Keeping familiar snacks within easy reach can also help picky eaters adjust to new surroundings. Even if you never open every bag, having plenty available provides peace of mind—and may help avoid an expensive airport food stop.

3
Download entertainment before you leave

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Modern travel has become much easier thanks to tablets and smartphones, but they're only helpful if the content is actually available when you need it. Airplane Wi-Fi isn't always reliable, mobile signals disappear in remote areas, and onboard entertainment systems occasionally malfunction.

Before leaving home, download favorite movies, television shows, audiobooks, music playlists, and age-appropriate games directly onto your devices . Packing headphones and portable chargers is just as important. Having entertainment ready to go means you'll never have to rely on an internet connection to keep little travelers happily occupied during long stretches of the journey.

4
Pack a complete change of clothes

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Children have an incredible talent for finding the one puddle, juice box, or muddy patch capable of soaking an entire outfit. That's why seasoned travelers rarely leave home without packing at least one complete change of clothes in their carry-on luggage .

Include fresh socks, underwear, and a lightweight sweater in addition to a clean outfit. A plastic bag for dirty clothing is another simple addition that can make life much easier. Some parents even pack an extra shirt for themselves, since babies and toddlers have a remarkable ability to spread spills well beyond their own clothes.

5
Reserve seats together whenever possible

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Sitting together isn't simply more convenient; it makes traveling significantly easier. Being close allows parents to quickly hand over snacks, help with entertainment, comfort nervous children, and manage unexpected situations without disturbing other passengers .

While many airlines try to seat families together, it's never guaranteed unless seats are selected in advance. Booking early increases your chances of staying together throughout the flight. For infants and toddlers traveling in their own seats, using an FAA-approved child restraint system provides an additional layer of safety during turbulence and takeoff.

6
Include flexibility in your plans

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One of the quickest ways to create unnecessary stress is to try to pack every hour of the vacation with activities. Children naturally move at a different pace than adults, and even the most exciting attraction can become overwhelming after a long day.

Instead of scheduling four major attractions in a single afternoon, consider planning one primary activity with plenty of free time around it . Unexpected playground visits, leisurely lunches, or simply taking a break at the hotel often become some of the most enjoyable parts of a family vacation. Leaving room for spontaneity allows everyone to enjoy the trip rather than race through it.

7
Follow proper car seat and booster seat rules

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Whether you're driving your own vehicle or renting one at your destination, using the correct child restraint is one of the most important safety decisions you'll make. Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury and death for children, making proper car seat use essential.

Health and safety experts recommend keeping children rear-facing as long as possible before transitioning to forward-facing seats, followed by booster seats until an adult seat belt fits correctly . Children under 13 are generally safest riding in the back seat. Taking a few extra minutes to install a seat correctly can make a tremendous difference in protecting young passengers.

8
Plan regular breaks on road trips

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Adults may be able to drive for hours without stopping, but children usually need regular opportunities to stretch, move around, and burn off energy. Long periods of sitting can quickly lead to boredom, frustration, and restless behavior.

Planning a break every two or three hours gives everyone a chance to use the restroom, grab a snack, or simply walk around for a few minutes . Scenic overlooks, parks, picnic areas, and playgrounds can transform routine stops into enjoyable parts of the journey while helping drivers stay refreshed as well.

9
Bring a familiar comfort item

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New places can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming for younger travelers. A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, bedtime book, or small pillow provides a comforting reminder of home when everything else feels unfamiliar .

Psychologists often refer to these cherished belongings as "transitional objects" because they help children cope with change and unfamiliar situations. Even older children sometimes appreciate having a familiar item nearby while sleeping in hotels or staying with relatives. Small comforts can make a surprisingly big difference after a busy day of sightseeing.

10
Involve kids in the planning

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Vacations become even more exciting when children feel like active participants instead of passive passengers. Depending on their age, let them help choose a restaurant, pick one attraction to visit, or learn interesting facts about the destination before leaving home .

Younger children often enjoy marking locations on a map or helping pack their own travel bag, while older kids may enjoy researching museums, hiking trails, or local foods. Giving every child one special choice during the trip encourages enthusiasm and creates memories they'll feel personally connected to.

11
Keep bedtime routines as consistent as possible

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Travel naturally disrupts daily schedules, but maintaining familiar bedtime habits can help children settle down more easily in new surroundings . Reading the same bedtime story, brushing teeth in the usual order, or listening to a familiar lullaby signals that it's time to sleep, even if bedtime happens in a hotel halfway around the world.

Well-rested children generally handle busy sightseeing days, long flights, and unfamiliar environments much better than overtired ones. While vacations don't require military precision, preserving a few comforting routines often helps the entire family enjoy each day a little more.

12
Remember that perfect trips don’t exist

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Perhaps the best family travel advice has nothing to do with luggage, flights, or packing lists. Even the most carefully planned vacation will probably include a delayed flight, unexpected rainstorm, forgotten toy, or missed reservation somewhere along the way .

The families who seem to enjoy traveling the most aren't necessarily the ones whose trips go perfectly; they're the ones who treat surprises as part of the adventure. Years later, it's often the unexpected moments that become the funniest stories and the happiest memories. A successful family vacation isn't measured by perfection, but by the experiences you share along the way.

Culture Culture 7 min read

The subcultures that defined eras

One movie turned this working-class subculture into a Hollywood legend

Image: Anthony

From flappers to hippies to yuppies, American subcultures have reflected what was happening in the country around them. They gave people, especially the younger generation, a way to express what they valued, what they rejected, and where they felt they belonged. Some championed freedom and individuality; others celebrated success, tradition, or community. Their clothing and music made them easy to recognize, but their deeper appeal came from the ideas and cultural changes they represented. Here are some of the most memorable American subcultures of the 20th century.

1
Hippies

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The hippie movement took shape in the early 1960s, initially in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, as young Americans searched for alternatives to mainstream society. They rejected materialism and conformity while promoting peace, personal freedom, community, and alternative ways of living. Their opposition to the Vietnam War helped make the movement a powerful symbol of the era’s counterculture.

Hippie culture spread through music, festivals, and growing interest in Eastern spirituality and alternative lifestyles. Long hair, flowing clothes, denim, fringe, and colorful patterns became part of the familiar look, while folk music and psychedelic rock provided its soundtrack. Ideas about peace, environmentalism, and individual freedom continued to influence American culture long after the movement faded.

2
Beatniks

Image: Igor Murakhin

The Beat movement developed among writers and artists in New York in the late 1940s before gaining a strong presence in San Francisco during the 1950s. Legendary Beat writers such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg rejected conventional careers, consumerism, and social conformity, instead embracing creativity, spontaneity, travel, and personal freedom.

The movement attracted young people who were drawn to poetry, jazz, coffeehouses, and a bohemian lifestyle. The media soon turned the "beatnik" into a recognizable figure, complete with berets, black clothing, goatees, and bongos. Although the image was often exaggerated to the point of caricature, Beat culture helped inspire the larger counterculture that followed in the 1960s.

3
Greasers

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Greasers emerged among working-class youth in the years after World War II and became especially visible in American cities during the 1950s. Strongly associated with Italian American communities in the Northeast and Mexican American communities in the Southwest, they found an identity through rock and roll, cars, motorcycles, and an independent attitude.

The name "greaser" became associated with the group’s heavily greased hair, while leather jackets, jeans, boots, and white T-shirts completed the signature look. The style was later immortalized in Grease (1978), starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

4
Flappers

Image: Gera Cejas

Flappers emerged in the United States during the 1920s, when young women were challenging traditional expectations in the years following World War I. With women gaining the right to vote in 1920, and jazz, movies, automobiles, and nightlife transforming American life, flappers embraced greater independence and pushed against older ideas about how women should behave.

Their short dresses, bobbed hair, cloche hats, makeup, and energetic dancing became symbols of the Jazz Age. Flappers represented the excitement and freedom of a rapidly changing society. Even though the lifestyle was associated with only some of the decade’s young women, the flapper became an enduring image of 1920s modernity.

5
Rockabilly

Image: Roy Reyna

Rockabilly developed in the early 1950s, particularly in Memphis, Tennessee, where country and hillbilly music were blending with rhythm and blues. Sun Records became an important part of this musical crossroads, recording artists including Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. Its energetic sound appealed to young listeners and helped shape the emerging rock & roll revolution.

Rockabilly was less a political movement than a celebration of youthful energy, musical experimentation, and independence. Slicked-back hair, pompadours, leather jackets, jeans, boots, and fitted dresses became associated with the scene. Its sound and style have repeatedly returned to American music and popular culture, keeping the spirit of 1950s rockabilly alive.

6
Yuppies

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The term "yuppie," short for "young urban professional," emerged in the early 1980s to describe young, college-educated professionals building careers in major American cities such as New York and Chicago. Instead of rejecting the American dream, yuppies embraced career advancement, financial success, fitness, and a comfortable urban lifestyle. Their rise reflected the economic optimism and growing consumer culture of the decade.

Power suits, designer clothes, expensive cars, upscale restaurants, and fashionable apartments became associated with the yuppie image. The culture was both admired and criticized for its focus on money and status, but its influence was undeniable. Yuppies came to represent the ambitious, success-driven side of 1980s America, and were famously satirized to violent effect by Patrick Bateman, the homicidal protagonist of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel and subsequent film American Psycho.

7
Punks

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American punk emerged in New York City in the early-to-mid 1970s, with clubs such as CBGB becoming gathering places for musicians and artists looking for an alternative to mainstream rock. Bands such as the Ramones and artists such as Patti Smith embraced stripped-down music, creative freedom, and a DIY approach, while the British scene that followed, led by bands such as the Sex Pistols, gave punk a louder, more confrontational edge.

Punk attracted young people who wanted to challenge commercialism and conformity. Ripped clothes, leather jackets, boots, safety pins, and unconventional hairstyles became part of its deliberately provocative look. What started as a small New York scene eventually influenced American music, fashion, graphic design, and alternative culture for decades.

8
Disco culture

Image: Dustin Tramel

Disco culture grew out of New York City nightlife in the early 1970s, particularly within Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities. Clubs provided spaces for dancing, self-expression, and social connection, while disco offered an energetic alternative to the rock-dominated music scene. Its message was less about angry rebellion than about joyous freedom, pleasure, inclusion, and self-expression.

By the middle of the decade, disco had moved into the mainstream, with artists such as the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Gloria Gaynor becoming major stars. Sequins, platform shoes, flared pants, glitter, and glamorous hairstyles defined the look, while the 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever helped make disco a national phenomenon. Its influence on dance music and nightlife remains strong.

9
Surfer culture

Image: Kyle Miller

Surfing originated in Hawaii, and surfer culture later developed along Southern California’s beaches during the 1950s and early 1960s. For young Californians, surfing represented freedom, outdoor life, adventure, and an escape from everyday routines. The region’s beaches, cars, drive-ins, and relaxed lifestyle made the culture especially appealing.

The Beach Boys helped take that Southern California image across the country with songs about surfing, cars, romance, and youth. Board shorts, swimsuits, T-shirts, bare feet, and sun-bleached hair became part of the familiar look. Surfer culture ultimately came to represent the carefree California lifestyle, even for people who had never picked up a surfboard.

10
Preppies

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Preppy culture grew from the traditions of elite Northeastern prep schools and Ivy League colleges, where a distinctive style had developed during the early 20th century. By the 1950s and 1960s, it was increasingly associated with young Americans who valued education, tradition, good manners, and established institutions . It reflected the lifestyles, speech, and values of upper-class, "old money" families, emphasizing social traditions and a polished way of life.

Oxford shirts, polo shirts, khakis, loafers, sweaters, and navy blazers became the defining look. Leisure activities such as sailing, golf, tennis, and lacrosse were closely associated with the culture, which generally embraced rather than challenged the social world it came from. During the 1980s, brands such as Ralph Lauren helped bring the preppy style into mainstream American fashion.

11
Grunge

Image: Sami Abdullah

Grunge emerged in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest during the 1980s, growing out of a local music scene influenced by punk, hard rock, and independent music. Bands and fans rejected the polished, glamorous image associated with much of 1980s rock, favoring authenticity, simplicity, and a DIY attitude instead.

Nirvana’s breakthrough in the early 1990s transformed grunge into a national phenomenon. Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, thrift-store clothes, and worn sneakers became unexpectedly fashionable, while the music reflected a more raw and emotionally honest attitude. Grunge became one of the defining cultural expressions of the early 1990s.

12
Bikers

Image: Victoria Dokukina

American biker culture grew into a new form after World War II, when returning veterans began forming motorcycle clubs built around friendship, adventure, and freedom. Motorcycles — especially Harley-Davidson bikes — offered a sense of independence after years of military discipline, while clubs provided the camaraderie many veterans had experienced during the war. The 1947 motorcycle gathering in Hollister, California, gained notoriety after sensationalized reports portrayed the event as unruly, helping establish the rough image later associated with bikers.

Leather jackets, denim, boots, patches, and motorcycles became central to the culture’s visual identity. Movies such as The Wild One and Easy Rider further popularized the image of the biker as an independent outsider. Although biker culture has never been limited to outlaw clubs, the open road and freedom from convention remain central to its enduring appeal.

History History 4 min read

Feel old yet?

What brand was founded when Thomas Jefferson was president?

Image: @felirbe

From Converse footwear to Colgate toothpaste to Jell-O, millions of Americans use these brands every day without realizing how old they really are. Some were around before the Titanic sailed, while others were founded before the Civil War. Despite their modern marketing, updated logos, and constant reinvention, these companies have survived it all. Take a look at 11 brands that have quietly crossed the 100-year mark.

1
Converse (1908)

Image: pure julia

Converse was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Maiden, Massachusetts. The company originally made rubber footwear, including galoshes and winter boots , before expanding into athletic shoes. Its famous Converse All-Star basketball shoe debuted in 1917 and would later become one of the most recognizable sneakers in history.

The brand’s biggest boost came from basketball star Chuck Taylor, who joined the company as a salesman and ambassador. His signature was added to the shoe in 1932, creating the legendary Chuck Taylor All-Star. More than a century after its founding, Converse remains a global fashion staple.

2
Whirlpool (1911)

Image: Andriy Blokhin

Whirlpool traces its roots to 1911, when Louis Upton and his uncle Emory Upton founded the Upton Machine Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Their goal was simple but ambitious: add electric motors to washing machines and make household chores easier .

The company eventually evolved into Whirlpool Corporation and became one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers. Over the decades, it introduced innovations ranging from automatic washing machines to appliances used in NASA’s Gemini and Apollo-era space programs.

3
Colgate (1806)

Image: Atikah Akhtar

Colgate’s story began in 1806 when English immigrant William Colgate started a starch, soap, and candle business in New York City . At the time, toothpaste in tubes did not even exist.

During the nineteenth century, the company expanded into oral-care products and eventually became one of the most recognized names in dental hygiene. Today, many consumers think of Colgate as a modern toothpaste brand, but its origins go back more than two centuries.

4
L.L. Bean (1912)

Image: Joseph Hendrickson

In 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean launched a mail-order business from Freeport, Maine. His first product was a hunting boot designed to keep outdoorsmen comfortable in wet conditions .

The original boot became known as the Maine Hunting Shoe and helped build a company famous for quality outdoor gear. L.L.Bean remains headquartered in Maine and continues to attract customers seeking durable products inspired by the outdoors.

5
3M (1902)

Image: Dimitri Karastelev

Today, 3M is known for everything from Post-It Notes to industrial products, but it started in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company in Two Harbors, Minnesota . Ironically, its original mining venture failed.

Rather than disappear, the company reinvented itself by producing abrasives and sandpaper. That willingness to innovate eventually led to thousands of products and more than a century of inventions used in homes, offices, hospitals, and factories all around the world.

6
Red Wing Shoes (1905)

Image: Henry Saint John

Red Wing Shoes was founded in 1905 in the Mississippi River town of Red Wing, Minnesota. The company specialized in rugged footwear for workers in demanding industries such as farming, mining, and construction .

Its reputation for durability has helped it survive dramatic changes in the American industry. More than a century later, Red Wing Boots remain popular among both workers and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate classic American craftsmanship.

7
Fruit of the Loom (1851)

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Fruit of the Loom traces its history to 1851, making it one of the oldest brands on this list. The company began as a textile manufacturer in Rhode Island during an era when the country was still expanding westward.

Its colorful fruit logo became one of the most recognizable trademarks in America. Although consumers usually associate the brand with T-shirts and underwear, its roots stretch back to the earliest days of America’s industrial manufacturing.

8
Gibson (1894)

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Founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1894 by Orville Gibson, this brand became one of the most influential guitar makers in music history. The company helped shape the sound of blues, jazz, country, and rock music .

Its instruments have been played by legendary musicians including B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, and Slash, among many others. Despite being well over a century old, Gibson remains one of the most relevant and in-demand names in the guitar world.

9
Jell-O (1897)

Image: Girl with red hat

Jell-O began in 1897 when carpenter and cough-syrup manufacturer Pearle Bixby Wait developed a flavored gelatin dessert . His wife, May, suggested the catchy name that would become famous nationwide.

The dessert gained popularity through aggressive advertising and recipe campaigns in the early twentieth century. For generations, Jell-O has been a familiar part of family gatherings, school cafeterias, and holiday meals.

10
New Balance (1906)

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New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906 by William J. Riley. Interestingly, the company did not begin by making running shoes. Instead, it produced arch supports and orthopedic products designed to improve comfort and balance, hence the name .

The company later expanded into athletic footwear and became known for its emphasis on fit and performance. Today, New Balance competes with much younger sportswear giants while carrying more than a century of history behind it.

11
Stanley (1913)

Image: Shahrouz Nikpoush

Stanley was founded in 1913 when inventor William Stanley Jr. introduced an all-steel vacuum bottle . His innovation improved durability and helped popularize insulated drink containers.

For decades, Stanley products were associated with workers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, the brand has experienced a surprising resurgence among younger consumers, proving that even a company founded before World War I can find new audiences.

Every parent should read this article before embarking on a road trip

1
Choose flights that work with your child’s schedule

2
Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need