America’s Best Airports, Top Retirement Spots, Oahu Surf Experience And More

For anyone who has always dreamed of packing up and starting a new life in Italy, now is the time to consider Sardinia. The stunning Mediterranean island recently launched a new initiative that will pay people $15,000 to move there. And to show how serious they are, the government created a $45 million fund to subsidize 3,000 grants. If that amount isn’t enough, other regions in Italy are making similar offers: Calabria is giving about $33,000 each to a handful of new residents, and the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio was offering up to $52,500 in grants to move there and into work. All this should do the dolce vita even sweeter.

Airlines take most of the heat when it comes to travel complaints, but choosing the right (or wrong) airport can seriously spoil a getaway. JD Power recently released its 17th annual report on North America’s Best and Worst Airports. The Airport Satisfaction Study examined three categories – mega, large and medium-sized airports – based on six key elements: terminal facilities, check-in/baggage inspection, arrival/departure, baggage claim, security screening and dining/shopping. In the mega category, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) was ranked #1 (with Newark’s EEA in last place). Tampa International Airport (TPA) topped the list of major airports, while Indianapolis International Airport (IND) was named the best intermediate airport in America.

If Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing, then Oahu has long been its capital. Beginning February 2023, Hoakalei Resort’s Wai Kai Lagoon will offer the ultimate surfing experience, where guests can ride the largest deep-water standing wave. The 100-foot wide wave allows up to three surfers at a time, and another 30 can hang ten in the “barefoot zone.”

Want to know what perks celebrities and other elite customers get at hotels? The concierge has the key—and maybe an impossible-to-get dinner reservation. Forbes contributor Jordi Lippe-McGraw spoke to Jessica Waddy at the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown about what it’s like to be a VIP concierge.

Anyone who has ever vacationed has probably thought: Wouldn’t it be great to live here? To help make that decision easier, Forbes has identified the 25 best places to enjoy retirement based on seven leisure interests: arts/culture, fine dining, lifelong learning, volunteering, outdoor activities on the water, outdoor activities on land, and a special subgroup, golf. This year’s selections span all four continental time zones and 16 states. Most cater to multiple passions, and one — Austin, Texas — ticks all seven categories.

Passport by ForbesLife reports on the latest in luxury travel, food and drink, fashion – and life’s other pleasures. Click here to sign up for the weekly newsletter.