Things To Do In Hilton Head With Kids: 11+ Fun Activities At One Of Topmost Family-Friendly Beaches In South Carolina

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida, which ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines. AirTran Airways was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines, Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines. They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s. It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years. Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran? AirTran: A Brief Look Back Conquest Airlines' co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran? AirTran Corporation in 1994 purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways. It later exited from AirTran Corporation's new holding company, Airways Corporation. The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline, and the holding company of Airways Corporation in 1997, which owned the struggling ValuJet Airlines. ValuJet's holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines' AirTran Airways. ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became "AirTran Airlines" before merging with AirTran Airways. Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011. It gradually integrated them with AirTran's last revenue flight on December 28, 2014. It operates nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, with its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving nearly 200 daily departures. AirTran's fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft. AirTran History Image Source: community.southwest.com This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines and began operations as an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando. AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines. The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear. Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots, as AirTran management later claimed that it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees. Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines. In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit. After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company. The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando. In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation and placed it under the new subsidiary; AirTran Corporation then separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways. After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways. AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012. Latest Developments On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion. The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs, including Atlanta (at the time the largest US city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando. With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as Cancún, Montego Bay, and Aruba. Southwest integrated AirTran's Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design, after which the Boeing 717 fleet leased out to Delta Air Lines beginning in mid-2013. The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim. The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March  2012. The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015. On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran. They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets. As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets. By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international). Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014, when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline's last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA). The flight used the call sign "Critter" as a nod to ValuJet. This route and flight number was Valujet's first flight. Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel Reviews From AirTran Flyers Image Source: chestertravels.com AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers. Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTrans. 1st Review "I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time. The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane - I did not have to wait like the people in coach. I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first." - SharonSaver 2nd Review "I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous. The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then. Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you." - mrsyoung1983 3rd Review "I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I'll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport. And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time. Knock on wood here, but I've never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!" - jenniandtonyx1 Wrapping Up AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast. The airline's history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation. But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Flair Airlines Review: This Is How I Feel About Flair Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures!

BY  Sibashree Sep 3, 2025

One of the absolute best things about travel? Hands down, it’s the food. Nothing beats sitting near the water, breeze in your face, and digging into whatever the locals have been making for generations.  Maybe it’s smoky sardines in Portugal or paper-thin slices of tuna sashimi in Japan… Either way, seafood has this way of stealing the show. But here’s the flip side: while we’re chasing flavors, it helps to know what’s actually landing on the plate.  Mercury in seafood’s been popping up in conversations more and more. It’s naturally out there in the environment, sure, but industries add to it too. Some fish pick up more of it than others. Most of the time, you’re fine, but if seafood becomes your go-to meal on a trip? Yeah, worth paying attention. In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will talk about how to try the best coastal cuisine safely.  How To Try The Best Coastal Cuisine Safely? Understanding The Importance Imagine you’ve planned this whole trip around food—coastal markets, little family-run joints, maybe a cooking class or two. Seafood’s everywhere.  But here’s the thing: the big, long-living fish—swordfish, king mackerel, certain tunas—they build up more mercury over time. Smaller guys like sardines, trout, anchovies? Usually safer bets. This isn’t about saying “don’t eat seafood.” Please, no. It’s about eating smart so you don’t have to think twice later. When a menu lists a fish you can’t pronounce, knowing the basics means you can pick something tasty without worrying about it. Why It Matters For Travelers? Eating local food is how you get a place. Paella in Spain, ceviche in Peru, a messy clam bake in New England—they’re experiences as much as meals.  But if you’re traveling and eating seafood meal after meal, that exposure can stack up faster than you think. For most healthy adults, a little extra seafood isn’t a big deal. But pregnant travelers, kids, or folks with certain health issues? They’ve gotta be a bit more cautious. Knowing which fish to enjoy freely and which to maybe skip for the day? That’s just good travel sense. The Role Of Sustainability And yeah, mercury’s one piece of the puzzle. Overfishing’s another. A lot of places now highlight eco-friendly options right on the menu. Asking about it isn’t annoying—it shows you care about the place you’re visiting and the people feeding you. How To Navigate Coastal Cuisine Safely While Traveling? Know The Practical Tips Freshness, simplicity, and a riot of flavors! These are the core reasons why coastal cuisine is so popular. Furthermore, smoking, grilling, and making curries are the most popular methods of cooking these cuisines.  However, you need to be extra careful while navigating these cuisines.  1. Safer Selections Abroad Menus in other languages, mystery dishes… yeah, it can get confusing. But here are a few things that make life easier: Chat with locals. They know what’s eaten all the time versus the “special occasion” stuff. Go smaller when you can. Sardines, smelt, whitefish—lower on the mercury scale. Shellfish’s usually fine. Shrimp, crab, scallops—still best not to overdo it. Throw in some variety. Plant-based meals or land proteins here and there keep things balanced. 2. Culinary Traditions And Conscious Choices  Every region has its classics for a reason. Mediterranean? Grilled sardines with olive oil and lemon—healthy, simple, perfect. Southeast Asia?  Flavorful curries using smaller fish. Then there are places serving bigger predatory fish, like marlin in parts of the Caribbean—amazing flavor, but maybe not for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cool part is, you don’t have to give up authenticity. You just get to enjoy it without overthinking. 3. Practical Tips For Travel Planners  If you’re the “map out everything” type, a little prep work helps: Look up local fish before you go. Two minutes online gives you a head start. Learn a few names in the local language. Saves a lot of pointing and guessing. Visit good markets. Tours often highlight safe, sustainable stalls. Spread out the big meals. Try the famous dish… just maybe not twice a day. Having Coastal Cuisine Safely For Long-Term Travel And Health Awareness  Traveling for weeks—or months—near the coast? Yeah, seafood’s going to be everywhere. Switching things up helps keep it fun and balanced.  A little shellfish, some whitefish, a veggie dish now and then—it all adds up to fewer worries later. Being aware of seafood high in mercury ensures that long-term travel remains not only adventurous but also sustainable for personal health. What Are The 5Cs Of Trying Coastal Cuisine Safely?  These are the thumb rules or the basic 5Cs while cooking coastal cuisine.  Cleaning Cooking Chilling Cross-Contamination Prevention Communication  When you are trying seafood or coastal cuisine in a new place, you will have to consider these factors. Otherwise, there are high risks of food contamination and allergies. 1. Cleaning We all wash our hands and sanitize the food preparation and cooking surfaces. At the food preparation stage, we have to deal with raw meat and seafood ingredients.  Furthermore, we have to wash all the ingredients thoroughly using warm and cold water.  So, when you visit an eatery, especially for seafood, you have to ensure that all these practices are being followed thoroughly.  If not, however tempting the place or the dish may look, leave it at once! 2. Cooking Cooking thoroughly is very important, and at the right temperature. It is essential to get rid of the harmful bacteria and disease-causing elements in the raw ingredients.  Furthermore, reheating the refrigerated or stored food before eating is mandatory to avoid throat and stomach infections.  While it is difficult for you to check whether all these are being followed properly in a restaurant kitchen or a seaside shack, you can at least avoid having raw seafood at an unknown place.  3. Chilling Once the food is cooked, eaten, and cooled, you can store it in a refrigerator for safe preservation.  When you need that food again, you can take it out of the refrigerator, warm it, and have it.  This is also something very basic in restaurants. However, there are also risks of restaurants serving food that has been stored in the refrigerator for the longest time.  So, talk with locals and get ideas about a safe place where you can have fresh seafood.  4. Cross-Contamination Prevention Preventing cross-contamination requires the use of separate accessories and tools for raw meat, fish, and fruits and vegetables.  Also, there needs to be separate containers and storage places for all these ingredients. While you will not get a tour of the kitchen and pantry of a restaurant easily, this remains one of the golden rules of cooking seafood safely.  The Pan American Health Organization, or PAHO, also prioritizes cross-contamination prevention as one of the WHO's golden rules.  5. Communication  Well, this is something that happens entirely within the pantry or the cooking space of an eatery. Various verbal and non-verbal cues are used to ensure safe and fast food preparation.  Being A Responsible Food Explorer Travel’s about discovery, right? And food’s a huge part of it. With a bit of knowledge, you can dive into coastal cuisine without a second thought. A sardine in Lisbon, clam soup in Tokyo, a crab boil on the East Coast—those aren’t just meals. They’re memories. This isn’t about saying no to anything. It’s about saying yes in a way that keeps the trip—and you—feeling good. Read Also: What Is Arizona Known For Food | Culinary Tourism Exploring The Desert Delights Boat Trips And Czech Cuisine: A Taste Of Prague’s Culinary Delights Unlocking The Secrets: Key Ingredients In Italian Cuisine

BY  Ankita Jan 10, 2024

Embarking on a food adventure while traveling is like opening a book full of exciting stories, each chapter flavored with unique tastes and culinary traditions. Imagine yourself walking the streets of different cities, each turn bringing you face-to-face with dishes that tell tales of history, culture, and the local community.  In Gatlinburg, for example, the experience might start with a visit to a local steakhouse, where the smoky aroma of grilled meats fills the air, offering a taste of the region's culinary heritage. Gatlinburg, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is not just a scenic retreat but a haven for food lovers. Its blend of traditional Southern cuisine with unique local twists makes it a must-visit for any foodie traveler. This article will guide you through various ways to enhance your culinary journey, whether you're savoring a steak in Gatlinburg or exploring street food markets in far-flung corners of the world. It's about more than just eating; it's about experiencing the world through its flavors and connecting with places through their food.  So pack your bags and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey into the delicious and diverse world of culinary travel. Savoring Local Flavors Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, is a culinary treasure trove renowned for its diverse and delicious food offerings. When traveling, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is by indulging in its culinary specialties. Take, for instance, if you want to visit the finest steakhouse Gatlinburg is the perfect destination, offering a range of options like Alamo Steakhouse, The Peddler Steakhouse, Bullfish Grill, Greenbrier Restaurant, and Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse, each offering their unique take on classic and innovative steak dishes. These establishments not only offer delicious cuts of meat but also provide a taste of the local flavors and cooking styles. To find the best steakhouses, look for places crowded with locals, as they often know the top spots for authentic and tasty food. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from local residents or your hotel staff. Remember, part of the adventure is discovering hidden gems that aren't always in the guidebooks. Street Food Adventures Street food is the heart and soul of many cuisines around the world. It's where you'll find the most authentic, traditional, and often innovative dishes. From the bustling markets in Asia to the colorful food trucks in the Americas, street food provides an unfiltered experience of a country's culinary essence. However, it's important to eat street food safely.  Always choose stalls where the food is prepared fresh in front of you, and the turnover of customers is high – it's a good sign of freshness and quality. Also, follow the locals — they know where the best and safest food can be found. Food Markets Food markets are vibrant hubs of activity and the epicenter of local cuisine. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other artisanal goods. They are ideal places to sample a range of dishes and ingredients unique to the region. Engage with local vendors to learn more about the food you're buying — many will be happy to share recipes or cooking tips. Markets are not just about food; they're cultural experiences that engage all your senses. Food Tours and Cooking Classes Participating in organized food tours and cooking classes is a fantastic way to delve deeper into a region's culinary traditions. These tours, often led by local experts, take you off the beaten path to try the best food that you might not find on your own.  Cooking classes, on the other hand, offer a hands-on experience, teaching you how to prepare local dishes, which is a skill you can take home. These activities provide not only culinary delights but also insights into the local way of life. Dietary Restrictions and Allergies Traveling with dietary restrictions or food allergies can be challenging, but with a bit of planning, it's entirely manageable. Research the local cuisine beforehand to identify dishes that meet your dietary needs. Learning key phrases in the local language to communicate your dietary restrictions can be incredibly helpful.  Additionally, consider carrying allergy cards written in the local language to convey your dietary needs clearly. Many restaurants are now accustomed to handling special dietary requests, so don't hesitate to communicate your needs. Pairing Food with Local Beverages A great meal becomes exceptional when paired with the right beverage. When traveling, seize the opportunity to taste local drinks that complement the cuisine. In wine-producing regions, visiting a vineyard can offer insights into pairing local wines with regional dishes. In places known for their breweries, a craft beer might be the perfect match for a hearty meal.  Non-alcoholic options, such as traditional teas or coffees, also play a significant role in some cultures. The key is to ask locals or your server for recommendations, as they can guide you to pairings that elevate your dining experience. Documenting Your Culinary Journey Documenting your food adventures enriches the experience and lets you share it with others. Start a travel food blog or use social media to post your culinary discoveries. When photographing food, try to capture the essence of the dish and the atmosphere of the place. Sharing stories behind the dishes can make your content more engaging. This not only creates a personal memento of your journey but can also guide other food enthusiasts in their travels. Sustainable and Ethical Eating As a foodie traveler, it's important to consider the impact of your dining choices. Opt for restaurants that source ingredients locally and practice sustainable methods. This supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact. Additionally, being mindful of food waste and respecting local customs and cuisines are crucial aspects of ethical eating. In some cultures, certain foods may be considered delicacies, and trying them can be a way of honoring local traditions while also being conscious of ethical considerations. Budget-Friendly Foodie Travel Enjoying a world of flavors doesn't have to break the bank. Look for local eateries off the beaten path, as they often offer delicious food at lower prices than tourist hotspots. Street food is another affordable option that provides authentic taste experiences. Planning your meals and setting a daily budget can also help manage expenses. Remember, some of the best food experiences come from simple, humble places. Conclusion Exploring the world through taste is not just about indulging in different cuisines; it's about connecting with diverse cultures and traditions. Each dish tells a story, and each flavor opens a new window to understanding a place and its people. As you embark on your culinary journeys, remember to embrace local traditions, respect sustainable practices, and cherish the memories you create. So, pack your appetite and let your taste buds lead the way to unforgettable experiences. Read Also: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Things To Do In Leeds: Dive Into The Dynamic Heart Of Yorkshire Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham