Monica Humphries

These carry-on items are travel essentials, from a reusable water bottle to a gadget that lets you pair wireless earbuds to in-flight entertainment.

The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland, oozes luxury. Since its opening, it's welcomed celebrities, royalty, and the ultra-rich.

Susan Berry collected $3,550 in flight vouchers from an overbooked American Airlines flight between Italy and Philadelphia.

When American Airlines gate agents announced they needed volunteers to step off an overbooked flight , Susan Berry didn't hesitate to raise her hand.

I spent three nights on Isla Palenque, a five-star private island resort in Panama. As I dined on three-course meals and enveloped myself in nature, I discovered true relaxation.

Business Insider's author spent a week in Panama where she explored modern cities, diversity-rich rainforests, and luxury beach resorts.

Business Insider's author spent three nights exploring Isla Palenque, where private beaches and three-course meals filled her days.

Two Business Insider reporters took cruises — one with Carnival and the other with Royal Caribbean.

In one year, I stayed in six five-star hotels in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. It was my first time experiencing luxury hotels.

Waiheke Island, off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, is a vacation spot for the rich and famous. The island is home to ritzy vineyards and million-dollar properties.