19 Historical Events You May or May Not Have Been Taught in School

History classes in school can only teach so much in a small amount of time. It's up to you to learn additional stuff, if you want to. According to MSN.com writer Aria Moore from the page Back in Time Today, here are 19 historical truths you may or may not have learned in school

1. The Tulsa Race Massacre (1921)

-Back in the past, it was not uncommon for cities to have segregated sections. White sections and black sections. Tulsa, Oklahoma was no different. A mob of white people had entered the predominantly black neighborhood of Greenwood in 1921. This region of town was known as the black Wall Street because of the many successful businesses there. This neighborhood was almost wiped off of the map, left a smoldering ruin. Hundreds of people were killed, thousands left homeless. This was considered to be a violent outburst of racial hatred and it was left out of history books for reasons that are unknown. The trauma stayed behind for years

2. The US invasion of the Philippines (1899-1902)

-Coming in hot on the heels of the Spanish-American War, the US entered another conflict. This involved the US laying claim to the Philippines, which didn't sit well with Filipino independence fighters. This war resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of Filipino residents. Many people were left in the dark about the brutal tactics to win this war. It was a troubling sign of US expansion. It signals how things can look way one but actually happen another

3. Japanese American internment camps (1942-1945)

-Following the sneak attack bombing on Hawaiian naval base Pearl Harbor, over 120,000 people of Japanese origin or ancestry was sentenced to a "war relocation center", better known as internment camps. Places like Rohwer, Jerome, Minidoka, Heart Mountain, Tule Lake and most famously, Manzanar, were the places where these people of Japanese descent were sent. They were considered "enemy aliens" simply because they looked like the people who bombed Pearl Harbor. This unjust act was fueled by paranoia and also racism. Families were torn apart, forced to endure harsh conditions in these camps. They lived in a constant state of fear and discrimination in these camps. This dark time in history left a lasting scar. But, there was hope. Many of the internees showed they were truly patriotic and they were resilient

-And, a very interesting fact is that one of the most famous military units emerged out of the camps. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, aka the 442, emerged from these camps. This military unit was comprised solely of Japanese men in the camps who wanted to prove they were loyal to the US. Their motto was "go for broke", a phrase they learned from Hawaiian Japanese they were with, who would gamble until there was nothing left. The 442 were the toughest fighters and they became known as the Purple Heart Battalion because of the high number of killed / wounded in action

4. The Wilmington Coup (1898)

-In Wilmington, North Carolina in 1898, a successful coup was mounted. White supremacists overthrew a biracially elected and also legal government. This led to the deaths of dozens of people. This coup was violent in nature and it shows clearly the lengths some will go to ensure a certain type of racial hierarchy. This short-lived biracial government had nothing more than hope for all races to work in harmony. The damage this event left has left an ugly stain and scar on the US democracy system and race relations. This scar took years to heal

5. The US government performing "redlining"

-"Redlining" is the process of marking clearly defined areas where certain minorities are not allowed to be. In the 20th century, federal housing was controlled by redlining. These practices are considered discriminatory, as it targeted black families, preventing them from owning a home. Maps would mark areas as "high risk", which kept investment low. This process of exclusion only highlighted racial discrimination, leaving a nasty scar behind that would take years to heal. Unfortunately, redlining seems to still exist today. It's visible in the many urban landscapes, showing up in the forms of education, health and overall economic concerns. One must understand the process of redlining to help address this concern

6. Operation Paperclip (post-WWII)

-When WWII ended, the US started Operation Paperclip. This operation consisted of recruiting over 1,600 Nazi scientists, including Werner von Braun. They helped contribute to scientific works and discoveries and even advanced technology. The recruitment of these individuals was controversial, at best, because of their past affiliations with the Nazi Germany government. This operation was designed to show that there were complexities in ethics and that they must be faced in pursuit of progress

7. The 1914 Ludlow Massacre

-The National Guard of Ludlow, Colorado attacked coal miners and their families who were striking for better conditions in 1914. This fight between the coal miners, their families and the National Guard resulted in dozens of deaths, including kids. The miners were requesting better working conditions and it was met not with better conditions, but with death, violence and destruction. This clearly shows the struggles of labor people had to contend with in the early 20th century. This resulted in better labor reform and showed that workers would fight for rights

8. The CIA playing an essential role in foreign events

-In the 20th century, the CIA has performed several missions overseas. Including Iran in 1953, Guatemala in 1954, Chile in 1973. These covert, black ops operations were performed with the intention of placing settlements who were favorable to interests in the US and destabilizing the local regions. This interference was created by Cold War politics. Meaning that strategic gains were prioritized over a country's leadership. These missions left a lasting mark on the nations entered, creating long-standing instability and obvious resentment towards foreign policy from the US

9. Boarding schools for Native Americans

-It's always been known that Native Americans would face discrimination. From the 1800s to the 20th century, the children of Native American people were forcibly taken from their homes and families and forced into boarding schools. This process was designed to erase their cultural traces from them, forcing these children to adopt Western values and practices and even language. This loss of heritage, identity and family bonds opened a deep wound in generations of families. This policy affected many, and understanding it today is key for healing

-Ironically, there was something similar to this done in Australia. Children of Aboriginal people were taken from their homes by Australian government and church officials. This was done with the hope of assimilating these children into white society. The children were denied access to the Aboriginal culture, language and heritage. These children taken from their homes would be referred to as "The Stolen Generations"

10. The Trail of Tears

-This aptly named trail was forcibly relocating Native Americans in the name of US expansion. This trail resulted in deaths from disease and starvation. This trail was a sign of US expansion, the government lacking any regard for the rights of indigenous people and sovereign nations in order to gain more land for white settlers

11. US getting involved in slavery after 1808

-There was a ban put into place in 1808 banning transatlantic slave trading. Unfortunately, slavery thrived in the US until 1865. The economy in the South lived on forced labor, supported by both political and economical reasons. This period shows the contradictions in the growing nation, fighting for freedom while also showing people as prisoners. The resilience of these enslaved people showed clearly and played a major role in their liberation

12. Deacons for Defense and Justice

-The Civil Rights era of the mid-20th century was a turning point for the rights of all. The 1950s and 1960s were a turbulent time. Civil Rights violations occurred with a frightening frequency. A group calling themselves the Deacons for Defense and Justice emerged. Initially formed to protect activists from violence from the Ku Klux Klan, this group consisted of armed African American people, they ensured safer marches, safer rallies, providing evidence that resistance could be done peacefully. Their story is one of a fight for civil rights, but done peacefully

13. COINTELPRO (1956-1971)

-The FBI launched a mission called COINTELPRO. This targeted civil rights and activist groups. These groups included the Black Panther Party, Martin Luther King Jr. The whole initiative behind this mission was to disrupt and even discredit these movements. It showed the lengths governments would go to to maintain control of the populations, even infringing on civil liberties. Because of the shadowy nature of this mission, it created greater scrutiny in the intelligence agencies and formed a growing distrust of governmental power

14. Repatriation of Mexico (1930s)

-The Great Depression hit people hard. No one had money or jobs. And it was not just the US that was affected. Many Mexicans and US-born Mexicans, over 1 million people, were deported or forced to leave the US. This mass flooding of people back to Mexico was fueled by scapegoating and discrimination. This was a dark episode in history, showing the recurring pattern of targeting certain ethnic minority groups during times of crisis. It's important to understand events such as these, so as to understand the social issues that happen in today's world

15. Anti-Chinese Violence and Exclusion Acts

-In the early 20th century, there was a law called the The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This law banned the whole Chinese ethnic group from immigrating to the US. This led to massive violence against already established Chinese communities. While in the US, Chinese immigrants faced constant discrimination, yet they made huge contributions to US society. This exclusion act highlights the act of immigration policies deeply rooted in racial bias. Understanding this part of history helps one understand the continuing issues of racial / ethnic discrimination

16. The 1933 Business Plot

-A plot was created in 1933 by a group of wealthy businessmen to overthrow then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A Marine General named Smedley Butler revealed the plot, which had come to be known as the Business Plot. Despite no one being prosecuted, this revealed tensions between the economic classes and governmental power. This is a strange, but curious part of history. It shows just what can happen when democracy is fragile and it's left with unchecked ambition

17. American Eugenics Movement

-Prior to Nazi Germany performing the act of "removing" any threat to the Master Race, as they called it, removing anyone they deemed "unfit for human life", the US had a sort of eugenics program running. The US would have forced sterilizations of those who were considered "unfit." This movement was rooted in scientific beliefs, seeking to control human reproduction. Policies unfairly targeted certain groups, reflecting barely hidden prejudices. This movement, inspired by Nazi ideologies, shows just how dangerous scientific abuse can be. Knowing this bit of history helps for understanding the debates on ethical research and genetics

18. The role slavery played in the American Revolution

-When Britain offered a friendly hand to enslaved people during the Revolutionary War, offering them freedom, this posed a massive threat to slaveholders. This offer made a major influence on the war, intensifying the fear of emancipation. Individuals who were enslaved were torn between the opposing sides. When one understands the difficult decisions to make in a time like that, it shows the contradictions one faces with the fight for independence

19. The actual effects of the GI Bill

-The GI Bill was a miracle for soldiers returning from WWII. This bill could allow a soldier to go to school if they wanted to. To buy a home. To do almost anything to make their life better after returning from combat. Unfortunately, the systematic racism meant the GI Bill was excluded from black veterans. These veterans were denied access to housing, educational opportunities. This inequality shows that it is important to guarantee that there is no reason why one group is allowed access to things while another is not, despite being in the same role. Understanding this is important for understanding the same opportunities for all veterans, no matter the skin color or race or ethnicity

25 Notorious Controversies in Movie Casting

When it comes to filming movies, sometimes casting is done right and sometimes casting is done wrong. It all depends on how you look at it. Sometimes, the biggest fail in casting ends up working out and making that film a success. Or it all comes crashing down and alienating fans of that film or series. It all comes down to how you look at the situation. According to MSN.com writer Brianna Zigler, here are 25 notorious controversies in movie casting.

1. Ghost in the Shell (2017)

-This film, starring Scarlet Johansson, was a live action film based on the widely popular manga series. There was outrage over the casting of a white actress to play the lead role, who was originally a Japanese person. Despite the plot being a Japanese woman being placed into a white woman's body, fans of the manga series still felt this was a slap in the face

-Rupert Sanders, who directed the film, defended the movie. He stated that Johansson was cast based on her popularity. Unfortunately, bad press and criticism almost guaranteed the movie was going to bomb at the box office. This movie did, however, have one good point come out of it. It forced Hollywood to change its policy on "whitewashed" casting. "Whitewash" is a term used when casting a Caucasian person into a role where someone of a different nationality or skin tone is needed. Such as making a person up to look Asian or black or whatever the role needs

2. The Great Wall (2016)

-Despite being filmed by a Chinese director, many felt that casting Matt Damon as a lead role was quite offensive. The film is supposed to take place during the Song Dynasty of China and the lead role is a white actor. Director Zhang Yimou and actor Matt Damon defended the choice of casting. They explained that the film is based in fantasy, not a rewrite of Chinese history. Damon is only one of the five heroes in the film. The other four are actually Chinese

3. The Danish Girl (2015)

-This film is about Lili Elbe, the first person to undergo gender confirmation surgery, also known as gender reassignment surgery. There was serious backlash at actor Eddie Redmayne playing the transgender Elbe. While promoting the film in 2015, Redmayne addressed the backlash while also seeming to avoid accountability. In an interview from 2021 with the Sunday Times, he said he regretted taking the role. "I wouldn't take it on now. I made that film with the best intentions, but I think it was a mistake." That same year, his co-star Alicia Vikander said she thought Redmayne gave a good performance, she understood the backlash he received

4. Casino Royale (2006)

-This one seems to really get the blood pressure up on fans of the highly successful James Bond series

-Daniel Craig's version of the iconic "license to kill" 007 James Bond was a far different version than the previous actors who have played this role. First and foremost, Daniel Craig was blonde and blue eyed, rather than the darker features of the previous actors. Not just the fans, but the press also made it an issue that Daniel Craig was cast as the new 007. Most of the actors who have played this role have been the tall, dark and handsome type. Debbie McWilliams, who directed this film, stated "The press response was awful and I felt so sorry for him, but in a funny kind of way I think it almost spurred him on to do his best (substituting profanity) to prove everybody wrong."

-Personally, I like the Daniel Craig James Bond films. They're great. He's giving the role of 007 a modern spin and I think it's great. I'm a fan of the James Bond films and they're all great in their own way. Yes, most of the actors were dark featured, but not all of them had brown hair or black hair and brown eyes or generally dark features. Timothy Dalton had black hair and blue eyes. Roger Moore had brown hair and blue eyes. The only ones who had brown or black hair and brown eyes were Pierce Brosnan, George Lazenby and Sean Connery.

-And for some reason, not a lot of fans of the James Bond series seem to like the Timothy Dalton-era films. The reason his version of Bond is a lot different than, say, Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Pierce Brosnan, is because Dalton wanted to take the role closer to the novel version of Bond. And the two films Dalton starred in featured more violence than the other films. Personally, I like the Timothy Dalton-era films. He was a good James Bond and he was very handsome

5. Nina (2016)

-Zoe Saldana received some serious backlash for her 2016 performance as Nina Simone. Objections to her being cast as the famous musician was revolving around her being a lighter skin-toned black-Latina actress rather than the darker toned black singer that Simone was. Saldana had to modify her appearance to look more like Simone. Which included a prosthetic nose, fake teeth and makeup to darken her skin. This led to Simone's daughter, Lisa Kelly, even criticizing the movie. "My mother was raised at a time when she was told her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark." Saldana admitted in a 2020 interview that she should have never taken this role on

6. The Lone Ranger (2013)

-A lot of people felt it was insensitive casting a white actor, Johnny Depp, to play the role of Tonto. But what a lot of people don't know is that he actually does have Cherokee in his heritage. In order to prepare for the role, Depp consulted with native leaders to make sure he did this role right. He was even adopted into the Commanche Nation as an honorary member in 2012. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer stated the Native American community supported the film. But the bad press was more than enough to keep the film from being successful at the box office

7. The Hunger Games (2012)

-It seems that casting Jennifer Lawrence as the lead role of Katniss Everdeen was doomed. In the story, the character is described as having olive skin, dark hair and gray eyes. Features that Jennifer Lawrence does not have. Some fans felt she should have never been cast as this role. Some fans even felt this should have been a chance for an actress who was not white to take the role. Director Gary Ross ignored these comments

8. Aloha (2015)

-Directed by Cameron Crowe, Emma Stone is an Air Force pilot named Allison Ng. She is of Hawaiian and Chinese heritage. Something Emma Stone clearly does not appear to be. This film received major bad press due to casting a white actress to play someone of Hawaiian and Oriental descent. Crowe made an attempt to clarify the reason he chose Emma for the role. He stated that Allison was supposed to be frustrated at the fact she didn't look Hawaiian nor Chinese. He offered apologies for this, despite the fact it didn't keep the film from having low ticket sales. As a result of this film, Emma Stone apologized publicly numerous times and is now aware of the tradition of whitewashing in Hollywood

9. The Godfather Pt. III (1990)

-Three decades after the original film, director Francis Ford Coppola's daughter Sofia is now a successful director. She is, unfortunately, remembered as having a part in The Godfather Pt. III. She played a teenaged Mary Corleone. Winona Ryder was originally cast, but dropped out due to exhaustion. Sofia stepped in. Francis Ford Coppola only chose his daughter because he felt she was the right age for the character. While being considered partly an act of nepotism, it was a last minute decision. Sofia wanted to help her father, who she described as being under a lot of pressure. In an interview with The New York Times in 2020, Sofia stated "It wasn't my dream to be an actress, so I wasn't crushed. I had other interests. It didn't destroy me."

10. Ghostbusters (2016)

-Many fans feel this new remake, with an all female overhaul, was not that good. Many of the male fans of the film felt this new all female reboot was a desecration of the original with Bill Murray. Harold Ramis. Ernie Hudson and Dan Akroyd. Featuring in the new remake is Kristina Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon. Of course, most male fans of the original movie put their opinions online, leading to major backlash. Most people seem to prefer the original without giving this one a chance

11. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

-Chris Pratt of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Parks and Recreation fame was cast in this film as the famous Italian red-clad plumber Mario. Social media provided plenty of skepticism as many felt that Pratt didn't have the proper voice acting skills to give Mario his iconic Italian accent. Instead, it sounded like his normal speaking voice. Despite Pratt defending the film, many felt it was less than good when it finally debuted

12. Iron Man (2008)

-It's hard to imagine Iron Man being played by anyone other than Robert Downey Jr. His portrayal of Tony Stark is sarcastic, arrogant and just hilarious. When the film went into production a decade ago, things looked a lot different. Many people felt he was not up to the tough task of playing the role of Tony Stark. Because of his extensive drug addiction history and repeated stints in jail, he was all but blacklisted in Hollywood. Marvel Studios president David Maisel carried out a long, tough fight to prove Robert Downey Jr was the perfect person to play the billionaire tech mogul Tony Stark. Thankfully, the fight paid off. And with this second chance in hand, Robert Downey Jr took the role, made it his own and also made it successful in many ways. It also proved he deserved a second chance, to put the past behind him. Now he is permanently linked with the role of Iron Man

13. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

-Rather than choose an actor of Iranian descent or other Middle Eastern descent, Jake Gyllenhaal was chosen to play the lead role. Many felt this was a form of whitewashing-using a white actor or actress to play a role of someone in a different ethnic group. This film is based on the highly successful video game series. A decade later, Jake Gyllenhaal revealed in an interview "You're bound to slip up and be like 'That wasn't right for me' or 'That didn't fit perfectly.' There have been a number of roles like that. And then a number of roles that do."

14. Taxi Driver (1976)

-Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is one of his best known films. Jodie Foster, just in her early teens, played a child prostitute named Iris in 1970s New York City. There was strong criticism about her playing such a mature role. In a 2021 interview, Jodie Foster stated she underwent extensive psychological tests with a psychiatrist from UCLA to guarantee playing this mature role would not leave her traumatized. She was proud to be in it, according to her

15. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

-Director Jean-Marc Vallee came under fire for having a transgender woman appear in the film. Playing this transgender woman is Jared Leto, an actor most notably known for his role as vocalist for the band Thirty Seconds to Mars. His character was a transgender woman who had been stricken with the AIDS virus. At the time, Vallee had not considered hiring a real transgender woman because he was unsure or believed there were no trans actors. Leo defended himself as best as possible, but to no avail. There was serious pushback about straight actors or actresses playing transgender roles. Another factor of this movie that put it under fire is the lead role of Ron Woodroof. He was portrayed as straight and homophobic, while the real Ron Woodroof was not homophobic and was perhaps bisexual

16. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

-At the time this film was made, it was not out of the question to take a white actor or actress and put them in makeup and tape their eyes into position to look Oriental. This film is a good example. In this film, Mickey Rooney was made up to look Oriental, specifically Japanese for his role as Mr. Yunioshi. This includes buck teeth, an exaggerated Japanese accent, his eyelids taped into position and yellow makeup. This is a nod to the rather racist past Hollywood had in terms of Oriental actors and actresses

-While it might have been funny at the time, in this now politically correct world, it's considered offensive. Mickey Rooney expressed regret over taking the role near the final years of his life. In 2022, streaming platforms showed this movie without Rooney's role in it. This, unfortunately led to a whole new debate on censorship and whether art should be viewed within a historical context

17. A Mighty Heart (2007)

-In this film, Angelina Jolie plays the role of an Afro-Cuban journalist named Mariane Pearl. There were some serious accusations that Jolie had used makeup to darken her skin. Criticism was strong with this film, and in a 2007 Time Magazine interview, Jolie had been personally defended by the real Mariane Pearl. According to Pearl: "She put her whole heart into it, and I think she understood why we should do this movie. We had something to say that we knew we should say together."

18. The Conqueror (1956)

-There were many controversies with this film. First and foremost, famed Western film actor John Wayne taking to putting on yellow makeup and getting made up to look Asian. Second, this film was such a box office bomb that RKO Pictures went bankrupt. Third, this film was done near a site being used to test nuclear bombs. It's widely believed that a massive number of crew and cast succumbed to death from various forms of cancer due to the nuclear fallout

19. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

-Superhero fans are fiercely protective of their idols. When something messes with their superheroes, they are quick to come to the defense. When it comes to the movies, responses can be both positive and negative about who plays what role. This was plainly obvious when Ben Affleck was chosen to play Batman, aka The Dark Knight. While being interviewed by Howard Stern, Affleck said he was "hurt" by the criticism. Some of which included fan petitions to get someone else cast. Surprisingly, Affleck was cast as Batman in at least five DC Comics films 

20. The Dark Knight (2008)

-It's incredibly hard to imagine that casting Heath Ledger as The Joker was met with fierce doubt. When he took on the role of The Joker, it set the bar high for anyone who took on this role in years to come. His portrayal of The Joker was incredibly close, if not spot on, with the version from the comics. Of course, when the decision to hire Ledger as The Joker became public knowledge, fans took to social media, calling it "the worst casting decision ever made." Jonathan Nolan, screenplay writer and brother of Christopher Nolan, defended the casting of Ledger. Of course, the defense paid off-Ledger made the movie great

21. Music (2021)

-Sia, a world famous pop singer, came under fire for a role she had taken in 2021. That role was that of a director. She had hired Maddie Ziegler to play an autistic woman despite the actress not being anywhere on the autistic spectrum. It's been a recent debate in Hollywood about whether actors or actresses could successfully play those who were disabled, special needs or considered neurodivergent. Many felt that the role Ziegler played was an offensive stereotype. Rather than be productive and handle the situation respectfully, Sia went on to Twitter and gave backlash back to those dishing it out initially. She states the situation caused her severe mental distress. She has issued an apology, but a few years later, Sia came out with the fact she herself is on the autism spectrum

22. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

-Fans of the Batman series were less than pleased to hear that Anne Hathaway, of The Devil Wears Prada fame, was cast as Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. Comic book fan spaces are a breeding ground for heated opinions and more. Some fans want to know how the characters will look and when they heard Hathaway was cast as Catwoman, they felt she didn't fit their fantasy. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of public hate against Anne Hathaway

23. The Last Airbender (2010)

-M. Night Shyamalan directed the live action film of the popular anime cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender. Unfortunately, the film failed at the box office. Many suspect the reason behind the failure is the casting. The cartoon features those who are of Asian descent. The film featured mostly white actors and actresses. While Shyamalan did defend his "colorblind" form of casting, the backlash from fans and critics was loud and clear. Luckily, there was a series remade for Netflix called Avatar: The Last Airbender. And this time around, the casting was far more appropriate

24. Doctor Strange (2016)

-In this 2016 film, white actress Tilda Swinton was cast as a magic expert named The Ancient One. In the comics, the character was shown as a Tibetan man. In the film, the character was revamped as Celtic and androgynous. Swinton stated the character in the film was not meant to be of Asian descent while co-screenwriter C. Robert Cargill stated he was unwilling to alienate Chinese markets. In the end, serious regret over the casting decision won out

25. Pan (2015)

-Because the original story was written in the early 20th century, not much was known about indigenous people. In 1953, when Disney released Peter Pan, it featured Native Americans in an offensive manner. In this new remake, the character Tiger Lily was given to white actress Rooney Mara. Later on, she expressed regret over taking the role

15 Red Flags to Keep an Eye Out For When Checking Into a Hotel

Like the old saying goes, "You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." This phrase is an apt phrase that can apply to hotels. Hotels pride themselves on making for a good first impression. They want their guests to have clean, comfortable rooms and provide great service to ensure these guests become repeat guests. But when hotels are less than clean and comfortable, and provide less than stellar service, problems will arise. According to MSN.com writer Mia Roberts and from the MSN.com page Beyond the Journey, here are 15 red flags to look for upon checking into a hotel

Also, you might see me add a few bits of my own advice. From times I've stayed in a hotel while on trips. You also might see me put a little of what I have experienced from each of these on each one

1. Strange smells

-When first entering a hotel room, were there any odors that seemed like they didn't belong? Musty? Mildewy? Moldy? Those are immediate red flags. Unpleasant odors indicate poor cleaning skills or hidden threats such as mold and mildew

-Mold and mildew can play merry havoc with those who have allergies or breathing difficulties. This is a good place to question the hygiene standards of the hotel. Prior to unpacking, consider asking to change rooms or inspecting the room to find the source of the smell. Minor hints can lead to major discoveries. Like you trust your gut, your nose never lies. Your sense of smell is reliable in detecting unseen hygiene concerns. If you address this immediately with staff, it will have a huge impact on your stay

2. Sticky surfaces

-In your room, if you touched something and immediately felt some resistance upon pulling your hand back or felt sticky, that's a no no. No room surface should feel sticky. Sticky surfaces are a clear indicator of poor cleaning practices and poor sanitation. These surfaces can harbor germs, creating health hazards. It's important to address this ASAP!! Wipe down the surfaces with a disinfecting wipe and or then alert hotel staff. Being ahead of the game can drastically reduce the chance of taking home germs or viruses with you. Health is key, and it should not be put into unnecessary risks due to poor cleaning

3. Noisy environment

-Sleep is vital for many things. But what to do if your hotel is noisy? What if there are kids running up and down the hall at all hours of the night? What if it's next to a busy train track that has freight trains running at all hours? Consistent noise can reduce your sleep and make for a poor stay

-Check to see if there were noise complaints made against the hotel. Check for notices of construction prior to booking. Sometimes hotels will not, unfortunately, put notices of construction on their sites. If you've already checked in, request a room away from elevators or frequently traversed streets. As for the train running at all hours, unfortunately the only thing that can be done about that is checking out and checking into a different hotel farther away from train tracks. Earplugs can save lives. Especially the thick foam ones. Address these noise concerns with staff immediately

4. Inconsistent front desk service

-The front desk is your first point of contact when staying in a hotel. When the staff seems less than interested in assisting guests, and more interesting in socializing or messing around with their mobile phones, that can set a bad mood for your stay. It signals bad management. Picture this. Standing in a line for what seems like ages with out help. This is a strong suggestion of poor management and equally poor training. Well-trained hotel staff do not let guests stand around waiting while they check their social media to see what their friends are up to. Well-trained hotel staff attend to guests and ensure they are receiving top notch service.

-Do not hesitate to address concerns if you feel the service is less than stellar. Feedback is vital to improving the hotel's service. First impressions are key, and if your first impression is less than stellar, that can hurt your stay

5. Broken / malfunctioning amenities

-Amenities are needed during some people's stays. They book these hotels sometimes just for the amenities in addition to their stay. What if they are not working as normal? Broken TV or air conditioner can become more than minor nuisances. This is a red flag for poor maintenance. Check the amenities when you arrive. If you discover these broken or malfunctioning amenities right away and address it with hotel staff right away, it can be fixed faster. Remember this. You are paying to stay in a hotel, and as such, amenities need to be fixed right away to get the most for your money. Being up front and assertive about getting repairs done will guarantee your stay is as comfortable as possible

6. Lack of security

-Safety is key when staying in a hotel. If you are bringing valuables with you, such as jewelry, keys, money, passport and more, it's important to stash those away in a safe, out of sight. When checking into a hotel, adequate lighting and functional locks are highly important. If security seems less than ideal, there's a red flag. It indicates a lack of concern for guest safety. You should address safety concerns with staff immediately. Peace of mind for guests is one thing hotel staff should keep an eye on. Trust your gut instinct. If a hotel just feels "off", like you feel the security is less than ideal, check out immediately or don't bother checking in and seek alternative accommodations. Your safety is important and you should not put yourself or others at risk just because the hotel was affordable or ideally located

7. Lack of basic supplies

-Have you ever walked into a room and noticed some basic necessities were missing? Such as towels, washcloths, soap or other items? This can be frustrating. Always check for the things you need, such as washcloths, towels, toiletries, bottled drinking water, etc. upon entering the hotel room. If these supplies are missing, contact hotel staff and kindly let them know these items are missing. This is a red flag signaling a lack of service standards. Contact the front desk immediately and let them know. Well-managed hotels immediately respond to this concern. As a guest, you deserve to have a good stay and all necessary supplies at the ready

8. Stained linens

-Hotel rooms are supposed to be cleaned after guests check out. That includes fresh, clean linens. What if you discover suspicious or disgusting stains on your bed linens? That's not only a health hazard, but a potential red flag. It indicates neglect of cleanliness. If you find stains on your bed linens, immediately notify hotel staff. Let them know you would like new, clean linens or request a completely different room. Comfort and peace of mind go hand in hand when you are the guest of a hotel. This should never be put at risk. Taking action guarantees you are not settling for less than ideal service. Because you don't know who was in the room prior to you. You don't know if the prior guest had a contagious disease and, if the linens are stained, you risk picking up a condition you don't want

9. Outdated decor

-"You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." This phrase can be used in so many situations. Including hotel rooms. If the decor is outdated, this is a red flag. It indicates neglect in other areas as well. It might not directly affect comfort, but it can reveal the hotel's obvious lack of upkeep and attention to detail. Think about whether this would affect your stay. If the room feels as though it's been abandoned or neglected, it would be worth it to address these concerns with hotel staff. They won't know about the problem unless you let them know. Hotel rooms should feel like an extension of home-fresh, clean and inviting

10. Poorly maintained grounds

-The surrounding area of a hotel will reflect the level of management on site. If the grounds are poorly maintained, this is a red flag. It indicates there is poor management, lack of resources or lack of care. You need to address these issues with staff. Let them know that the grounds are poorly maintained. That there is litter everywhere or that there are wildlife rooting through the overflowing trashcans. Surroundings need to be pleasant just like the rooms

11. Non responsive housekeeping

-Housekeeping is one of the crucial roles in hotels. They clean the rooms. They change the sheets. They help maintain cleanliness and comfort until the next guest comes in. But what if they don't seem to respond? This indicates a lack of staffing. This can reflect very poorly on the hotel operations. Communicate any concerns with hotel staff immediately. Well-managed hotels should address guest concerns efficiently

12. Seemingly "invisible" billing

-Billing should be clear and present. No hotel should secretly bill you for things you didn't already agree to or pay for. Hidden charges are one thing hotels are not supposed to push on to their guests. Unfortunately, some hotels do this. And they are slow to respond on refunds of money, if they do them at all. Some hotels refuse to dispute these hidden charges. Look at your bill with a detective's eye. Anything amiss should be addressed immediately. Reputable hotels should provide clear and precise billing and explanations for any charges. When you understand your bill, you understand you are only paying for what you agreed to. Clarity and conciseness in billing makes for a smooth check out

13. Limited dining options

-Dining options can make or break your stay. So what if you accidentally sleep in and go down to breakfast, only to find that the options are limited, or worse, the breakfast time is only two hours and the the breakfast items are already put away and the cleaning staff is cleaning up? Make sure to check for all and any available dining options prior to booking. If eating is important to you, do this. Look for restaurants around the hotel you're planning on staying in so that if the hotel staff decides to cheap you out with a limited set of options or limited breakfast time, you'll still be covered

14. Unpleasant staff attitude

-Warm welcomes provide a good impression for your stay. What if the staff is less than friendly? What if the staff has an attitude that says they would rather be anywhere but there? What if they actually say what they would rather be doing than working? That is a major red flag. Good hospitality depends on good customer service. If the staff seems like they could care less if a good job is done, that is a signal that the hotel is awash in poor management issues. Do not hesitate for even a moment to address this with management. Guest satisfaction should always be a number one priority. When guests are treated kindly, this will guarantee that the guest will come back and, better yet, put out the word that the hotel is good, thus bringing more guests to the hotel. Feedback can lead to positive changes. Kindness and respect are two things you should be treated to in your stay

15. Poor room ventilation

-Air quality can not only affect your stay, but it can also affect your health. If the room feels stuffy, something is off. Poor ventilation can affect sleep. Check for windows that open and close and air conditioning units that function properly. If either of these options are malfunctioning, request a change of room or a solution. You shouldn't have to worry about breathing easy in a hotel. Health and comfort of guests is important and addressing these concerns right away will improve your stay

A few tips of my own...

-Here are a few tips of my own. So you can avoid running into what I had to experience. They are sort of add ons to what is already mentioned above

Check the beds

-This is in relation to the stained linens. Check the beds!! Any sign of movement, meaning you see something crawling around that definitely does not belong, do not linger in this room! That means there are bedbugs or other insects present. The last thing you need to take home from your stay is an unwanted insect. If you find unwanted insects, immediately take your luggage and leave the room. Request a change of room immediately or check out and find other lodgings

-Experience: Me and my sister went to the Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, Ohio in 2015. It was out first road trip. We were going to see Linkin Park and Judas Priest, among other bands there. The only hotel we could get into was right off the highway, a Comfort Inn & Suites because all of the other hotels were booked solid. It was on the lower end of the hotel chains. Later on, when we got home, we didn't realize until a couple of days later that the room we stayed in had bedbugs. We accidentally put out luggage on the foldable luggage rack. We didn't know the room was infested with them. It was our first trip without our parents. We were kind of winging it and doing what we thought was right. And because of the bedbug issue, we had to have our house treated with high heat to kill everyone of the insects. I didn't mind paying the $600 extermination fee, but it was embarrassing. The exterminator kindly told us that it doesn't matter if our house is so clean we could eat off of the floor or it was a dirty hovel. Bedbugs can happen anywhere. There's nothing to be embarrassed about

Housekeeping Staff

-Some of the hotels I've stayed in within the US have employed Hispanic staff and they may or may not know much English. I've found it improves my stay and earns me good karma to greet them using a little Spanish that I do know. Treat the housekeeping staff the same way you would want to be treated. Say hello or treat them with kindness. Tell them to have a nice day. Compliment them. After all, it is them who is cleaning up after YOU! And also, do not litter you room. Pick up after yourselves. Make their job easier! Tip them for good service. Not everyday, but every other day. Just to let them know you appreciate their hard work

Limited dining options

-When you are going somewhere, look into dining options around the hotel you're staying at. So that if the hotel decides to limit options or operation time for breakfast, you'll still have options. You can either have a list of restaurants in the area or pull them up on your phone. But it's always good to have options or backup plans in case things go sideways, pear-shaped, however you would like to put it. I started researching hotels and dining options in the Orlando, Florida area last year because in 2026, I am planning on going on vacation for a week to Universal Studios Orlando. I have a list of all hotels within a reasonable driving distance of the park. I have the address and phone number for all of those hotels. I have the pros and cons for each of them, the amenities offered and restaurants near them. I could probably be a good a travel agent with the research I do. Most of the negative comments I seen about these hotels was noisy AC. That don't bother me; it's white noise

-This is what it looks like on my list of hotels:

Hotel name

-Address and phone number

-Anything it might be near, to use as a guide to get back from my destination

-Amenities offered

-Pros

-Cons

-Restaurants nearby

-Experience: Related to the dining option and me and my sister staying in Columbus, Ohio for the Rock on the Range festival, we accidentally slept in, as many of our fellow hotel guests did. We all went down to get the "free continental breakfast" only to find that the operating hours were from 6:00am-8:00am. I looked at my watch. It was 9:00am. Me and many of the guests had slept in. We all looked at the breakfast room and some staff were clearing up and cleaning while the other staff were eating breakfast from the hotel right in front of us. More than a bit rude if you ask me. The hotel staff clearly didn't understand people who go to music festivals tend to sleep in.

-Every guest proceeded to go to a local Bob Evans restaurant up the street. Most of the staff there at the restaurant had probably seen an invasion of rock and metal band-shirted people like this before. They knew around that time every year, which was around mid-May, a music festival was in town and usually that Sunday, the last day of the festival, everyone from the local hotels came here because their hotel staff were a bunch of cheapskates and shut down breakfast too early. One older woman asked me why everyone was wearing what looked like a music t-shirt. I, while wearing my Iron Maiden Killers t-shirt, informed her that there was a music festival in town and that everyone was staying at the same hotel and missed breakfast because it was only for two hours and everyone overslept

13 Tips for a First Time Trip to Japan

Planning a first time trip to Japan? There are some things you need to know before setting off to the land of samurai, geisha and Mount Fuji. According to MSN.com, here are some tips for a first timer going to Japan.

1. Cash will get you far

-Despite many places using electronic payment, payment cards and various other forms of payment, there are still a few places here and there that prefer cash. Make sure you have enough paper money or coins on you just to make sure you can pay. ATMs can be found in convenience stores and the local post offices. Just know that some ATMs will not accept foreign payment cards, so ensure you have plenty of cash on hand prior to coming to Japan. Learn about the exchange rate of yen and always carry more than you need to cover any unexpected hiccups

2. Public transportation

-Public transportation in Japan is top notch. They are always on time. And if they are not, they will issue delay certificates. If extensive travel in Japan is something you're planning on doing, invest in a Japan Rail Pass. This will slash costs for transportation. Trains are always on time and stations will have signs in multiple languages, so there's no fear of getting lost with the foreign signage. Download a transportation app that will help with planning a route to somewhere. Stand on the correct side of the escalators (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka) and allow passengers on the train or subway to exit prior to boarding

3. Etiquette and manners

-Japan is known for its high level of etiquette and manners. Simple things like bowing when you greet someone, saying arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me) are always well appreciated. Even if you're not fully fluent in the language, the locals will appreciate the effort you put into using these simple phrases. You must always remove shoes prior to entering homes or certain types of accommodations. It's all in the name of cleanliness. While on public transportation, avoid speaking loudly. It is considered disrespectful and rude to speak loudly. When coughing / sneezing, cover your mouth to avoid spreading germs. Personal space is highly respected, so respect the space of others around you. Learning how the local etiquette works will ensure you show proper respect and will earn you respect from the locals

4. Language barrier

-People have, for the longest time, thought Japanese was the hardest language to learn. No language is difficult to learn; it's just some people pick up languages easier than others. While in Japan, learning a few basic phrases will get you far. Some people in Japan do know basic English while some may not. If you learn some basic Japanese, that will get you pretty far and it will show the locals you put in a conscious effort to learn their language. Translation apps or phrasebooks always come in handy in areas where English is less frequently spoken. Most major cities have signs in multiple languages. Gestures and body language also helps communicate your message. Locals will appreciate the effort

5. Adventures with Food

-Japan is one of those countries whose food is as rich and unique as the culture. Where else would you find food like squid, tuna and other sea food transformed into new foods? There's something for everyone. Many restaurants feature picture menus or plastic food displays to show what is on offer. Street food is a must. There's just something about street food sizzling on an open grill that just adds a little something extra to your trip. Don't worry about stepping outside your comfort zone and try new foods; that's the whole point of going to a foreign country. Trying new foods. Gaining new experiences. Dining in Japan can be as memorable as the sights and sounds you'll see and hear. It provides a great look into one of the more interesting cultures of the world

6. Convenience stores

-Convenience stores in Japan are amazing places. They sell all sorts of items. From bento boxes to beer and more. They also stock items such as personal hygiene items, stationery and even clothing. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Known as konbini in Japanese, these are handy little places to go if you need anything. Just remember to have cash on hand in case they only accept cash

7. Safety

-Japan is one of the safer countries in the world. That's not to say that petty crime doesn't happen from time to time. It's still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary. It's not uncommon to see young school kids travelling by themselves on the trains and buses. Emergency services are fast and reliable. Knowing a few phrases in Japanese will also help. Police officers will have call boxes that you can use to request police assistance

8. Wi-Fi and connectivity

-A lot of people often use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. Sometimes it can get spotty depending on where you are. You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or get a SIM card to stay connected. Many of the cafes, convenience stores and hotels have Wi-Fi. But if you have your own Wi-Fi device, you can access maps, translations and other online information at any given time. This will be immensely helpful if you are trying to access information about public transportation and finding sights to see

9. Cultural Sites

-Japan is rich with cultural sites that pose great importance to their heritage and culture. Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and culture, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was in the film Memoirs of a Geisha. Tokyo is an interesting mix of traditional Japan with modern day sights and sounds. Many of these cultural sites have signage in multiple languages. You can even join a guided tour. When you visit these places, it opens your eyes to the wondrous, rich and beautiful culture that makes Japan one of a kind

10. Seasonal attractions

-Almost every season has something to look forward to. Spring is the season of the cherry blossoms blooming. Autumn brings explosions of color from the leaves and trees. Summer is festival season while winter is good for snow-based activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and enjoying hot springs or onsen as they are known. Plan your trip depending on the season to take advantage of what Japan has to offer. There's always something interesting to do in Japan for each of the four seasons

11. Tipping

-Tipping is not done in Japan. To offer a tip is considered rude. Excellent service is a gold standard in Japan. People pride themselves on providing excellent service. By tipping, you are, without necessarily saying it, that the person needs to improve their customer service. It's considered rude and impolite. There are ways of expressing your gratitude without tipping. You can verbally show your appreciation or present a small gift. Understanding this principle of Japanese culture will earn you respect from the locals and avoid strange situations. It will also show that you respect the traditions

12. Onsen etiquette

-Onsen, or "hot springs" are a major part of Japanese culture. As such, there is a certain etiquette that must be adhered to strictly. Prior to entering an onsen, you must clean yourself completely at one of the wash stations. Swimwear is not allowed due to being considered unsanitary. You bathe naked. Tattoos may be banned. Call ahead and find out what the policy is on tattoos. Some in Japan are uncomfortable seeing tattoos because of the strong cultural connection between them and the Japanese Mafia, also known as the Yakuza. These underworld gangsters are known for full body tattoos

13. Respect nature

-Japan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. So many wonders, both natural and man made. The parks, gardens and natural sites reflect a deep sense of awe and wonder, and a deep sense of respect of nature. As a tourist, it would be in your best interest to respect the nature there as well. There are guidelines that must be strictly adhered to. Do not pick flowers. Stay on the marked paths. Carry any trash with you; don't litter. If you show respect, this will earn you respect from the locals and also ensure future generations can visit these beautiful places