While we grapple with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the very real threat of climate catastrophe, some continue to indulge in a brand of luxury that spews pollution into the atmosphere at an alarming rate. Private jets are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and their impact is magnified when considering the unnecessary short trips many billionaires take. Trips that could be done by car, train, or even bicycle are instead taken in private jets, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in their wake. Here are some outrageous examples of ultra-short private jet flights taken by billionaires. Newsflash: the disconnect between exorbitant wealth and ecological responsibility is shockingly vast:
Kim Kardashian
It is a 17-minute flight from Van Nuys, California, to Burbank, California, a distance of just 12 miles (19 km) that could have easily been covered by car.
Floyd Mayweather
A 10-minute flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, a mere 200-mile (322 km) trip achievable by car or high-speed rail in a fraction of the time.
Alex Rodriguez
A 20-minute flight from Miami to the Bahamas, a 186-mile (300 km) journey that could have been completed by ferry or commercial airline with minimal environmental impact.
Steven Spielberg
A brief 15-minute hop from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, California, a distance of only 80 miles (129 km), readily doable by car.
Mark Wahlberg
A quick 17-minute private jet flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, a 120-mile (193 km) trip that wouldn’t take much longer by car.
Richard Branson
A leisurely 25-minute flight from his private Necker Island to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, a mere 10 miles (16 km) apart, easily accessible by boat.
Oprah Winfrey
A 15-minute private jet flight from Chicago to St. Louis, a 290-mile (467 km) distance readily served by commercial airlines.
Travis Barker
A needless 12-minute private jet flight from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, a distance of just 80 miles (129 km) easily covered by car.
Kylie Jenner
A short 12-minute private jet flight from Van Nuys, California, to Palm Springs, California, a 100-mile (161 km) trip accessible by car.
Jay-Z
A quick 15-minute flight from Teterboro, New Jersey to the Hamptons in New York, a distance of only 70 miles (113 km) readily doable by car or train.
Leonardo DiCaprio
A brief 20-minute private jet flight from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Nantucket, Massachusetts, a 186-mile (300 km) trip commercially available by plane or accessible by train and ferry.
Paris Hilton
A frivolous 10-minute private jet flight from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas, a 200-mile (322 km) distance easily covered by car or high-speed rail.
Tom Cruise
A quick 15-minute private jet flight from Burbank, California, to Santa Monica, California, a mere 20 miles (32 km), readily achievable by car or public transportation.
Jeff Bezos
A leisurely 20-minute private jet flight from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada, a 130-mile (209 km) trip readily served by commercial airlines, or even a scenic ferry ride.
Elon Musk
A reported 15-minute flight from San Jose to Sacramento, California, a distance of just 120 miles (193 km), easily covered by car or high-speed rail.
Donald Trump
Multiple reports of short private jet flights between his properties in Florida and New Jersey, ranging from 90 to 180 miles (145 to 290 km) – trips achievable by car or commercial airlines.
The Saudi Royal Family
Known for their extravagant use of private jets, including instances of short flights within Saudi Arabia itself, highlighting the unnecessary nature of such travel.
Marc Cuban
While specific details are limited, reports suggest Cuban has taken short private jet flights within Texas, a state with a well-developed highway system.
Peter Thiel
Similar to Marc Cuban, reports suggest Thiel has taken short private jet flights within California, a state with extensive car and high-speed rail options.
Mukesh Ambani
The richest man in India, Ambani, has been linked to short private jet flights within India despite a growing domestic airline network.
Your glove compartment is a double-edged sword. It’s a convenient spot for car essentials, but it can also be a target for thieves or become a damage zone, depending on what you keep inside. A study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau survey on glove compartment items found that a shocking 60% of people admit to leaving valuables in their car, making them prime targets for smash-and-grab thefts. So here are 14 items (including a few surprising ones) you should never store in your glove compartment:
Garage Door Opener
Think “two birds, one stone” for thieves. A stolen opener grants access to your home in addition to your car. Consider a spare opener hidden inside your house instead.
Spare Car Key
Tempting fate? According to the NICB survey, a whopping 70% of stolen vehicles have a spare key readily available. Opt for a hidden magnetic key box under your car for a safer option.
Registration and Insurance
These documents are crucial for the police during a traffic stop, but keeping them in the car is risky. Instead, photocopy them and keep them in your wallet for easy access.
Personal Documents
Passports, social security cards, and bank statements are a goldmine for identity thieves. There’s no safer place for these than at home in a locked safe.
Electronics
Extreme car temperatures can be brutal on your gadgets. A 2020 American Automobile Association study on electronics and heat found that prolonged heat exposure can damage laptops, phones, and tablets. Invest in a portable car cooler for medications that also need to stay chilled.
Perishable Food
Leaving snacks or drinks in your glove compartment is an invitation for mold and unpleasant odors. Skip the glove box stash and pack a cooler bag for road trips.
Aerosol Cans
The heat inside a parked car can turn these into ticking time bombs. Hairspray, deodorant, and even canned air for cleaning can explode under extreme temperatures. Store them elsewhere to avoid a potential fire hazard.
Medications
Not all medications are created equal. Heat and fluctuating temperatures can degrade the effectiveness of certain life-saving drugs. Talk to your pharmacist about proper storage recommendations to ensure they work when you need them most.
Flammable Items
This one’s a no-brainer. Lighters, matches, and even flammable cleaning supplies pose a serious fire risk, especially in your car’s enclosed space. Keep them out of your glove compartment and away from direct sunlight.
Valuables
Jewelry, sunglasses, and electronics are like flashing neon signs to thieves. A quick stop at the gas station can turn into a disaster, and even a small window break can mean a big loss. Keep these valuables with you or safely tucked away at home.
Receipts and Old Paperwork
Unless they’re essential tax documents, declutter your glove compartment! Shred or recycle these. A cluttered box makes it harder to find the important stuff you actually need, like jumper cables or a flashlight.
Cash
Leaving a stash of cash is a bad idea. Consider a hidden car safe bolted to a discreet location if you need emergency money. Another option is a prepaid debit card with a limited balance to avoid a major financial loss.
Weapons
Not only are there legal restrictions on where you can store weapons, but an unattended weapon in your car is a safety hazard. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could be used to harm you or others.
Extra House Keys
If someone steals your car with a spare house key inside it, your entire home is at risk. There are much safer ways to grant access to someone in case of emergency, like having a trusted neighbor hold a spare key.
Epic summer trips to theme parks are a quintessential part of the American childhood. The feeling of pure joy riding a coaster that seemed to defy gravity, the sugar rush from funnel cakes, and the awe-inspiring shows that made our jaws drop. Even as grown-ups, many of us have fond memories of some of these legendary parks. Get ready for a blast from the past as we revisit 14 theme parks that were childhood favorites back in the 1970s! Even though some may not be around anymore, the rides, shows, and experiences live on in our memory (and maybe a few grainy vacation photos)
Walt Disney World (Florida, 1971)
It all began in 1971 when the “Happiest Place on Earth” opened its gates in Florida. Walt Disney World revolutionized the theme park industry, offering immersive experiences for guests of all ages. Visitors could explore iconic locations like Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, each brimming with rides, shows, and attractions that transported them to different worlds. Fantasyland brought classic Disney characters to life, while Liberty Square celebrated American history.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia, 1975)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg transported guests to a bygone era, offering a taste of 18th-century Europe. Officially opened in 1975, the park quickly gained popularity for its immersive themed areas, showcasing the architecture, culture, and cuisine of countries like France, England, and Germany. Visitors could explore charming villages, ride thrilling coasters like the Loch Ness Monster, and enjoy captivating live shows that brought history to life. Offering a unique blend of education and entertainment, it was a popular destination for families seeking a cultural and thrilling theme park experience.
Marineland of Florida (Florida, 1964)
Marineland of Florida held a special place in the hearts of many children in the 1970s. One of the first oceanariums in the United States, Marineland offered a window into the underwater world, allowing visitors to marvel at the beauty and grace of dolphins, whales, and other marine animals. Some of the park’s main attractions were educational shows featuring trained dolphins and thrilling performances by killer whales. Sadly, Marineland closed its doors in 2009, but it will remain a cherished memory of childhood wonder and fascination with the ocean’s inhabitants for a generation of visitors.
Six Flags Magic Mountain (California, 1971)
Opened in 1971, Six Flags Magic Mountain quickly became a haven for thrill-seekers. The park boasted a collection of heart-pounding roller coasters that pushed the boundaries of design and engineering at the time. Colossus, with its double corkscrew inversions, and Goliath, a sprawling wooden coaster, were among the rides that sent shivers down the spines of daring teenagers. The Racer, a wooden racing coaster with two tracks, offered a friendly competition between riders. Six Flags Magic Mountain became a pilgrimage site for coaster enthusiasts and a symbol of the growing popularity of adrenaline-pumping theme park experiences.
Kings Island (Ohio, 1972)
Located near Cincinnati, Kings Island became a major family entertainment destination in the 1970s. The park offered a diverse range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The centerpiece of Kings Island was a replica of the Eiffel Tower, which provided breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s sprawling grounds. Thrill-seekers could test their courage on The Racer, a high-speed wooden coaster, while younger children enjoyed gentler rides and whimsical shows. Kings Island became a popular getaway for families in the Midwest, offering a day filled with laughter, excitement, and lasting memories.
Disneyland (California, 1955)
The original “Happiest Place on Earth” in Anaheim, California, had already established itself as a pop culture phenomenon by the 1970s. Even decades after its opening, Disneyland continued to enchant guests with beloved attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and “It’s a Small World.” New additions in the 1970s, like the Pirates of the Caribbean (opened in 1967), further solidified the park’s reputation for imaginative storytelling and immersive experiences.
Knott’s Berry Farm (California, 1940)
What began as a boysenberry farm in the 1920s blossomed into a beloved theme park by the 1940s. By the 1970s, Knott’s Berry Farm offered a unique blend of attractions that catered to families. Guests could explore a meticulously recreated Ghost Town complete with saloons and gunfights, take a scenic ride on the Calico Railroad, or experience the thrills of the ever-popular Peril of the Pit, a gravity-defying mine car ride.
Cedar Point (Ohio, 1870)
One of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, Cedar Point has been a source of summertime fun since the 1870s. By the 1970s, the park had established a reputation for its collection of classic wooden roller coasters, renowned for their white-knuckle drops and thrilling turns. The Blue Streak, a racing coaster with a long and storied history, and the Magnum XL-200, a massive wooden coaster that broke height and speed records with its 1989 debut, were among the park’s crown jewels. Cedar Point’s beautiful lakeside setting and nostalgic charm made it a beloved tradition for generations of families.
Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom (Pennsylvania, 1884)
Another historic park steeped in tradition, Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom offered a delightful mix of rides, shows, and attractions in the 1970s. The park began as a resort in 1884 with a trout hatchery and quickly evolved into a popular entertainment destination. In the 1970s, families flocked to Dorney Park for classic rides, refreshing water features like Thunder Canyon, and captivating live entertainment. The addition of Wild Water Kingdom in 1979 further solidified Dorney Park’s position as a premier summertime getaway, offering a combination of dry land thrills and splashy water adventures for all ages.
Hersheypark (Pennsylvania, 1906)
Chocolate lovers everywhere rejoiced at Hersheypark, the “sweetest place on Earth.” The park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offered a delightful escape into a world of chocolate-themed fun in the 1970s. Rides like the iconic Kissing Comet, a swinging pendulum ride, and the thrilling Wild Mouse, a dark indoor coaster, provided excitement for all ages. Guests could indulge in sweet treats like Hershey’s Kisses and chocolate bars throughout the park, making Hersheypark a genuinely unique and delectable theme park experience.
Astroworld (Texas, 1968)
Originally a creation of TMC Broadcasting, Astroworld offered a blend of excitement and entertainment for families in Texas throughout the 1970s. The park boasted diverse rides, from thrilling roller coasters like the Texas Cyclone to gentler attractions suitable for young children. Live shows entertained guests throughout the day, featuring everything from acrobatic feats to musical performances. Astroworld also offered educational exhibits showcasing different cultures and historical periods. The park closed in 2005 but left an enduring mark on many who experienced its unique blend of rides, shows, and attractions.
Legoland Billund (Denmark, 1968)
For LEGO enthusiasts, a trip to Legoland Billund in Denmark was a dream come true. The park opened in 1968 and offered a world built entirely of LEGO bricks, sparking children’s imaginations and creativity. Visitors could explore miniature versions of famous landmarks, marvel at intricate LEGO sculptures, and even take a thrilling ride on a dragon made entirely of LEGO bricks. Legoland Billund remains a popular destination today, constantly evolving with new attractions and experiences. Moreover, the core concept of a world built with iconic building blocks continues to capture children’s hearts worldwide.
Everland (South Korea, 1976)
South Korea’s premier theme park, Everland, opened in 1976 and quickly became a beloved destination for families. The park offered a variety of themed zones, each showcasing different cultures and adventures. From the thrilling Safari World, where visitors could journey through a simulated African savanna, to the whimsical European Garden, filled with enchanting flowers and landscapes, Everland provided something for everyone—educational shows featuring animals and live performances added to the park’s entertainment value. Everland remains a significant tourist attraction in South Korea, consistently expanding its offerings and maintaining its status as a leader in the Asian theme park industry.
Henequen Park (Mexico, 1976)
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Henequen Park offered a unique cultural experience for visitors in the 1970s. The park was built on a former henequen plantation, a crop once vital to the region’s economy. The park showcased the history and traditions of the Yucatan, with displays highlighting the Mayan civilization and the henequen industry. Visitors could also enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine, witness folkloric dances, and participate in interactive exhibits that allowed them to experience Mayan culture firsthand. Henequen Park closed in the 1990s, but it left a lasting impression on those who experienced its blend of cultural immersion and entertainment.
