|
Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2021 17:06:10 GMT
1 ~~~ SmarterTravel ~ Articles ~ 2021/2022 ~~~ 243 The Insect-Repellent Clothing and Gear Every Traveler Should Have
At best, getting a bug bite is an itchy nuisance for a few days. At worst, it could expose you to a serious or even deadly disease. Common mosquito-borne illnesses include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and Zika virus, while ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other maladies. To protect yourself, consider packing insect-repellent clothing and other gear on hiking trips, tropical vacations, or any other trips where you might be at risk of bug bites. www.smartertravel.com/insect-repellent-clothing-gear-travel/ ~ July 2021 ~
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2021 17:34:48 GMT
2 ~~~ 18 Things you should always wear on a plane.~~~ Dressing appropriately for air travel means knowing what will keep you comfortable on the plane—and given the cramped seats and various temperature changes on flights, this isn’t always easy.
www.smartertravel.com/things-you-should-always-wear-on-a-plane/ ~ June 2021 ~
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:22:17 GMT
3 ~~~ The 10 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. Road tripping and car rentals aren’t for everyone. Luckily, some of the most walkable cities in the U.S. also happen to be world-class destinations. From wandering up and down the hills of San Francisco to circling Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossom-dotted Tidal Basin, you can easily see many of America’s best destinations on foot. Below are the top walkable cities in the U.S., along with the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in each one, as determined by Walk Score. www.smartertravel.com/10-most-walkable-cities-in-america/May 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:25:59 GMT
4 ~~~ The 10 Most Expensive Small Towns in America If you’re looking for a cheap vacation, you might want to give these towns a miss. Despite their smaller size, they can be as expensive as major cities and will quickly put a dent in your travel budget.
LendingTree analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data to determine the top 50 U.S. towns that had the most expensive median home values. The study looked at small towns with populations between 10,000 and 50,000.
The most expensive small town in the U.S. is Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. Located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, this hugely popular (and notoriously pricey) summer vacation destination has a median home price of $699,500— which is higher than the median home price in Los Angeles ($613,400) or Washington, D.C. ($424,000). www.smartertravel.com/most-expensive-small-towns-in-america/1 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:28:07 GMT
5 ~~~ The 10 Best American Small Towns to Visit This Fall Leaf-peeping season is officially here, which means it’s the perfect time to plan your fall escape. Read on for a few of our favorite small towns to visit this fall—each of which has its own distinct charm and character— for prime foliage viewing and autumnal activities like bonfires and pumpkin picking. www.smartertravel.com/american-small-towns-to-visit-this-fall/23 September 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:31:09 GMT
6 ~~~ The 6 Best Places to Visit in December With the Delta variant finally waning, travel may be on your mind again.
December is the perfect time to travel, and whether you are looking for a Christmas wonderland or for some warmer weather to start off winter with, there are plenty of amazing places to visit.
Here is our list of the best places to travel in December.www.smartertravel.com/places-to-visit-in-december/18 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:37:06 GMT
7 ~~~ 10 Quintessential Fall Weekend Trips Shortening days, comfy sweaters, steaming mugs of warm apple cider: Some things are so quintessentially fall that, despite the promise of snowy days to come, we just can’t wait to partake. Autumn is the ideal time for weekend trips both urban and rustic. Check out our 10 favorite fall destinations and then plan your own cozy escape. www.smartertravel.com/10-quintessential-fall-weekend-trips/5 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:39:08 GMT
8 ~~~ 9 Important Holiday Travel Tips for 2021 Summer has barely ended, but it’s already time to start planning your holiday travel for 2021. The pandemic adds a complication to this already hectic travel season, but here are nine tips that can make your holiday travel cheaper and easier this year. www.smartertravel.com/holiday-travel-tips/5 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:41:22 GMT
9 ~~~ 7 Best Places to go for Thanksgiving Weekend Looking to get away during the long Thanksgiving weekend? While travel options were extremely limited during the height of the pandemic last year, more of the world has opened in 2021. Whether you’d like to skip cooking all together or just take the family somewhere warm for the holiday, check out these exciting places where flights are trending on the cheaper end of the spectrum or where special activities are planned for the holiday weekend. www.smartertravel.com/thanksgiving-weekend-trips/7 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:53:43 GMT
10 ~~~ New COVID-19 Travel Rules Announced for All Flights Into the U.S. The U.S. Opens to Vaccinated Traveler The Biden administration just announced some big changes to the United States’ COVID-19 travel policy. Starting in early November, the U.S. will open its borders to fully vaccinated international travelers. All foreign nationals who wish to travel to the U.S. will need to show proof of vaccination along with a negative COVID test that was taken within 72 hours of their flight. The announcement did not specify if unvaccinated children would be allowed into the country under the new rules. New Rules for Unvaccinated Americans Unvaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will still be able to fly into the U.S., but starting in November, they will also need to be tested within 24 hours of boarding their flight, as well as take a second test once they are back in the U.S. (Proof of purchase for a viral test to be taken after arrival into the U.S. will be required in order for unvaccinated travelers to board their flight.) These rules will apply to unvaccinated children who are U.S. citizens as well. The travel policy remains unchanged for fully vaccinated American flyers, who will still only need to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure to the U.S. www.smartertravel.com/new-covid-19-rules-announced-for-all-flights-into-us/21 September 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 18:56:34 GMT
11 ~~~ 13 Best Bubble Baths To Help You Unwind Whether you are staying home or traveling, the holidays can be stressful. A bubble bath is the perfect way to unwind—either in a fancy hotel tub, or at home. (Did you know you could even be chosen to get paid to take a bath?!) No matter where you are, having the perfect bubble bath is key to the most relaxing ritual. Here are our picks for the best bubble baths. www.smartertravel.com/bubble-baths/12 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Oct 18, 2021 19:01:47 GMT
12 ~~~ 5 Apps You Need for COVID Travel It’s hard to keep up with the frequently changing COVID-19 travel restrictions that vary from location to location. Fortunately there are many apps emerging that can help people who love to travel be prepared for potential COVID-related disruptions to their trip. Do I need to wear a mask? Do I need to be vaccinated before traveling? Will I be able to go out to eat at my destination? If you find yourself asking these questions as you travel, then you need to download one of these top travel apps that include helpful information on COVID updates, disruptions and more. www.smartertravel.com/apps-for-covid-travel/1 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:09:41 GMT
13 ~~~ Why You Should Always Bring a Large Ziploc Bag on a Flight Next time you’re packing your carry-on for a flight, throw a gallon-sized Ziploc bag in there to make your trip a little more comfortable. We all know how dirty airplane seatback pockets are (there’s a reason flight attendants frequently make announcements these days begging passengers not to put used sanitizing wipes in setback pocket). Passengers frequently fill those pockets with all kinds of trash, from used tissues to food, and the seatback pockets definitely don’t get a thorough cleaning in (if any) between flights. www.smartertravel.com/why-you-should-always-bring-a-large-ziploc-bag-on-a-flight/?29 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:16:33 GMT
14 ~~~ Airport Security Frequently Asked Questions If you haven’t flown in a while, you may not be up-to-date on the latest airport security changes from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Most travelers are aware that the TSA has instituted strict regulations about the amount of toothpaste, bottled water, and other liquid and gel items that travelers are permitted to bring in carry-on luggage. But what exactly are the rules? Just how much of your favorite shampoo can you bring? Are the rules different if you’re flying overseas? And what about powders? I’ve gathered answers to these and other common airport security questions to help you figure out your packing strategy under the TSA’s carry-on rules. With air traffic soaring, it’s more important than ever to follow the guidelines— that way you won’t be the fool holding up your entire security line. www.smartertravel.com/airport-security-qa/30 September 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:21:20 GMT
15 ~~~ 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight Hearing a recent discussion concerning the world’s longest flights made me remember my first true long-haul flight to Sydney, Australia. About six hours into the 15-hour flight, I was feeling strong and confident. I clearly remember thinking, “Six hours down, nine to go. No sweat, I got this.” Four long, boring hours later, it was a different story; you could have poured me into a bucket. “Five hours to go? I don’t got this.” However, not all long-haul flights have to be miserable; on one direct flight from Tokyo to New York City, I was nearing the end of a book I was enjoying immensely, and remember distinctly thinking, “No, no, just a little more time!” when the pilot told us over the in-flight PA that we had started our final descent. www.smartertravel.com/10-ways-survive-long-haul-flight/20 January 2020
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:24:38 GMT
16 ~~~ 11 Things Not to Do on a Plane When we board a plane, the goal is simple: to get to our destination as safely and pleasantly as possible. But sometimes we get in our own way. To be a safer and more courteous traveler, don’t make the following 11 airplane mistakes. Avoiding some of these behaviors will keep you from getting on your fellow flyers’ nerves; avoiding others could even save your life. Read on to learn what not to do on a plane. www.smartertravel.com/11-things-not-plane/14 February 2019
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:27:38 GMT
17 ~~~ 9 Travel Kits That Will Make a Long Flight Bearable Before you resign yourself to suffering through your next red-eye or long-haul flight, consider packing something that can make the experience better: a comfort travel kit. With multiple travel essentials in each kit, it’s like opening a gift to yourself mid-flight. The Best Travel Kits for Your Next Long Flight Here are nine travel kits that will make your next flight more bearable. www.smartertravel.com/travel-kits-that-will-make-long-flights-bearable/21 April 2020
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:31:33 GMT
18 ~~~ 18 Easy Ways to Have a Better Flight As aircraft seats become harder, closer together, and more likely to be full, getting comfortable in coach has grown into a nearly impossible challenge. Fortunately, there are little ways you can take control of your in-flight experience, from choosing the right seat to bringing the right gear. The 18 tips and tactics below will help you maximize your comfort and have a better flight. www.smartertravel.com/better-flight/3 March 2020
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:37:29 GMT
19 ~~~ Sleeping on Planes: 13 Tips for Travelers Not enough legroom. People climbing over you. Noise from movies and video games and screaming children. Sunlight pouring in your neighbor’s window at 35,000 feet. With all the distractions and hassles of air travel, sleeping on planes can sometimes feel impossible. If you struggle to get some shuteye each time you take to the air, you’re not alone—but choosing the right seat, bringing the right gear, and making a few small changes in your flying habits could help you sleep better on your next flight. Read on for our travel-tested tips for sleeping on planes. www.smartertravel.com/sleeping-planes-top-tips-travelers/9 March 2020
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Nov 10, 2021 18:47:15 GMT
20 ~~~ 12 Cozy Travel Blankets to Bring on the Plane It’s tough to get comfortable—much less sleep—on a long-haul flight, especially if you’re stuck in coach. And a thin, possibly dirty airplane blanket isn’t much help. Give yourself a fighting chance by bringing your own soft, cozy travel blanket from home instead. Below are the best travel blankets at a variety of price points. Many that can also double as a scarf, poncho, or pillow. Stuff one into your carry-on for a more comfortable flight. www.smartertravel.com/best-travel-blankets/12 February 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Dec 12, 2021 9:38:42 GMT
21 ~~~ 9 Important Holiday Travel Tips for 2021 Summer has barely ended, but it’s already time to start planning your holiday travel for 2021. The pandemic adds a complication to this already hectic travel season, but here are nine tips that can make your holiday travel cheaper and easier this year. www.smartertravel.com/holiday-travel-tips/5 October 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Dec 12, 2021 9:50:25 GMT
22 ~~~ The Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know Editor’s Note: For travel insurance information specific to the current COVID-19 epidemic, see our stories on Travel In the Time of COVID: What You Need to Know; Travel Insurance Coverage: 18 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover; and Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance, Explained. Purchasing travel insurance is wise if you want to protect your trip against an array of unforeseen events such as natural disasters, missed flights, personal injury or sickness abroad, tour operators going bankrupt, or even acts of terrorism. But with so many types of travel insurance, lots of fine print, and complicated insider lingo to decipher, it can feel impossible to determine which kind of travel insurance is right for you. With the right resources, however, it’s possible to pick a trip insurance policy you’ll be confident traveling with and paying for. This ultimate guide to travel insurance covers: Who needs travel insurance The basic types of travel insurance The most common policy needs to consider Little-known trip insurance technicalities you need to know in case they affect you www.smartertravel.com/travel-insurance-need-know/16 April 2021
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Jun 24, 2022 23:15:12 GMT
23 ~~~ 6 Things You Should Never Do When Crossing a Border ~ Smarter Travel ~~~ Border crossings can range from boring to nerve-wracking, depending on your destination. When you’re traveling between two countries, there are certain things you should never do—lest you wind up delayed, detained, or even deported. www.smartertravel.com/things-you-should-never-do-when-crossing-a-border/?28 April 2022
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Jun 24, 2022 23:24:50 GMT
24 ~~~ 7 Tips for Surviving Summer Travel Chaos ~~~ Long lines pile up at airports worldwide as departure boards flash red with hundreds of delayed and canceled flights.
Travel is back, and the airline industry wasn’t ready for it.
Staffing shortages, sold-out flights, and weather have created chaos this summer.
If you’re flying this summer, you need to be prepared for a rough ride.
Here’s what you can do to prepare.www.smartertravel.com/tips-for-surviving-summer-travel-chaos/23 June 2022
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Jun 24, 2022 23:27:34 GMT
25 ~~~ Mishandled Baggage Is on the Rise: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Check a Bag ~~~ A new study from aviation technology company SITA revealed that the global mishandled baggage rate increased by 24 percent in 2021.
On flights around the world, 4.35 bags per thousand passengers were mishandled.
Staffing shortages and cost-cutting measures in the airline industry have contributed to the spike in mishandled baggage. “The industry now needs to do more with less,” said David Lavorel, the CEO of SITA.www.smartertravel.com/mishandled-baggage-is-on-the-rise/9 June 2022
|
|
|
Post by Owen on Jun 24, 2022 23:31:32 GMT
26 ~~~ You Might Not Have to Remove Your Liquids or Electronics The Next Time You Go Through Airport Security ~~~ You might notice some changes the next time you go through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made some improvements that are designed to help enhance safety and reduce physical contact (and prevent the spread of COVID-19) during the screening process. Here are two big changes you might see the next time you fly. www.smartertravel.com/tsa-ct-and-cat-technology/12 May 2022
|
|