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I could not access one of the articles that I wanted to read about secret to iPhone for travelers. Sam acknowledged my request for information- or to fix the missing link- within 10 minutes after sending it. It was FIXED and I could access the article in less than 20 minutes!!

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Reply from SmarterTravel

Good afternoon Annelle, Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with our customer care representative, Sam. We greatly appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear that Sam provided you with not only exceptional service but also the information you needed. At SmarterTravel, providing top-notch customer care is a standard we hold ourselves to, and we are committed to delivering nothing less than the best to our valued patrons like you. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are thrilled that Sam's efforts contributed to making your experience a great one. We hope the information provided will help you plan an amazing trip. Should you need any further assistance or have any questions, you know where to reach us. Wishing you safe and wonderful travels from all of us here at SmarterTravel!

We booked a hotel on 10/10 and the…

Update: SmarterTravel has reached out and resolved the issue hastily and gave us the full refund and apologized profusely. The issue was with their 3rd party Hotel Beds not SmarterTravel. Sam was so helpful and we greatly appreciate her service. Issue: We booked a hotel on 10/10 and the hotel never received our reservation. We were on the phone for 4 hours and after an hour on hold they told me I could receive a full refund as we couldn’t stay at that hotel cause the booking DID NOT GO THROUGH. I was told to call back on Monday and when calling the number and putting confirmation number in the phone goes silent.

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

Hello Brooklyn,  Thank you so much for contacting us, we are very sorry for the experience you had while trying to check in for your reservation. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are truly sorry for any frustration this may have caused. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this situation right and apologize that our hotel partner gave you the run around with your reservation. We deeply regret any confusion caused by our hotel partner and assure you that we are actively addressing the issues to prevent similar occurrences in the future. We are delighted to hear that Sam was able to personally address your concerns and successfully resolve the matter. Your kind words about her exceptional service mean a lot, and we will be sure to share your appreciation with her. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we hope that you will consider giving us another chance in the future so we can show you the standard of service we strive to provide each and every one of our clients.  Best,  SmarterTravel

I had an error code online pop up when…

I had an error code online pop up when trying to cancel my reservation. Thankfully Sam S. was able to assist me swiftly in the live chat in matter of minutes!

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Hey Cypphire​,  We are delighted to learn that Sam was able to help you get this matter taken care of within minutes! We have passed along your positive feedback. Your recognition is a testament to the dedication and professionalism that we strive to uphold in our customer service. Thank you for choosing our services and for your kind words. We look forward to continuing to meet and exceed your expectations in the future. Wishing you safe travels from all of us here at SmarterTravel! 🧡️

Received full refund done even after time-frame expired.

Was unable to stay at the hotel we had reserved and although it was after the full refund time-frame they were willing to work with the hotel and were able to still give us a full refund for the stay.

Hello Stephanie,  Thanks for taking a moment to share about the excellent experience you had with our customer care team! Here at SmarterTravel, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we're committed to providing our customers with the best possible assistance when they do. I'm thrilled to learn that our team was able to collaborate with the hotel on your behalf!  Wishing you safe travels from our team here at SmarterTravel! 🧡️

Internet said Hotel was pet friendly…

Internet said Hotel was pet friendly and was even a review about a customer having a dog. When we arrived the hotel refused our reservation saying they were not pet friendly. When I contacted SmarterTravel via message because that is the only way to contact them, I was told I would hear back within 5 business days. It is now 6 and counting and still no word. I hate not being able to contact a company. I checked my spam, there was an email stating you will be contacted within 5 business days. The only way I received a response was due to my review. What I find weird about this situation is I called the hotel, they say I have to get the refund from SmarterTravel and you say I have to go through them. When it is 12 in the morning and you just want to find a place to sleep for a few hour I personally trusted the site I’m booking on when it says the hotel is pet friendly. I will not anymore though. Losing 87 dollars has taught me that. Company can work another customer after time period to get them a refund but refuses to work with us, sounds kinda unfair. Will not use SmarterTravel ever again. So after contacting the BBB SmarterTravel has offered to refund our money.

Date of experience : February 18, 2024

Hello Elizabeth, We are very sorry that you have been having trouble receiving our responses via email. We have a chat feature on the Hotels.SmarterTravel.com website where you can speak to an agent. Please click on the chat icon, and answer the prompts to be put in touch with an agent. We are available Monday-Saturday from 10AM to 10PM EST. It has come to my attention that you were denied check-in at the hotel due to their pet policy. I sincerely apologize that this happened, this is not a situation we wished you would have with the hotel. Shawn, who has been diligently managing your case, made every effort to secure a refund on your behalf. Regrettably, despite our best attempts, Selena at the hotel front desk informed us that the hotel management had declined the refund request. The hotel justifies their decision based on the absence of pet-friendly information on their website, emphasizing the need for fact-checking reviews against official policies. Having a pet myself, I empathize with your situation and acknowledge the disappointment this has caused. Please reach out to us directly so that we can address any lingering questions or concerns you might have regarding this situation.

I booked a room with the SmarterTravel…

I booked a room with the SmarterTravel website at Country Inn and Suites. The room was suppose to be a handicap accessible room. The room was neither a suite nor handicap accessible. I will not be using SmarterTravel again in the future.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Hello Kenneth,  Thank you for taking the time to reach out to SmarterTravel's customer care team earlier today regarding the issue you faced with your room assignment at the Comfort Inn and Suites. We are sincerely disappointed that we could not get your room moved to a suite as requested and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We are disheartened to hear that you did not find the room that the hotel assigned you to your standards. Upon reaching out to the hotel on your behalf, we learned from Nady, the front desk agent, that the room you booked—specifically a Nonsmoking, Accessible 2 Queen Bed accommodation—was the one provided to you during check-in. Regrettably, since the room booked via our site was the one you were given upon check-in we were unable to compel the hotel to give you the complimentary upgrade to a suite that you requested. Nady also confirmed that although the word "Suites" is in the hotel's name, not all rooms at the hotel are suites, some are standard rooms. We understand this may have caused confusion, and we regret that we couldn't address this situation in a manner that met your expectations. Our team genuinely wishes there were more options available, but our efforts were blocked by the hotel who maintained that there was no error in your room assignment. Your frustration is understandable, and we empathize with your situation. If there's anything more we can do to ease your concerns, please reach out to us via chat or respond to our email thread from earlier today. Our dedicated team is ready to assist and hopes to find a resolution that aligns with your expectations.  - SmarterTravel Customer Care Team

Bogus advertised offer for Wyndham is $14.

The advertised offer for Wyndham is $14. The advertised offer is still posted with all other offers until you click on it, then it is $66.33. This is shameless and unmerited baiting. RIdicULOus!

Date of experience : January 28, 2024

Hello Dawn,   We are very sorry to hear that there was a rate discrepancy on our site and would like to have the opportunity to fix it. We know how frustrating it can be when the advertised price is different than the total price. This is not the shopping experience that we like to hear our clients are having. We kindly ask that you reach out to us via our website's chat feature or by replying through Trustpilot so that we can have the opportunity to fix the advertised offer. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this feedback and for bringing this issue to our attention. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Best regards, Team SmarterTravel

This company is like a hidden gem!

This company is like a hidden gem! I booked a really great rate with them - I couldn't believe the rate was real until I called the hotel and they confirmed my booking was on file and fully paid for!!! It didn't stop there either; I had an issue come up with the hotel after check out when there was a weird charge from the hotel on my account. Reaching out to the customer service team was a little tricky at first but once I found the chat box thing, I got ahold of someone straight away. They worked with me and asked for some details and then were able to confirm the charge with the hotel - it was the refundable deposit... ops! All in all, I thought that they were great and wouldn't mind using them again!!!

Date of experience : January 21, 2024

Hello Victor,  We appreciate that you took the time to provide us with this feedback, it absolutely made our day. 🌟 Thanks for calling us a hidden gem! We really love the sound of that! We're thrilled that you snagged an awesome rate on SmarterTravel, and even more excited to hear that our team was able to resolve the accounting issue you encountered in record time. We hope you travel with us again soon!    Cheers and happy travels,  Team SmarterTravel

Awesome Prices AND Service!

I had to make multiple reservations to get several rooms for my party. While the UI could have made it easier to book it in one shot, it was the top notch customer service via text chat (and prompt follow up emails and call as needed - thanks Shawn M!) that was the difference from other aggregator services. And their prices were awesome... Hands down better than the competition!

Date of experience : May 08, 2023

Rahul, we could not be happier that you received the service you did from Shawn! We pride ourselves on white glove customer service and Shawn exemplifies just that! We hope you continue to book with us and become a part of the SmarterTravel family!

Super User Friendly App!

Super user friendly app that helped me get an incredible rate for a very important engagement. Pricing here beat out other major booking engines, including the property’s own website! Easy navigation had my booking completed in just a few swift minutes. I’ve already spread the good word about this app to several friends & colleagues. Can’t recommend it enough! Awesome!!

Date of experience : May 05, 2022

Great travel blog

I love this the travel advice provided by the blogs on smarter travel and I just found out they sell hotels too.

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Hello Mary Jane Davis,  We are thrilled to hear that you're enjoying our travel advice! 🤩️ It's always wonderful to know that our content is helping travelers like yourself make the most out of their travels. We are looking forward to your next trip and hope you'll be entrusting us with your hotel booking. You can book your stay with us by visting https://hotels.smartertravel.com/. Wishing you safe travels from all of us here at SmarterTravel!

+ Customer Service

Had a last minute family medical emergency and had to cancel. The trip was fully refundable if cancelled by a certain time, and I cancelled the day before that time. However, I was only reimbursed half and not the full cost. I contacted customer service next day and Jennifer looked into it and saw that I met the timeline and reimbursed the other half. Very grateful that she understood the situation and was able to assist.

Date of experience : May 16, 2023

We are so happy to assist you during this time of need! We hope that you continue to be a part of the SmarterTravel by remembering to book with us again!

Price and booking were seemless

Price and booking were seemless. Customer service is horrible. No phone number to talk to anyone. Only open regular business hours. Could only communicate through email. Would have been 5 Stars if you could actually talk to someone via phone 24/7 or at least till something like 10pm

Date of experience : April 18, 2022

We are happy to report that we've expanded our hours! Our customer service team is available until 3 am ET. We're looking forward to 27/7 coverage in the near future. The best way to contact support is through a chat on our website.

Marissa at SmarterTravel is a top notch…

Marissa at SmarterTravel is a top notch customer service representative… They worked with me quickly to resolve a matter of issues from a hotel we recently stayed in.. I would recommend SmarterTravel for all your booking needs. Thanks again guys….

Date of experience : August 05, 2023

🎩️ Thank you so much for tipping your hat to Marissa! We honestly think just as highly of her and her customer service! We are happy to hear that you had your issue resolved quickly! Thank you again for your review and we look forward to continuing to bring you "top-notch service" as a part of our SmarterTravel family! 🎩️

Was assured I would get a confirmation…

Was assured I would get a confirmation email! Never did! Moved on to another hotel! Got back home! Surprise we charged you for your stay also! Terrible company and experience!

Date of experience : October 09, 2023

Hello Steve, Thank you for taking the time to share this feedback regarding your recent experience. Your feedback is invaluable, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you encountered during your stay. I understand the frustration you must have felt, especially when you didn't receive the confirmation email and faced unexpected charges. This is not the level of service we aspire to provide, and I want to assure you that we take your concerns seriously. I believe that I was able to locate your booking. If you could please confirm your details through TrustPilot, I will be more than happy to reach out to you personally to discuss the specifics of your experience and ensure that we address your concerns comprehensively. My primary goal is to fully understand what transpired and take immediate steps to rectify the situation. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and I am committed to working with you to turn this situation around.  Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your patience and look forward to the opportunity to make amends. Best regards, Team SmarterTravel

5 Stars for Jennifer @ SmarterTravel

I was hesitant to use the Customer Service chat since they don’t have a Customer Service Line you can call. I didn’t want to deal with a bot that isn’t going to be much so but fortunately Jennifer at SmarterTravel was who assisted me and me the entire experience a breeze. She was very attentive and dealt with my issue immediately. I will use SmarterTravel again because of Jennifer

Date of experience : August 29, 2023

Thank you for your feedback! We agree, Jennifer is fantastic! Happy travels!

We used Smarter Travel to book a hotel…

We used Smarter Travel to book a hotel reservation for last week. We stayed at the hotel one night and had to cancel the second night since my husband was in the hospital. I emailed Smarter Travel asking for a refund for the second night due to a medical emergency. Terri one of the customer service specialists at Smarter Travel was wonderful. She answered my email right away and took the necessary steps in getting me my refund. She followed up several times throughout the process. Smarter Travel is lucky to have Terri on their team and Smarter Travel was a pleasure to do business with. I highly recommend them. Norma

Date of experience : September 20, 2023

Thank you for the sparkling review Norma! 🤩️ We are thrilled to hear Terri took ownership of your cancellation request and made sure to keep you in the loop for the duration of the resolution process. We hope that your husband is feeling better and that the two of you will be traveling again with us soon! 🎉  Cheers,  Team SmarterTravel

Shawn M. was beyond amazing!!! I work in a call center and i handle highest level escalations, so I am very familiar with what good service looks like and also what is expected as a rep. Shawn immediately went above and beyond for me literally like 20 seconds into our interaction... I was asking for further details regarding a hotel I was looking at....He didn't have the answers so he advised me that i would have to call or go to the location...but immediately was already on the phone with them working on my answers. Thank you for taking the time to read this review.

Date of experience : April 25, 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We're glad you had a great experience. We think Shawn is pretty terrific as well!

For my Husband and I's One Year…

For my Husband and I's One Year Anniversary we booked at a hotel we had spent our Wedding Day at. I had chosen the wrong Dates, and Smarter Travel and their team were so accommodating in helping us get the correct dates in order and make our Anniversary so Special. Thank You to Jennifer and Shawn for taking care of us.

Date of experience : March 17, 2023

🥂️Happy Anniversary to you both! We are so happy that our team could help with recreating a special day for you both!

Our experience with SmarterTravell was…

Our experience with SmarterTravell was great, however the Hotel experience was not as good. This facility is exceptionally over priced for the accommodations they provide. The $700+ per night rooms was only big enough for the bed with no room to move around, we got a room with a trash dumpster view as they were completely sold out. We will not stay at this facility again and I recommend all to stay at other options in the area.

Date of experience : July 20, 2022

Thanks for providing your feedback. I'm sorry that your stay at the hotel wasn't up to the standards you expected. We're glad had a positive experience with SmarterTravel!

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"Wow, this company runs an extraordinary tour of Peru for a very reasonable price!! The whole experience far exceeded my expectations in terms of the intellectual capacity and knowledge of the guides, the intersections of guide explanations and landscape wonders, the level of physical activity, and much more. Everything ran as smoothly as butter: transportation, excursions, hotels...it was pretty much perfect. I led foreign study trips for university students in the past, and had some rocky experiences in developing countries. Not the case on this trip, ever. I`ve also worked with a lot of guides in foreign countries. Our smarTours guide, Enrique, is far and away the BEST tour guide I`ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. His deep historical and cultural knowledge -- combined with a fun sense of humor, patience, and ability to answer questions -- undergirded⁠ all of our experiences. The other people on the tour were also, without exception, interesting and fun. 100% enjoyable; we`ll be traveling with smarTours again!" -KLT⁠ ⁠ 📸 Enrique leading a group through Machu Picchu

"This was my third smarTour. I enjoyed this tour the best. It was an extremely organized, beautiful, majestic, terrifying, spiritual, and exhilarating adventure. We saw so many breathtaking beautiful sites in Cape Town and were able to experience the local cuisine meet the local people. We also decided to do some of the optional tours, and added on the wine tasting tour, which was, amazing. We had the best time. ⁠ ⁠ We also enjoyed the second leg of our tour which was the safari. We saw all the animals that we had on our list which included the big five which are the elephant, the rhinoceros, the leopard, the lion and the buffalo. We also saw giraffes., zebras, kudu, baboons, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and so many more beautiful safari animals. I was most surprised by the beautiful birds and their coloring. It was spectacular...Thank you smarTours for another amazing trip." -#smarTraveler Krista⁠ ⁠ New winter dates added for our South Africa Safari & Highlights tour! Join us on this once of a lifetime adventure this year!

💰️ Last Minute Monday Deals! Save big on these amazing destinations departing soon with up to $800 off per person!⁠ ⁠ 📍Enchanting Peru; July 12-22 starting at $2,699⁠ 📍Spectacular Greece; Aug 5-16 starting at $3,599⁠ 📍Treasures of Portugal; Aug 14-27 starting at $1,899⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Book your last minute adventure 👉🏻 link in bio⁠ ⁠ 📸 Portugal Tour Director Romina

Time`s ticking! ⏰️ It`s the final day to score big discounts on our guided tours with our Dream Destination sale! Don`t miss out on your chance to finally explore those places you`ve been dreaming about. Book today and let the adventure begin! ⁠ ⁠ 📸 #smarTraveler Michael in Costa Rica

More Morocco departures added! Step into a world of wonder, where the allure of North African culture blends seamlessly with French influences. ⁠ ⁠ Picture yourself atop a noble camel, traversing the vast Sahara Desert under the boundless sky. Immerse yourself in the ritual of Moroccan tea ceremonies and savor tantalizing flavors. From the tranquil shores to the bustling souks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Morocco`s vibrant contrasts and Mediterranean warmth beckon you to discover its timeless charm. See the itinerary and pick your perfect date 👉️ https://bit.ly/3ZLYxkd⁠ ⁠ 📸 #smarTraveler Linda

Due to popular demand-we`ve added more dates for our Vietnam & Angkor Wat tour! New December dates are now available for one our #smarTraveler`s favorite adventures! ⁠ ⁠ Experience:⁠ ⁠ 📍Ho Chi Minh City: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of this bustling metropolis.⁠ 📍Historic Hoi An: Discover the cultural charm of Hoi An with guided tours and leisure time to explore.⁠ 📍Enchanting Hanoi City: Explore the historic streets and landmarks of Vietnam`s capital city⁠ 📍 Halong Bay: Sail through the stunning emerald waters and limestone islands of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.⁠ 📍Angkor Wat: Marvel at the architectural wonders of Angkor Wat and explore the ancient temples of Siem Reap.⁠ ⁠ ⁠

Last chance to save half-off second travelers to Ireland! Experience the Cliffs Of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Kerry and more at an incredible price! Sale ends today. Secure your ideal date 👉️ Link in bio.

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Travel smart, travel safe: 15 safety essentials for solo travelers, plus tips from experts

Solo travel tips | Expert-approved products | More for your travels | How we chose | Meet our experts

Safety is always top of mind when exploring an unfamiliar place. It’s even more of a priority for solo travelers who don’t have the assumed safety that comes with numbers. But with the right tools, solo travelers can visit all of the destinations on their bucket list with peace of mind.

We spoke to travel experts who gave their tips for traveling on your own and even highlighted the best products to get you ready for your next adventure.

Shop TODAY Snapshot

Solo travel essentials.

What to consider when solo traveling

Solo traveling can be intimidating, especially for newbies. Many people have a fear of sticking out as a tourist and getting lost in an unfamiliar area.

Our experts say that’s all a part of the experience.

“I don’t think there’s much use in trying not to stick out as you inevitably will unless you’re really comfortable with a place, speak the language, know all the local customs, etc...” travel content creator Anela Malik says.

Experts suggest taking the following safety precautions to make sure you have the best experience.

Always have an eye in the sky

While it may seem simple, sharing your location with friends goes a long way in solo travel. This can help give you (and your family back home) peace of mind as you explore the unknown.

Be sure to share your plans with your close circle. Sharing your itineraries with trusted people lets them know when you’ll be busy and when you plan to call it quits for the night.

“Folks have to know where you’re supposed to be to have any idea of where to start looking if you get off track,” Malik says. “I share my itineraries for trips in advance with my mom and friends so that if something happens and I’m just not on track — maybe I’m hurt or maybe I never showed up to my hotel — folks know where to start digging.”

Skip the real-time updates

While it’s tempting to show everyone what you're doing as you're doing it, save the social media posts for later. Alerting everyone on the internet that you’re away from home may make you vulnerable to robbery. Also, sharing your itinerary with anyone and everyone can allow people you know — and don’t know — to track you throughout your trip.

Our experts say another red flag is going live on social media when solo traveling. Malik says sharing your active location with the world can be dangerous because anyone the ability to follow you as you explore.

You may want to share your experiences but remember, social media is not just your trusted friends. It can be accessed by virtually anyone.

Budget for safety

While you may be tempted to save instead of splurge, remember safety comes first. When traveling alone, it’s better to spend a little more and book accommodations or transportation that ensure your safety.

“That might mean allowing a bit of extra money in the transit budget so you don’t have to walk in the dark or booking a hotel in a safer and slightly more expensive area if possible,” Malik says.

Solo travel without truly being “solo”

Making friends along the way not only makes you feel safer but also makes for a fulfilling trip, according to travel blogger Erin Holmes.

“It’s so fun to make friends as you travel and numbers reinforce safety,” she shares.

Do your research

Research online, read books and ask other travelers about any local crime concerns and safety tips for the places you plan to visit.

Our experts advise every U.S. citizen traveling abroad to register with The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , also known as STEP, before every trip.

The program allows any U.S. citizen traveling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to their destination.

This program is run by the State Department and provides safety updates when visiting a country. It also ensures the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country has your contact information in case of emergency.

Be mindful of what you pack

Holmes tells travelers to be mindful of what they bring with them as carrying items like large cameras and expensive jewelry can make you more susceptible to scams or theft.

However, one piece of jewelry is vital to slide into your carry-on before you take off: a wedding ring.

According to Harvard Global Support Services , women perceived to be wives and mothers are less likely to be harassed in many countries. So they recommend wearing a wedding band on your finger and even sharing stories of a significant other back home — even if it's all fake.

While it may seem antiquated, seeming to be married or partnered may protect women solo travelers from potential gender-based violence .

Best safety products for solo travelers, according to experts

Greenpod tungsten wedding band.

Tungsten Classic Wedding Band

• Understated for travel
• Rose gold fades over time

Reviewers and travelers alike praise this product for its quality and durability.

"This started as my 'burner' ring for travel and intense activities, but I like it so much that I might just use it as my wedding band," one reviewer wrote. "It’s been in all different waters, beat up and worn for weeks and still has yet to tarnish. I also have very sensitive skin and have had no reaction whatsoever."

Life360 Platinum Membership

Platinum Membership

• Real-time updates
• Emergency contact features
• Free plan has restrictions

Holmes recommends Life360 to every solo traveler. The platinum membership plan features an SOS help alert and crash detection.

The plan also includes 50 miles of free towing if your car breaks down, a $500 stolen phone protection plan and the Tile starter pack to track all of your items.

"There is something very comforting about having someone know your whereabouts at all times," Holmes says. "It also acts as an emergency app and can let all parties know the percentage of your phone battery."

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Personal Safety Alarm

• Can distract an assaulter
• Draws attention
• Can accidentally go off

Malik suggests solo travelers pick up a sound alarm before their next trip and this one is a personal favorite of hers.

"I also use and recommend a sound alarm like the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm," she says. "It’s small, will attract attention if you need to in an unsafe situation and you don’t have to worry about the legality of it like some other personal protection products."

Adventurous Kate Modern Bohemia Scarf

Speakeasy Travel Adventurous Kate Modern Bohemia Scarf

• Keeps valuables close to you
• Bold, unique print

Looking for a more fashionable way to keep your items safe? This scarf is large enough to hold money and other valuable items. "This can hide all your documents without you sticking out like a sore thumb with a backpack," Holmes says.

The brand says it's even perfect for warm weather, too, with rayon fabric that's cool to the touch and protects your skin from the sun.

Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

• Lightweight
• Anti-theft technology
• Depth could be increased

A crossbody bag is Holmes' go-to for keeping documents safe when on the move.

Pacsafe's anti-theft crossbody has securable zippers and cut-resistant materials so you can walk around confidently knowing your items are secure. It even has a RFID-blocking pocket so your passport and credit card information are safe.

"Split things up. Keep originals in the safe at the hotel and copies in your suitcase and handbag, as well as digital copies on your phone and laptop," Holmes advises. "This also goes for credit cards. One in the handbag, one hidden in socks or somewhere in your suitcase."

Uber $100 Gift Card

• Works on Uber and Uber Eats
• Not a universal gift card

Our experts suggest solo travelers pay for Ubers or taxis instead of walking alone at night. This gift card will ensure you have enough in the budget to make that happen. An Uber gift card is also a great gift for the solo traveler in your life.

More safety products for solo travel

Hair scrunchies with zipper pocket.

Hair Scrunchies with Zipper Pocket (Set of 4)

• Holds small valuables
• Zipper is visible

If you’re looking for something smaller to hold your valuables, these scrunchies are an ideal solution. This multifunctional accessory also gives you the ability to stash some cash in a discreet place.

“I took it when I went on vacation abroad. Had Chapstick and some emergency cash and, ironically, some hair ties in it. It wasn’t bulky or obvious,” one reviewer shared. “It made me feel much more secure. If I lost my phone or purse, I still had cash for a cab.”

Door Stop Alarm with 120DB Siren

• Works well in hotel rooms
• Battery not included

TikTok has labeled this product “the thing they never knew they needed” for travel. The (very loud) siren goes off if someone tries to open the door. But don’t worry, it has an on and off switch so it won’t go off while you’re in transit.

“As a flight attendant who spends a lot of time in hotels, I use this as an alarm to put in front of the door inside my room,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “There have been so many stories I’ve heard of people opening other people’s hotel rooms, and I wanted something loud and annoying that’s going to alert me right away as soon as it’s cracked. It’s perfect.”

Portable Door Lock

• Doesn't require tools
• May not fit cruise cabin doors

This TikTok-viral portable door lock is an easy way to add an extra layer of protection in hotel rooms or Airbnbs. But be mindful that while this lock is not a weapon, it may be flagged in an airport security screening.

“The quality of this product is excellent. I’ve used it several times in various doors and it works perfectly. It adds another layer of security when I travel,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “However, every single time I travel with it, TSA flags it on my carry-on and then I have to wait while they go through my bags, they always take it out and inspect it and ask me what it is. So I travel with it with the instructions, the bag and box it came in... Plan for a little extra time in TSA line to account for inspection time.”

Solar Charger Power Bank

• Included cables
• Wireless charging
• Excess heat will ruin battery

Having a charged phone is key to ensuring safety on a solo trip. While some products do allow your phone to be tracked even when it’s dead, its best to err on the side of caution and have a full battery.

Keeping a portable charger handy is the secret to staying safe and connected with family and friends. This power bank charges itself with solar energy making it convenient to juice up your phone.

Small Crossbody Sling Bag

• "Functional and secure"
• Won't give off tourist vibes
• Logo is visible

If you're looking for a chic and secure bag, associate editor Shannon Garlin has got you covered. She says this is her go-to when traveling overseas.

“This large (but not too large) crossbody bag has become the star of my latest trip abroad,” she says. “Not only did I get tons of compliments from friends, but also it fit everything I needed for a day exploring a foreign city, all while feeling secure!”

Lewis N. Clark Safebox Portable Safe 

Safebox Portable Safe

• Secure combination closure
• Not slash proof

Don’t let safety fly out the window on tropical adventures. This waterproof portable safe is designed for a day by the water. Reviewers have used this product on cruises, at the beach and the pool and they said it kept their valuables safe every time.

“I used this as a safe when snorkeling to store personal belongings (i.e. wallet, phone). It has provided the safety and peace of mind needed when underwater. Especially at this price point, can’t be beat,” one reviewer said.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

This mini shoulder bag is a recent Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award winner.

• Secure zippers
• Narrow sizing

This bag is so secure, it earned the Shop TODAY stamp of approval during last year's Travel Awards . It's designed to be worn close to your body, has a passport slot and even a locking mechanism for the main compartment.

Lion Latch (Set of 3)

• Fits on a key ring
• Too small for large jewelry

If you can’t part with your jewelry for a solo trip, you need to keep it secure. The Lion Latch took the internet by storm in the past year as a new way to store small jewelry on the go.

“I would recommend this to anyone who travels with jewelry. I felt way more secure than using small jewelry bags, boxes or plastic bags. My necklaces didn’t get tangled either,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “The clip is a great way to lock the container, is so cute and is pretty incognito clipped inside the key ring in my purse.”

Apple AirTags

AirTags (Set of 4)

• Audio alert is quiet

Apple's AirTags have become a staple for any and every traveler. They can be used to keep track of luggage, wallets and other personal items. They're a personal favorite of associate editor Kamari Stewart for keeping track of her luggage when she's checking a bag.

"I'm always in fear that my checked bags will get lost or not make it on the plane with me, so being able to check on its location provides me a little more peace of mind when traveling," she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our experts even suggest every traveler try a trip alone if they can.

Malik says solo travel allows you to see the world without compromise and plan solely for yourself which she says is "very freeing."

With the right research, planning and tools a solo trip can be not only safe but fulfilling.

"I will never forget my first solo trip away from my children," Holmes says. "I was going to a conference and was ready over an hour before I needed to be there, because I was so used to getting everyone else ready instead of just myself. I took myself out for a drink and just watched people. It was thrilling!"

The length of your solo trip is up to you. "A solo trip should be as long as someone wants it to be and as long as they can reasonably afford it to be," Malik says.

"There is no right way to do it," Holmes says. "The right way is your way."

Safety and potential scams depend on your location. Researching the most common scams or safety concerns for an area will allow travelers to make an informed decision and plan accordingly.

"I emphasize this as often folks may find that the place they're going to is actually quite safe, especially if they live in a major city in the U.S. and look at comparisons of crime rates," Malik explains. "We often fear the unknown but whether those fears are based in fact is a whole other question."

For example, Holmes says a common scam in Thailand is a “teacher” approaching you outside a mall to tell you it’s a public holiday and the mall is shut.

"That's when they tell you that they can take you to one [a mall] that’s open. It comes across so friendly and helpful, but the mall is not shut. Do not go [with them]," Holmes says.

How we chose

We asked travel experts and fellow editors for their favorite safety items when traveling. We also sifted through thousands of customer reviews to find more options that shoppers can't stop raving about.

Meet our experts

• Erin Holmes is a travel blogger sharing travel tips and nomadic lifestyle content.
• Anela Malik is a food, travel and lifestyle content creator. Her platform Feed The Malik highlights travel accommodations and Black-owned restaurants.

Domonique Tolliver is the SEO intern for Shop TODAY.

7 Free Travel Planning AI and ChatGPT Apps to Get an Instant Itinerary

These free travel planning apps use AI and machine learning to prepare a holiday itinerary for you in seconds.

Quick Links

• PLAN by ixigo
• Trip Planner AI
• Vacay Chatbot

Key Takeaways

• Layla, Wonderplan, and PLAN by ixigo are AI travel planning apps with customizable itineraries.
• iplan.ai offers detailed itineraries for popular tourist cities based on interests and budget.
• Curiosio plans road trips on all continents, while Trip Planner AI helps with activity selection and cost estimation.

You can tell a travel agent your preferred dates, the place you want to visit, and your budget, and expect a full itinerary of what to do there based on your preferences. But can AI do the same job?

These free travel planning apps use AI and machine-learning tools like ChatGPT to prepare an itinerary for you in a few seconds, and we took them for a spin.

Layla describes itself as an AI trip planner, meaning you can use it to decide your vacation destination, create itineraries, and find suitable hotels and flights.

If you are uncertain about your destination or would like suggestions, you can ask Layla for advice regarding your trip. Otherwise, enter your destination and ask Layla to create your itinerary. Within a few seconds, you'll get a detailed plan for your trip.

As Layla is a chatbot, you can enter a prompt to ask it to change your itinerary. For instance, ask it to focus more on outdoor activities or include local restaurants. If you're unsatisfied with the activities planned on any particular day, you can give instructions and ask Layla to regenerate that part only.

Once you've perfected your itinerary, you can share it with your friends via a URL or add it to your bucket list.

2. Wonderplan

Wonderplan is a wonderful AI tool for planning your trip. To create your itinerary, Wonderplan first asks you to enter your destination country and city, your budget, the number of days you'll be staying, and your interests.

It then creates a travel plan within a few minutes, displaying various places to visit, their descriptions, and the time usually spent at each location. Although Wonderplan doesn't show the trip map, it does provide a link to Google Maps for each place.

It also displays different types of accommodation available (like Airbnb, hotel, or hostel) and their respective costs. Similarly, there are details about transportation, food, and activities. This way, you can estimate the potential cost of your trip.

In addition to your itinerary, Wonderplan also shows essential information about the country you're visiting. These include the currency conversion rate, electricity plug type, languages spoken, weather, and popular conveyances.

3. PLAN by ixigo

PLAN by ixigo starts by asking you about your dream destination. Then, it provides an option to describe the type of experience you want to have. This is just like a ChatGPT prompt, so you can enter anything you wish.

For example, you can specify the duration of your stay, your interests, the kinds of activities you're looking for, whether you have a family with you, and so on.

But if you can't think of any prompts, PLAN by ixigo provides a few trip ideas, so you can always select those. PLAN by ixigo then shows a day-wise plan, showing what you can do in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

However, if the suggested itinerary doesn't sound appealing, you can again enter a prompt to edit it.

4. iplan.ai

While iplan.ai doesn't mention which AI or machine-learning algorithm it uses, the results are fantastic enough to gloss over that. The app works beautifully on phones to give you a full itinerary for any one city at a time, depending on how many days you have there.

The app first asks you to name the destination city. As far as we checked, iplan.ai works best for popular tourist cities, not offbeat or obscure travel. Next, note how many days you will be there, and then choose your free time each day—a cool step to ensure a better itinerary if you already have some plans, but not a whole days worth.

Tell iplan.ai if you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, and then choose your interest among topics like history, art and culture, nature, entertainment, shopping, food, sports, relaxing, etc. Finally, choose between an economy, normal, or luxury budget.

After a few minutes, iplan.ai gives you a day-wise itinerary for your trip. It's plotted on a map so you can see all the locations, and each point of interest has a brief description along with estimated travel time.

The app has both free and paid plans. With a paid account, you can share the trip plan with your friends and access it offline. Another limitation of iplan.ai is that you can't get an itinerary for a multi-city trip. For now, you'll need to make a plan for each city you're visiting, one at a time.

Download: iplan.ai for Android | iOS (Free, Paid)

5. Curiosio

The easiest last-minute travel plan is to get into a car and drive. Curiosio specializes in helping you plan an itinerary for a road trip to several major countries on all continents. It doesn't cover every single place, but the existing collection is impressive enough.

Curiosio uses its own AI engine, Ingeenee, which is trained on several crowdsourced travel-based resources, such as Wikivoyage, Wikipedia, Wikidata, Freebase, DBpedia, GeoNames, OSMNames, and OpenStreetMap. Through this dataset, it can chart an itinerary that meets your requirements across various parameters.

You can set options for a round trip or a one-way trip with starting and finishing points. If there are any places you want to visit on the way, add them in. Then set the number of travelers, dates of the journey, what vehicle you're using, total budget, and whether you want to visit places that spark curiosity or are obscure. The AI will usually give you multiple plans and routes for these options.

The itinerary includes a map of your route and a day-wise breakdown of where you'll be going and what you'll be seeing. Each point of interest is clickable to find more information about it. There are easy ways to share your itinerary with co-travelers, print it out, or even export it to Google Maps. Curiosio is one of the best road trip planners for your next adventure .

6. Trip Planner AI

Trip Planner AI plans a perfect trip to your dream destination. Begin creating your itinerary by entering the city you wish to visit and traveling dates. You can add multiple destinations here.

Then, select the kinds of activities you prefer, the number of people, and whether you're traveling with friends or family. Trip Planner AI asks you about your dietary preferences and budget.

As an optional step, you can specify the place where you'll be staying so that it creates an itinerary accordingly. If you haven't decided on your lodging yet, you can explore hotels suggested by Trip Planner AI.

Finally, Trip Planner AI generates a detailed itinerary, a map, and basic information about the city you're visiting. For each destination, it provides the details of the place, expected traveling time, and cost. Though it provides a complete plan for your trip, you can manually add or remove activities from your itinerary. You can also invite your friends to edit the itinerary and download it as a PDF.

7. Vacay Chatbot

Vacay Chatbot is not a dedicated itinerary maker but an AI chatbot that acts like your travel advisor. So, you can ask it to give travel recommendations, compare different destinations, and, of course, create an itinerary. If you've previously used AI chatbots like ChatGPT, you'll find this trip planner easy to use.

Just enter a prompt specifying your destination and trip details and ask Vacay Chatbot to create an itinerary. You can include details like your trip duration, budget, preferences, number of travelers, etc. The more details you provide, the better your itinerary will be.

One of the downsides of using Vacay Chatbot is that it doesn't provide a map for your trip. However, you can use these apps to plot your itinerary on a map .

All these travel planning AI apps urge you not to use the itinerary as-is and only treat it as a template or guide to begin planning your trip. This is because they currently have several limitations, like databases that aren't recently updated or require specific prompts from the user.

A real human travel agent will still give you a more customized itinerary, but it will cost you a few bucks. If you want a free base guide, more basic travel planning apps are a good starting point.

18 smart travel essentials flight attendants always pack, from a hotel door lock for safety to a portable oven

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To find the best carry-on bag essentials, who better to turn to than flight attendants? After all, they've made a career out of being frequent flyers. We spoke with four flight attendants from Delta, Jet Blue, Etihad, and United about their favorite travel products, as well as the tips and tricks they use to travel as efficiently as possible. 

Their top travel products include everything from a portable humidifier and a mini oven to a hotel door lock and a foldable mug . Whether you're planning on flying, taking the train, or going on a road trip, these 18 products will help you stay organized and energized throughout your trip. And, if you're looking for something to pack it all in, be sure to check out our guide to the best luggage .

Here are the top travel essentials, according to flight attendants

Briana taylor, jet blue airlines.

Follow JetBlue flight attendant Briana Taylor's lead and save money by skipping overpriced airport and hotel food. Instead, pack a portable oven. She also makes sure she's always safe by bringing a hotel lock. 

Briana's travel essentials:

A lot of flight attendants pack their own lunches to save money instead of buying hotel or airport food all of the time. The Hot Logic is very convenient to use on planes that have outlets. It’s also good for traveling as some hotels don’t have microwaves inside of their rooms.

Our planes are now stocked with disinfecting wipes, but before that, I bought my own Lysol wipes to wipe down everything. Other attendants use the spray, which can be easier than having to wipe everything down.

There’s a lot of scary stories out there about women traveling alone, especially among flight attendants. When traveling alone or staying in a hotel alone, having a portable lock just for extra security makes you feel more at peace.

I use a lot of small makeup bags. I usually end up using them for small things like travel-sized perfumes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, and other small items. I think having a bag to put some of my small everyday items in is helpful.

What’s helpful for me is having an extra bag for laundry, sometimes I use parts of my suitcase but I don’t normally get to. When I’ve been away for a longer time, having an extra laundry bag to keep all of my stuff that I’m going to wash when I get home is helpful.

Lori Thompson, Delta Airlines

Lori Thompson, a flight attendant with Delta, ensures she's always prepared for a trip with items including a portable humidifier, a handy tech organizer, and a packable blanket, among others.

Lori's travel essentials:

Our hotel rooms can be rather dry, and after traveling a mini humidifier adds much needed moisture into the air.

I make sure I have enough charging cords/blocks for all my electronics (cell phone, tablet, watch, wireless headphones) and a small zippered pouch like this one works great to store all these items.

This is an item I always travel with and has come in handy when there are not enough outlets in the room, especially when traveling internationally.

I use a small zipper pouch to bring some much-needed essentials when traveling, such as waterproof bandages, Ibuprofen/Tylenol, Neosporin, and Vitamin C. You never know when you might need any of these items and they can be quite expensive to purchase when traveling. If you don’t want to create your own kit, you can buy one like this that comes pre-stocked.

These have been a life saver for me. It keeps all of my clothes organized and helps me to pack more efficiently.

I have always had a packable blanket with me for those chilly flights. These are nice to have in case there is not a blanket available on your flight.

Jenessa Andrea, United Airlines

United Airlines flight attendant Jenessa Andrea saves on space by using small storage capsules that replace large containers, and a mug that can be folded down when not in use. 

Jenessa's travel essentials:

These containers organize products while also being the perfect interchangeable system so I can change up what I’m bringing on trips depending on location.

I cut these up and use these as laundry detergent for washing clothes in the sink of hotels when I’m on a time crunch or don’t have access to laundry.

My entire family is in dental so oral care is in my blood, but there were no toothpaste tablets I could find that had fluoride in them, so I was hooked ever since I found this product.

I love how portable these are, I always have one with me either in my purse or suitcase, I’ve used these when I purchase too much or if it’s raining to protect my purse.

I’ve found that water bottles are just too space-consuming in my bag but I also need something to hold my drinks so finding a solid solution like Stojo solved that issue easily.

SZEP Barbara, Eithad Airlines

While working as a flight attendant with Etihad Airlines, SZEP Barbara makes sure to protect her skin while in the air with a travel-size SPF moisturizer and stays prepared for any city she lands in by always traveling with a universal adapter. 

SZEP Barbara's travel essentials:

An item that I always have with me are my facial creams. I prefer to use onboard cream with high moisturizer and SPF.

The last item that I always carry with me is an international travel adapter. As cabin crew, we travel around the world and different countries have different sockets so I like to always be prepared.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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New Delhi musings and a wander back in time

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Coffee and cafes around HK's north in Yuen Long

Tricia Chen's fun guide to Taipei - 22 must-dos

Monkeys, temples, and black sand beaches in Bali

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Responding to complaints about raw sewage being dumped directly into Boracay's pristine blue waters the government has closed the entire island from 26 April, 2018, for a proposed period of six months for a major cleanup.

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Travel Advice for France

France has raised its terror alert warning to the highest level. Expect high-level security measures to be in place throughout the country, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities. If you plan to travel to France to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead.

Consular assistance

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government to travellers overseas. Read the Charter to understand how we can and can't help. 

Consular Services Charter (PDF 195.79 KB)

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Do you need a document legalised, or a Certificate of No Impediment for your upcoming marriage? The Australian Government can provide some notarial services.

Travel insurance

 If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go.

CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB)

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Anzac day 2024.

On 25 April, Anzac Day services will be held in major cities and at international war memorials. If you're travelling to attend a service, be prepared and know what to expect.

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Sun, sand and surgery: travelling for medical tourism

Planning to go overseas for a medical procedure? Do your research before you commit. Don't decide on cost alone.

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Recent research found that Smartraveller is a trusted source of advice. But it also found that Australians still take unnecessary risks when they head overseas, especially with travel insurance.

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Smart Travel: 10 Advantages of Having Local Currency While Abroad

Posted: December 14, 2023 | Last updated: December 14, 2023

When traveling anywhere, you need to be prepared. Sometimes, we make a checklist of everything we need to ensure we don’t miss anything. Phone and laptop chargers, important documents, credit cards, towels, blankets, or anything at all that’s essential for our trip. Something else that’s important, especially when traveling internationally, is local currency. Some people overlook this, favoring credit cards over physical cash. But there are reasons why doing this isn’t very advisable.

In an online platform, a user asks about the relevance of bringing local cash when traveling, and here are some of the responses they got.

1. You Never Know

One user said they like to have a small amount of local cash with them because you never know when you might need it. According to them, you could encounter a cash-only place you want to buy from, or your credit card company will see an international transaction and lock the card. “Last time I traveled internationally, I brought some euros in cash with me,” they said. “I didn’t use a single of those euros, but I still don’t at all regret bringing them.”

2. Helps With Budget

A participant in the discussion said they carry local currency because it helps them budget for the trip. If it’s just a card swipe every time, they will spend more than they planned at an unknown exchange rate. “But if I know I used $500 and I have half left, and I’m only a quarter through my trip, I’m going to change my habits to stick to my budget.”

3. Banks Freaking Out

One user said they don’t take local cash when traveling internationally, which sometimes affects them. They usually get into the country late at night, and the banks are closed, so now they have to find some sketchy all-night ATM just to pay the driver. Also, your bank could freak out and restrict your account, thinking it’s a fraudulent transaction. They might still freak out and block the transaction even when you inform them that you’re traveling and tell them your destination. So, it’s best to have some extra local cash on hand, just in case.

4. Better Exchange Rates

According to one user, one reason to exchange cash before leaving is that there are often better exchange rates at home than abroad. Also, many credit cards have foreign transaction fees, so bringing cash rather than just cards is always a good deal.

5. ATM Problems

“Clearly, you’ve never had ATM problems in a foreign country,” one user said, responding to the poster. “Nor have you been in a country that has widespread ATM/banking issues. You also have no idea how easy it is for an American bank to get any foreign currency with little notice.”

6. Incidentals

It’s worth having a little bit of money for incidentals, a user said. Things like wanting to buy a coffee or snack upon arrival, tips for luggage assistance, and transportation when first arriving. You can do all these things with a bit of money before finding an ATM or exchange and getting a local phone SIM. Another user agreed, saying, “That’s about the same for me. $100- $150 will get me through at least day 1, a quick bite, and a train ticket out of the airport.”

7. Depends on the Country

For this user, it depends on the country you’re going to. Japan, for example, is a very cash-heavy country. Many places don’t do credit cards, and ATMs charge exorbitant foreign exchange fees. “When I went to spend some months there,” the user said, “I brought some Yen with me. It was cheaper and easier overall.”

This user said he always gets local currency before he travels because he can do it at his leisure in a place where he is comfortable. This ensures that when he lands, he can just worry about getting his luggage, finding ground transportation, and getting to his hotel. There is no need to try finding an ATM. “What happens if I go to the ATM and for some reason have trouble making a withdrawal? Or if I didn’t see an ATM and my credit card wasn’t being accepted?” he said.

A user said the unfortunate scenario happened to her husband once when they were in Mexico. ATM denied a transaction, so he had to find a local bank and stand in a long line for at least 20 minutes to get some money. Given it was almost the end of bank hours, he had to go to the closest bank, where the exchange rate and fees sucked.

10. No Atms

“Certain places we go, like parts of Mexico, have no ATMs,” said one user. “Some of the ATMs they have are not trustworthy (allegedly). When we went to Cozumel, almost no one took cards. We had to cut one of our excursions short because we ran out of local currency. So the idea of being screwed without local currency is strong.”

Source: Reddit .

Generational Shift: 18 Classic Cars Loved by Boomers, Snubbed by Millennials

In the world of automobiles, some cars are timeless, forever etched in the minds and hearts of those who drove them. But generational shifts in taste and values can lead to once-beloved vehicles being relegated to the shadows. Let’s revisit 18 classic cars adored by Baby Boomers but often overlooked by Millennials.

From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?

We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!

Avoid These 19 Pointless Expenses When Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Living from paycheck to paycheck puts one in a dangerous financial bind. It’s more prevalent than you can imagine. According to a survey by CNBC, more than half of all Americans (58%) live paycheck to paycheck. When money is tight, it’s crucial to pinpoint and cut out wasteful expenditures that eat away at your hard-earned savings.

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Europe's abundant history and vast array of cultures makes for a vacation you'll be sure to remember. From the dramatic white cliffs of Moher, Ireland to the sunny beaches in Greece, finding a new and interesting adventure will not be difficult at all. Whether you're traveling with family, friends or your special someone a trip to Europe will be a vacation to remember.

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4 Best Smart Bird Feeders, Tested and Reviewed

Forget about binoculars: These devices capture high-quality images and videos — and some can identify thousands of bird species.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Bird buddy smart bird feeder with solar roof.

Technaxx Full HD Birdcam TX-165

Best Night Vision

Netvue ai smart bird feeder with solar panel.

Best AI Recognition

Soliom bf08 smart bird feeder.

A smart bird feeder takes birdwatching to a whole new level. It's essentially a bird feeder with a camera attached, so it doesn't just attract feathered friends to your yard but also captures photos and videos of them up close and in action. Some smart bird feeders are also equipped with artificial intelligence technology that can identify the bird species — a nifty feature for anyone looking to learn what types of birdies are visiting their yard.

Most smart bird feeders have a chargeable camera that connects to your home Wi-Fi network and syncs with a mobile app. The camera snaps into an apparatus that you mount and fill with bird feed; then you'll typically receive notifications on your phone when visitors arrive.

The Wi-Fi-enabled Bird Buddy has a lot going for it, starting with an attractive design that's made of recycled plastic according to the brand. This sleek birdhouse notifies you of visitors via an app on your phone. It snaps high-definition images using a camera with 720p resolution, and organizes them into a collection that you can admire and share with friends, family or Bird Buddy’s online community.

The bird feeder comes with a high price tag, but the built-in camera, which offers live streaming, is equipped with artificial intelligence that enables it to identify over 1,000 bird species .

Our tester found the device was easy to assemble and hang on a tree limb with the included metal hanger, but it can also be attached to a wall or tree using the wall mount (sold separately). He tried out the model that comes with a detachable solar-powered roof, which kept the battery charged for uninterrupted use. It holds 0.9 liters of bird seed.

If you’re okay with getting a no-frills smart bird feeder, this could be the device for you. Although there’s no mobile app (so you won't be alerted when visitors arrive) and, as a result, no cloud storage (files can be saved on a MicroSD card, not included), the TECHNAXX Birdcam TX-165 is a wallet-friendly, battery-powered smart bird feeder that captures high-definition photographs and videos .

The 1080p resolution camera features a wide 100-degree viewing angle and its infrared LED lights do a decent job of taking pictures and recording video footage at night, according to online reviews. Made of ABS plastic, the Birdcam holds 0.15 liters of bird food and includes a mounting belt and a wall and railing mount.

One way that the Birdfy stands out: Its full-color night vision allows you to photograph visitors with exceptional clarity , according to online reviewers, so you won’t miss any of the action that happens after the sun goes down. "The high-quality 1080P video allows me to see birds in great detail — and I can control the video playback to pause at specific moments. Because the camera has a wide-angle lens, I can observe details about birds’ behavior and feeding patterns, which is really fun!" said one customer.

Online reviewers also highlighted the device’s battery life and ease of installation — it can be mounted on a pole, tree or wall. According to the brand, it can identify over 6,000 bird species and it offers free cloud storage for 20-second videos for up to 30 days.

That said, according to Birdfy, the device can take up to 14 hours to charge the battery — substantially longer than the other smart bird feeders on this list. Also, some users reported glitches while using the Birdfy app.

With a IP65 weatherproof rating, the bird feeder has a 1.5 liter capacity and comes equipped with a solar panel that gets mounted alongside it as well as a built-in flashlight, siren and microphone designed to scare off squirrels.

According to SOLIOM, the BF08 Smart Bird Feeder’s artificial intelligence algorithm can recognize more than 10,000 bird species, making it a great pick for even the most experienced birdwatchers . The battery is rechargeable, but it also comes with a solar panel for charging.

The camera's 1080p resolution is also impressive with one online reviewer who said, "the image quality is outstanding, even in low light." There's also a flashlight, a siren and a two-way speaker that gives you the ability to scare off squirrels. The wall- or tree-mounted metal bird feeder can hold up to 2.7 liters of bird food, the largest capacity on this list.

Still, there are a few notable drawbacks. To access the camera’s AI species recognition technology, you must purchase a SOLIOM cloud storage subscription (starting at $7 per month for 15-day storage). Also, the device does not support 5G Wi-Fi, and some customers said in online reviews that the AI species recognition was not always accurate.

How we test smart bird feeders

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab have been testing, researching and covering all manner of yard and gardening tools and items for years, from the best leaf vacuums and best lawn mowers to the best pruning shears and best gardening subscription boxes .

We tested the Bird Buddy in our writer’s backyard in Gaithersburg, Maryland (pictured).

During testing, several photos of birds were captured and identified using the Bird Buddy, including these two Northern Cardinals (the tan one is female; the red one is male).

Our experts also combed through online reviews to suss out the smart bird feeders that have worked best for consumers in their own yards.

What to look for when buying a smart bird feeder

Finding the right smart bird feeder for your needs comes down to these main factors:

✔️ Mobile app: Most smart bird feeders pair with a smartphone app, offering features such as real-time notifications, live streaming and cloud storage.

✔️ Power source: Most smart bird feeders run on a rechargeable battery, while others run on AA or AAA batteries. However, other models come equipped with a solar panel that keeps the battery powered up, so you don't have to worry about charging it.

✔️ Species recognition: If you are interested in learning more about the local wildlife, invest in a smart bird feeder that features AI technology that’s capable of identifying thousands of bird species. One on our list from SOLIUM claims to be able to recognize more than 10,000 species of birds.

✔️ Camera features. Camera resolution and viewing angles can vary depending on the product. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image quality. Look for a smart bird feeder with a wide angle lens of 100 or 120 degrees will provide a better field of view to monitor the birds' activity as they move around your yard.

✔️ Material: Construction materials can vary, with different degrees of durability and sturdiness. Generally, metal or plastic bird feeders are more weatherproof and water-resistant than wood or bamboo bird feeders.

✔️ Night vision: Only certain smart bird feeder cameras are equipped with night vision, capturing photos and videos around the clock.

✔️ Weatherproofing. Since bird feeders are exposed to the elements, whether the product is weatherproof is important. Look for an IP rating, which indicates that the product is protected from the intrusion of water and dust.

Where should I place my smart bird feeder?

If you purchase a smart bird feeder that requires a Wi-Fi connection, picking the right location is key. You’ll probably need to hang the bird feeder close to your home. If you’re going to mount the device, make sure to test the strength of the Wi-Fi signal before mounting it.

Also consider your mounting options. Depending on the model, smart bird feeders can either be wall mounted, tree mounted or hung from a tree branch if the product has a built-in hanger. Some can also be pole-mounted, which may provide protection from squirrels or predators, however the pole is not included with smart bird feeders as it is sometimes included with traditional bird feeders.

When possible, place the bird feeder near trees or shrubs . According to Audubon International:"Birds will use these to perch and seek protection from adverse weather and predators."

To prevent window collisions, The Humane Society of the United States recommends placing a bird feeder more than 30 feet from a window or within three feet . "A feeder that is 30 feet or more from a window is a safe distance from confusing reflections, while one within three feet prevents a bird from building up enough momentum for a fatal collision," the organization said.

If the bird feeder has a solar roof for charging the battery, make sure to place the device in a sunny spot.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from outdoor power equipment to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine and other outlets.

For this article, Bortz worked closely with Dan DiClerico , director of GH's Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab. DiClerico has tested and written about outdoor power equipment, including snow blowers, for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, his expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House .

Daniel Bortz (he/him) is a freelance writer in Arlington, Va who has written about home improvement for more a decade, including product reviews across every major category, from appliances to smart home technology, as well as articles on real estate, personal finance, and more. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, among others. He’s also a licensed real estate agent who watches way too much HGTV. 

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute . A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.

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Pinehurst #10 opened yesterday. Want to play it?

How to hit out of a divot with ease, according to a Top 100 Teacher

Hitting out of a fairway divot doesn't have to spell doom for your scorecard.

Welcome to  Play Smart , a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.

During the 1998 U.S. Open at Olympic Club , Payne Stewart held a two-stroke lead on the back nine over Lee Janzen. He hit a perfect drive on the par-4 12th that left him in optimal position to hit the green and maintain his lead.

There was only one problem: the ball had settled in a divot. Stewart studied the shot carefully and gave it his best effort, but his approach found the greenside bunker. He made bogey on the hole and eventually lost the title by a shot. If not for that divot, Stewart may well have three U.S. Open titles instead of just two.

Hitting into a divot while protecting the lead at a major is a nightmare scenario for a pro, but even recreational players have to play from less-than-ideal spots despite fairway-finding drives sometimes. And while many weekend warriors will just foot wedge it out of the divot, it’s important to know how to play these shots. When it comes time for a money game or your club championship, you won’t be able to improve your lie.

Check out below for more from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Sarah Stone on how to hit out of a divot with ease.

How to hit out of a divot

Seeing your ball settled in a divot in the middle of the fairway will make your stomach sink. Splitting the fairway should be rewarded with a decent lie, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, we just get unlucky.

Most recreational players have no idea where to even start when it comes to hitting out of a divot, but it’s not too difficult a shot to pull off. All you have to do is employ the proper technique.

“First you have to realize that the golf ball you’re going to hit is much lower than a normal ball would be sitting on the fairway,” Stone says. “You need to understand that your golf club needs to travel further away from you and further down.”

In other words, the low point of your swing arc is going to be lower than you’re used to. So when you ready to take your shot, you need to keep that in mind.

“I would also take a club with more loft,” Stone says. “Just to get it to launch higher and to get below the ball.”

Once you take your stance, remember that you need to be hitting down on the ball to get it up and out of the divot. To do this, put a little more weight on your front side and feel a little steeper during the downswing. When you get steeper, the ball will likely move with some cut spin, so adjust your aim accordingly.

And finally, it’s important to manage your expectations on the shot from a divot. It’s a tough lie to begin with, so aim for the fat part of the green and don’t try to take on too much trouble going for the flag.

“The famous saying is take a divot out of a divot,” Stone says.

If you can follow those steps, hitting out of a divot doesn’t have to be a score-killer. Who knows, you might even be able to save par.

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Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Meta’s Smart Glasses Are Becoming Artificially Intelligent. We Took Them for a Spin.

What happens when a columnist and a reporter use A.I. glasses to scan groceries, monuments and zoo animals? Hilarity, wonder and lots of mistakes ensued.

Brian X. Chen, left, and Mike Isaac, reporters for The New York Times, trying out Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses. Credit... Aaron Wojack for The New York Times

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By Brian X. Chen and Mike Isaac

Brian X. Chen is The Times’s personal tech columnist, and Mike Isaac is the beat reporter covering Meta.

• March 28, 2024

In a sign that the tech industry keeps getting weirder, Meta soon plans to release a big update that transforms the Ray-Ban Meta, its camera glasses that shoot videos, into a gadget seen only in sci-fi movies.

Next month, the glasses will be able to use new artificial intelligence software to see the real world and describe what you’re looking at, similar to the A.I. assistant in the movie “Her.”

The glasses, which come in various frames starting at $300 and lenses starting at $17, have mostly been used for shooting photos and videos and listening to music. But with the new A.I. software, they can be used to scan famous landmarks, translate languages and identify animal breeds and exotic fruits, among other tasks.

To use the A.I. software, wearers just say, “Hey, Meta,” followed by a prompt, such as “Look and tell me what kind of dog this is.” The A.I. then responds in a computer-generated voice that plays through the glasses’ tiny speakers.

The concept of the A.I. software is so novel and quirky that when we — Brian X. Chen, a tech columnist who reviewed the Ray-Bans last year, and Mike Isaac, who covers Meta and wears the smart glasses to produce a cooking show — heard about it, we were dying to try it. Meta gave us early access to the update, and we took the technology for a spin over the last few weeks.

We wore the glasses to the zoo, grocery stores and a museum while grilling the A.I. with questions and requests.

The upshot: We were simultaneously entertained by the virtual assistant’s goof-ups — for example, mistaking a monkey for a giraffe — and impressed when it carried out useful tasks like determining that a pack of cookies was gluten-free.

‘Hey, Meta, What Am I Looking At?’

What happens when a columnist and a reporter use A.I. glasses to scan groceries, monuments and zoo animals?

A Meta spokesman said that because the technology was still new, the artificial intelligence wouldn’t always get things right, and that feedback would improve the glasses over time.

Meta’s software also created transcripts of our questions and the A.I.’s responses, which we captured in screenshots. Here are the highlights from our month of coexisting with Meta’s assistant.

BRIAN: Naturally, the very first thing I had to try Meta’s A.I. on was my corgi, Max. I looked at the plump pooch and asked, “Hey, Meta, what am I looking at?”

“A cute Corgi dog sitting on the ground with its tongue out,” the assistant said. Correct, especially the part about being cute.

MIKE: Meta’s A.I. correctly recognized my dog, Bruna, as a “black and brown Bernese Mountain dog.” I half expected the A.I. software to think she was a bear, the animal that she is most consistently mistaken for by neighbors.

Zoo Animals

BRIAN: After the A.I. correctly identified my dog, the logical next step was to try it on zoo animals. So I recently paid a visit to the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., where, for two hours, I gazed at about a dozen animals, including parrots, tortoises, monkeys and zebras. I said: “Hey, Meta, look and tell me what kind of animal that is.”

The A.I. was wrong the vast majority of the time, in part because many animals were caged off and farther away. It mistook a primate for a giraffe, a duck for a turtle and a meerkat for a giant panda, among other mix-ups. On the other hand, I was impressed when the A.I. correctly identified a species of parrot known as the blue-and-gold macaw, as well as zebras.

The strangest part of this experiment was speaking to an A.I. assistant around children and their parents. They pretended not to listen to the only solo adult at the park as I seemingly muttered to myself.

MIKE: I also had a peculiar time grocery shopping. Being inside a Safeway and talking to myself was a bit embarrassing, so I tried to keep my voice low. I still got a few sideways looks.

When Meta’s A.I. worked, it was charming. I picked up a pack of strange-looking Oreos and asked it to look at the packaging and tell me if they were gluten-free. (They were not.) It answered questions like these correctly about half the time, though I can’t say it saved time compared with reading the label.

But the entire reason I got into these glasses in the first place was to start my own Instagram cooking show — a flattering way of saying I record myself making food for the week while talking to myself. These glasses made doing so much easier than using a phone and one hand.

The A.I. assistant can also offer some kitchen help. If I need to know how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon and my hands are covered in olive oil, for example, I can ask it to tell me. (There are three teaspoons in a tablespoon, just FYI.)

But when I asked the A.I. to look at a handful of ingredients I had and come up with a recipe, it spat out rapid-fire instructions for an egg custard — not exactly helpful for following directions at my own pace.

A handful of examples to choose from could have been more useful, but that might require tweaks to the user interface and maybe even a screen inside my lenses.

A Meta spokesman said users could ask follow-up questions to get tighter, more useful responses from its assistant.

BRIAN: I went to the grocery store and bought the most exotic fruit I could find — a cherimoya, a scaly green fruit that looks like a dinosaur egg. When I gave Meta’s A.I. multiple chances to identify it, it made a different guess each time: a chocolate-covered pecan, a stone fruit, an apple and, finally, a durian, which was close, but no banana.

Monuments and Museums

MIKE: The new software’s ability to recognize landmarks and monuments seemed to be clicking. Looking down a block in downtown San Francisco at a towering dome, Meta’s A.I. correctly responded, “City Hall.” That’s a neat trick and perhaps helpful if you’re a tourist.

Other times were hit or miss. As I drove home from the city to my house in Oakland, I asked Meta what bridge I was on while looking out the window in front of me (both hands on the wheel, of course). The first response was the Golden Gate Bridge, which was wrong. On the second try, it figured out I was on the Bay Bridge, which made me wonder if it just needed a clearer shot of the newer portion’s tall, white suspension poles to be right.

BRIAN: I visited San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art to check if Meta’s A.I. could do the job of a tour guide. After snapping photos of about two dozen paintings and asking the assistant to tell me about the piece of art I was looking at, the A.I. could describe the imagery and what media was used to compose the art — which would be nice for an art history student — but it couldn’t identify the artist or title. (A Meta spokesman said another software update it released after my museum visit improved this ability.)

After the update, I tried looking at images on my computer screen of more famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa, and the A.I. correctly identified those.

BRIAN: At a Chinese restaurant, I pointed at a menu item written in Chinese and asked Meta to translate it into English, but the A.I. said it currently only supported English, Spanish, Italian, French and German. (I was surprised, because Mark Zuckerberg learned Mandarin.)

MIKE: It did a pretty good job translating a book title into German from English.

Bottom Line

Meta’s A.I.-powered glasses offer an intriguing glimpse into a future that feels distant. The flaws underscore the limitations and challenges in designing this type of product. The glasses could probably do better at identifying zoo animals and fruit, for instance, if the camera had a higher resolution — but a nicer lens would add bulk. And no matter where we were, it was awkward to speak to a virtual assistant in public. It’s unclear if that ever will feel normal.

But when it worked, it worked well and we had fun — and the fact that Meta’s A.I. can do things like translate languages and identify landmarks through a pair of hip-looking glasses shows how far the tech has come.

An earlier version of this article misidentified the blue-and-gold macaw. It is a species, not a breed.

How we handle corrections

Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer for The Times. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use. More about Brian X. Chen

Mike Isaac is a technology correspondent for The Times based in San Francisco. He regularly covers Facebook and Silicon Valley. More about Mike Isaac

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